How to Decorate a Play Room With Chalk Board Paint

Chalk board paint comes an a variety of colors.

Don’t draw on the walls! Many times parents say this to the budding artists in their home. However, you can turn any playroom wall, door or piece of furniture into a safe place for kids to express their artistic creativity without causing property damage. Chalk board paint is affordable, comes in a variety of colors and is easy to apply. According to RemodelingCenter.com, the latex formulas of chalk board paint do not require special primers or sealers.

Things You'll Need

• Painter's tape
• Wall putty
• Putty knife
• Foam paint roller

Instructions

1. Mark off with painters tape the area to be painted. A standard rectangle shape is a good choice because it provides a large area on which kids may draw and create, but any shape may be used. Circles, ovals, triangles and octagons make interesting design elements in any playroom.

2. Clean the selected surface with a damp towel and repair any imperfections. Remove protruding nails and fill holes with wall or wood putty, using a putty knife. Allow the putty to dry completely. Follow the instructions on the putty container for dry times.

3. Smooth the areas with the wall putty with low-grade sand paper for a smooth finish.

4. Apply the chalkboard paint with a foam paint roller. Choose a paint roller and roller pan the appropriate size for your project. Cover the surface evenly and let dry for at least two hours before applying a second coat. Apply a third or fourth coat of paint to achieve the desired color. Allow the chalk board to cure for 72 hours.

5. Rub the chalkboard area with the side of a piece of chalk and erase it to prep the surface. Your chalkboard is ready for use.

Tips & Warnings

• In selecting a wall or other flat surface to be the chalk board, choose an area that will be low and large enough for young children to reach and have plenty of room for drawing. If painting a piece of furniture, make sure the surface is smooth enough for the paint application.

• Affix a wood frame around the chalkboard surface for an additional decorative element.

• If using a paint brush rather than a foam paint roller, nylon brushes work best with latex paints, according to RemodelingCenter.com. Nylon-polyester blends and 100 percent polyester brushes also work well.

• Take your time when applying the paint. Slow, even strokes of the paint roller will ensure there won’t be any uneven paint or obvious roller edges.

• Latex chalk board paints tend to last longer, clean easier and cover better than the spray versions.

• Wash the chalk board with a damp sponge or soft cloth every other month. Too much washing is not good for the painted surface.

References

• RemodelingCenter: 25 Things to Know About Paint

Resources

• Martha Stewart: Make Custom Color Chalkboard Paint