Chalkboard Paint | Tips & How to Use It
Typically used as an accent wall in children’s bedrooms, chalkboard paint is an easy way to add something fun to your home painting project. Some project ideas include using it for art studio walls, a substitute for the family bulletin, or a white/blackboard in the kitchen. Regardless of what you have in mind, we have done the product testing for you. This blog will provide some How-to tips and tricks if you decide to tackle the project on your own.
Turn Any Wall into a Chalkboard
When it comes to choosing which chalkboard paint brand to use, there are a few comparable products out there. Having used both the Rustoleum and Benjamin Moore, we find that Benjamin Moore’s Chalkboard paints provide the highest quality finish while delivering an experience that imitates an original chalkboard.
On top of reliability, Benjamin Moore’s paints can be easily tinted to thousands of colors. *As a result, we recommend Benjamin Moore Chalkboard paint. At H.D.F. Painting, the freedom to pick from an assortment of colors is always a priority. Our favorite colors for chalkboard paints are Green or Black.
*Update 2024
“As of May 2, 2022, Benjamin Moore no longer manufactures Benjamin Moore Chalkboard paint.” They now carry INSL-X Chalkboard paint. Check their website for more information. This tutorial works with INSL-X. In the video above we are using Rust-Oleum Specialty Chalkboard Brush-On Paint.
Tools & Materials Needed
Tools
Paint Product
How-to Prepare Your Surface
Application is not unlike any other interior wall paint, however, there are a few things to pay attention to when using chalkboard paint:
First, paying attention to wall preparation before applying chalk paint is very important. Make sure to fill in holes or imperfections in the wall with the wall spackle. For best results, sand the entire surface with 220-grit sandpaper after the patching has dried. This will make writing on your soon-to-be chalkboard easier.
The application can be done with a typical 3/8-inch roller sleeve. That said, if you went above and beyond during your preparation, we recommend trying a roller sleeve designed for smooth surfaces. Doing so will provide an even smoother finish for your chalkboard-painted surfaces.
Apply Chalkboard Paint
Get your foam roller and paint tray. Make sure to mix the paint thoroughly. Cut then roll the entire area. Wait 2-4 hours to apply a second coat then let that dry.
If it looks complete after two coats, paint it again. Adding an extra coat to the chalkboard wall will increase the durability of the surface and therefore ensure you are getting the most out of the product.
Ideally, you want the wall to maintain its desired effect for as long as possible. Adding an extra layer of paint to the surface will ensure your chalkboard lasts as long as possible. Allow for 48-78 hours for dry and cure time.
Once the paint is dried, chalk prime your surface by rubbing the side of a piece of chalk over the entire area and erasing. Now your surface is ready to be used!
If you have any questions about using chalkboard paint or decide you want to leave your project up to a pro, please contact us and we will be sure to help guide you to success!
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