How to Make Chalkboard Paint

It is easy and fun to make chalkboard paint in any color that you like. Use chalkboard paint to color wall sections, furniture, accessories, flowerpots, actually just about any surface at all. Use chalkboard paint to turn a section of a wall into a family message board, or create personalized flowerpots as gifts. Let your imagination run wild with the many fun possibilities of using chalkboard paint. Read on to learn how to make chalkboard paint.

Things You'll Need

• Latex paint with a flat finish (amount will vary based on the painting project)
• Unsanded tile grout.
• Container
• Paintbrush, roller or a sponge
• Paint stirrer
• 150 grit sandpaper
• Chalk
• Felt cloth
• Dampened towel or sponge
• Towels or rags

Instructions

1. Measure the flat finish latex paint and unsanded tile grout into a container. See Tips for ratio of paint with other ingredients. Your project will dictate how much chalkboard paint you need to make.

2. Mix thoroughly using a paint stirrer, until they are very well blended and there are not any clumps.

3. Apply the paint to the surface that you want to cover using a paintbrush, roller or sponge. Make sure to allow the paint to thoroughly dry before applying another coat of paint.

4. Sand each coat of paint gently, using 150 grit sandpaper.

5. Wipe the dust away using a clean towel or rag. This will help to keep your chalkboard surface nice and smooth.

6. Condition your new chalkboard by turning a piece of chalk sideways and rubbing it over the entire surface of the chalkboard. Make sure that you cover the entire board with the chalk.

7. Clean the chalk off the chalkboard using a soft felt cloth. Dampen the cloth with water and wipe off the chalkboard.

Tips & Warnings

• The proportion ratio for the chalkboard paint: 1 part acrylic paint, 1/2 part glazing medium and 1/6 part of powder tile grout. For example, measure 3 tsps. of paint, 1-1/2 teaspoons of glazing medium and 1/2 tsp. powder tile grout. Another example is 6 tsp. of paint, 3 tsp. of glazing medium and 1 tsp. of powder tile grout.

• If you use a magnetic primer under your chalkboard paint, the finished product will be a magnetic chalkboard.

• If you are applying the chalkboard paint to a small area such as a section of a door, or message board, mix only 1 cup of paint, making more if needed. For larger areas, simply increase the amount of paint and un-sanded tile grout proportionally.

Resources

• Other Great Craft Ideas