Did you know that you don't have to buy expensive specialty chalkboard paint, but you can make your own chalkboard paint for much cheaper?
Best of all, you can make your chalkboard paint in whatever color you choose.
Using chalkboard paint, you can make a standard chalkboard, paint a portion of a jar or pitcher to label its contents, keep a grocery list, make a slate for your kids to play tic tac toe, have a rewritable calendar, put on drinking glasses to write names, paint a table to write notes or keep the kids busy, write an inspirational message of the day.....the uses are endless.
Here are the step by step instructions for you to make chalkboard paint.
Supplies:
Water based acrylic paint or water based flat latex paint
Unsanded grout (some people have also had luck using baking soda, cornstarch or Plaster of Paris)
Stirring spoon
Mixing container
Small paint roller or paint brush
Sandpaper (approximately 150 grit)
Chalk
Directions:
Prepare Surface
Whatever surface you want to paint should be somewhat smooth (not a standard wall with a rough texture).
If it is not smooth, sand it until it is smooth.
If the surface is glossy, it also needs to be sanded so the paint has little grooves to adhere to.
Mix
Mix 1 cup of paint to 2 tablespoons of unsanded grout.
Scale up or down as needed, depending on the size of the item you are painting.
Make sure to mix until all lumps are removed.
Paint
Using a paint roller or paint brush, apply the paint mixture to the surface of your choice.
Apply the paint in several thin coats, letting each coat dry before applying the next coat.
Sand
Once the paint is completely dry, sand it lightly for a smooth finish to remove the brush marks.
Prime
You must prime your chalkboard, which will close the pores of the chalkboard, making it easier to clean and smoother write on.
Prime the chalkboard using chalk. Turn the chalk on the side and write on the entire chalkboard.
Once completely covered, wipe the chalkboard with a soft cloth to remove the extra chalk residue.
Notes:
Chalkboard paint dries very quickly, so don't make a very large batch.
Chalkboard paint does not store well, so don't make more than you plan on using that day.
Consider using a magnetic metal surface or using a magnetic paint as a primer before applying the chalkboard paint to have a magnetic chalkboard.
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