How To Make A Chalkboard Wall

A chalkboard wall is a fun addition to a child’s bedroom or playroom that will allow your child to draw directly on the wall. A chalkboard wall can also be a practical addition to a home office or kitchen, allowing you to write grocery lists or to-do lists without wasting paper.

Creating a chalkboard wall is a very simple project. Many major paint manufacturers make special chalkboard paint, and your local hardware store should carry it in a selection of colors.  You can even create an unusually shaped drawing surface: paint stripes, a checkerboard pattern or even animal shapes. 

What You Need 

Purchase enough chalkboard paint to cover the area you want to paint. You will also need brushes and blue painter's tape.

If you wish to frame your chalkboard, get a small can of regular paint in a contrasting color. You may also need plaster, caulk, paint primer or sandpaper, depending on the state of your wall.

Finally, you will need chalk and a chalkboard eraser. 

Preparing Your Wall

First, use the painter's tape to frame the section of the wall you wish to paint—either the entire wall or just a section of it. Thoroughly clean the area, and examine it carefully. Remove any nails or screws, and fill in any holes with plaster or caulk. Let the substance dry and then sand the spot flat. 

If your wall has previously been covered with glossy paint, you can sand the whole wall a bit to help the chalkboard paint stick, or you can paint over the whole surface with primer. If you use primer, let it dry thoroughly before proceeding. 

Painting Your Chalkboard Wall 

Stir the chalkboard paint, and then apply a coat directly to the wall, just as you would any other wall paint. Let dry for 4 hours or according to the manufacturer's specifications. Then apply a second coat. 

Let dry for 3 full days, and then carefully remove the painter's tape. 

Painting The Frame 

If you are painting a 'frame' onto your chalkboard wall, use more painter's tape to mark off this space. Use a small paintbrush to paint the frame using the contrasting paint color. Let dry, and then remove the tape. 

Preparing The Wall For Use 

Before you use your chalkboard wall, condition it with a layer of chalk dust. To do this, use the side of a big piece of chalk to color over the entire surface of your chalkboard.

When you have filled in the entire surface, erase it all with the chalkboard eraser. Your chalkboard wall is now ready to use. 

Caring For Your Chalkboard Wall 

To clean your chalkboard wall, simply wipe it clean as needed with a damp cloth. After wiping it clean, condition your wall again by covering the entire surface with chalk and erasing it again, as you did during initial installation.

Consider installing racks or nails with strings to store the chalk when not in use.