DIY: Make Your Own Chalkboard Paint
3 simple steps to chalk it up in any color anywhere for cheap
Houzz Contributor. Meg is a budget-minded DIY lifestyle blogger at Revamp Homegoods (http://www.revamphomegoods.com). Her design philosophy is based on the concept that combining thrifty finds with a little blood, sweat and (sometimes) tears a stylish home can be achieved without breaking the bank
Houzz Contributor. Meg is a budget-minded DIY lifestyle blogger at Revamp... More »
Chalkboard paint is popular thanks to its blend of sentiment, whimsy and practicality. Whether it's painted on walls, furniture or appliances, chalkboard paint has certainly come a long way from the basic green or slate gray boards used in schools.
I love the use of chalkboard paint in unexpected ways — like on the back of a kitchen island or in place of a headboard — but I'm also a classic girl at heart and a fan of the simple chalkboard. The recent transformation of my son's nursery to big kid room had me painting stripes, and I couldn't resist throwing a chalkboard into the mix.
I love the use of chalkboard paint in unexpected ways — like on the back of a kitchen island or in place of a headboard — but I'm also a classic girl at heart and a fan of the simple chalkboard. The recent transformation of my son's nursery to big kid room had me painting stripes, and I couldn't resist throwing a chalkboard into the mix.
by Meg Padgett
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Chalkboard paint is available in varying shades of color through manufacturers like Hudson Paint, but at $25 per quart, it can get expensive. Save your pennies and have complete control over the color by making your own in three steps.
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by Meg Padgett
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by Meg Padgett
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1. Mix the latex paint with the non-sanded grout in a cup or bucket. A good ratio to use is 1 part grout to 8 parts paint. So, if you're mixing a small amount, mix 1 tablespoon grout with a ½-cup paint. For a larger amount — like I used — mix 1 cup of grout with a ½ gallon of paint.
Ensure that all the grout is mixed in — otherwise, the granules may be visible on the chalkboard. I have found that a paint mixer drill attachment and a 5 gallon bucket is the simplest and most efficient way to blend a larger amount of paint.
Note: Grout is typically only available in large quantities — 10 pound boxes for around $12 — so plan accordingly. I knew I would be regrouting the shower and bought the Polyblend Non-Sanded grout to match. Don't have any tiling plans in your future? You may have a friend who recently tiled an entry or bathroom, so ask to use some of theirs.
To cut the sheen in the high-gloss black "oops" paint I picked up at a discount and achieve the classic charcoal color I wanted, I mixed a ½ gallon of the black paint with 2 cups of white ceiling paint, then added the grout.
Ensure that all the grout is mixed in — otherwise, the granules may be visible on the chalkboard. I have found that a paint mixer drill attachment and a 5 gallon bucket is the simplest and most efficient way to blend a larger amount of paint.
Note: Grout is typically only available in large quantities — 10 pound boxes for around $12 — so plan accordingly. I knew I would be regrouting the shower and bought the Polyblend Non-Sanded grout to match. Don't have any tiling plans in your future? You may have a friend who recently tiled an entry or bathroom, so ask to use some of theirs.
To cut the sheen in the high-gloss black "oops" paint I picked up at a discount and achieve the classic charcoal color I wanted, I mixed a ½ gallon of the black paint with 2 cups of white ceiling paint, then added the grout.
by Meg Padgett
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Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
2. Paint the surface with the chalkboard paint. Prep the surface as you would for any paint job. I painted two coats for even coverage.
While I've used a classic charcoal gray, the color options are endless. Make chalkboard paint out of your leftover wall paint for a seamless and fun addition to a room or go bold with a bright, contrasting color.
While I've used a classic charcoal gray, the color options are endless. Make chalkboard paint out of your leftover wall paint for a seamless and fun addition to a room or go bold with a bright, contrasting color.
by Meg Padgett
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Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
3. Condition the chalkboard. Get your chalkboard ready for drawing by rubbing the board with chalk, then wiping it off with a dry towel in circular strokes. With that final step, it's ready to be put to good use.
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by Meg Padgett
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| In my son's room, I've gone big by painting an entire wall with chalkboard paint and framing it to create a place that can be used for both play and educational activities. More: Grown-Up Ideas For Chalkboard Paint |
Ideabook published on Aug. 15, 2012.
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Question - I painted a single kitchen cabinet door with the chalkboard paint. When I get tired of it, can regular latex paint be painted over it? Probably priming it first would be a good idea.
I suppose if I use exterior paint, I could also create an outdoor canvas for the kids. Has anyone tried this?
Can I use plaster of Paris instead of the un-sanded grout?
Would it stand up to the elements if I added the plaster of Paris to a semi-gloss exterior paint?
Cee