DIY: Make Your Own Chalkboard Paint
3 simple steps to chalk it up in any color anywhere for cheap
Meg Padgett
August 15, 2012
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 Homegoods... 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.
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.
Materials:
- Non-sanded grout
- Latex paint in any color
- Mixing cup or bucket
- Brush or roller
- Paint mixer drill attachment
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.
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.
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.
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
More: Grown-Up Ideas For Chalkboard Paint
For over 50 years, we have provided quality masonry products to homeowners, contractors, and architects at our... Read More
Related Products
Patty creates unique, enjoyable, and livable interiors. Regardless of project budget, she is known for... Read More
Related Stories
Wood
Fashion a High-Quality Cutting Board From Scrap Wood
By Rick Olson
Waste not, want not. This DIY project saves scraps from the landfill, hones your woodworking skills and produces a gorgeous kitchen piece
Full Story
DIY Projects
Quick Fix: How to Patch a Drywall Hole
By Meg Padgett
Dents and dings disappear, leaving your walls looking brand new, with this fix that even a novice can do
Full Story
Painting
DIY Project: How to Make a Chalkboard Tabletop
The perfect table for grownups and kids — no power tools required
Full Story
DIY Projects
Spruce Up the House With 50 Clever DIY Ideas
By Lily Gahagan
How to make a modern chandelier, glam dresser, chalkboard table and more
Full Story
DIY Projects
Budget Decorator: 11 No-Sew Home Decor Projects
No seamstress skills? You can still show off fab fabrics and trim — not to mention your creative ingenuity — all around your home
Full Story
DIY Projects
Quick Fix: Erase Water Rings from Furniture
A few household items can quickly rejuvenate tarnished wood tabletops
Full Story
Your First House
Budget Decorator: 25 Fab Projects With 1 Paint Can
Whether there's only an inch left or your paint can overfloweth, these household painting projects will get your creative juices flowing
Full Story
Wall Treatments
How to Use an All-Over Wall Stencil
Step-by-Step: Punch Up a Wall With a Bright, Bold Stencil Pattern
Full Story
Outdoor Accessories
DIY: Easy Outdoor Cushions
By Meg Padgett
Accessorize your outdoor area in a jiffy with these simple and versatile cushions
Full Story
@jgarry, grout dries fast' perhaps you'll get 30-45 minutes of workable mix, it'll depend on the conditions you're working in.
I won't recommend storing it, it'll dry out.
I am wanting to paint my outdoor wooden setting in a Bali style, I have looked at Bali Paint Patterns how does it work please. At 84yrs I am wanting an easy to do suggestion
Margaret