Are you fed up with your kids scribbling on the wall? If so, painting a section with chalkboard paint could be the ideal solution. Not only this, but chalkboards are a handy addition to other areas of the house, where you could paint a section in your kitchen for your shopping list, or part of your cupboards and drawers to remember where you store everything!
If this sounds like something that suits you, you will need to know how to use chalkboard paint to get a perfect finish. It differs from other types of painting but is still relatively straightforward, and shouldn’t cause you too many problems. This step by step guide will show you the whole process from start to finish, to make sure you get a smooth and durable finish every time.
Prepare the Surface
Like any painting, the trick to a perfect finish is in the preparation. Chalkboard paint is a little thinner than usual, so a smooth surface is even more critical. If there are any chips or bumps, these will show through, so take your time sanding down any lumps, and filling any holes. When you are happy with the finish, wash the surface down with a sugar soap solution to remove any dust, and allow it to thoroughly dry.
Mask Around the Edges
Because the paint is thinner, cutting in can be a challenge, so it’s usually best to use painters tape around the edges to give you a neat, clean, line. For any areas where the border is not in a corner, use extra-wide tape to make sure you catch any stray brush strokes or drips. The last thing you want is to leave ugly streaks on your wall.
Get Your Tools Ready
When using chalkboard paint, you have a choice of application methods. A high-quality brush will usually give the best finish, although it can be time-consuming if you are painting a large area. The alternative is to use a foam-sleeved roller, which makes the job a little easier but will leave a slightly uneven texture. The only other tools you will need are a couple of cloths and a bucket of soapy water to wipe away any drips and spills.
Choosing Paint
Although Benjamin Moore no longer manufactures ben® Chalkboard paint, consider INSL-X® Chalkboard paint, available at Herzog’s Home and Paint Centers which comes in a black eggshell finish.INSL-X® Chalkboard Paint is 100% acrylic and turns virtually any interior surface into a black chalkboard. This paint lets you create a communication space in the kitchen for the family, transform a wall in your home office into a notepad, or give kids a place for creativity in their bedroom. This chalkboard wall paint for interior surfaces provides: Easy application, Easy-to-clean, Black eggshell finish.
Get Painting
With everything prepared, it’s time to start painting! If you are using a brush, start in a corner and work away gradually to maintain a smooth finish. If you have gone down the roller route, then apply the paint in a W-shape, and spread it out from there to cover the area evenly. The chances are that you will need at least two coats, if not three, so try not to put too much down in one go. You will always get a better finish with three or four thin layers, rather than two thick coats.
Condition the Chalkboard
Once you have finished painting and cleaned up all of your tools, the last step is to condition the chalkboard. When the paint is thoroughly dry, rub it all over with the side of a piece of chalk. Leave the chalk on for a few seconds and then wipe it off, and your chalkboard is ready to use!
Adding a chalkboard to a room can be a great way to get creative or to keep your kids entertained. By learning how to use chalkboard paint to get the best possible finish, you have much more versatility than buying a standalone board. As long as you take the time to prepare the surface properly, you should be able to get a high-quality finish on anything you want to paint.