Is your home or office ready for chalkboard paint?

In case you’re wondering, chalkboard paint is exactly what the name suggests. It goes on as a paint and you can actually use the surface as a chalkboard. The ingenious product can transform most surfaces into chalkboards, so long as the surface is smooth and suitable for painting.

While some producers of chalkboard paint only supply green or black, there are quite a few suppliers who can tint the paint. For businesses, tinted chalkboard paint allows for better matching with a color scheme. Some even have different colored chalkboards for different surfaces.

“Some businesses can get really creative with colors. Chalkboard paint can be functional, a little Old School, and fun,” said Doug Caris, Co-owner of Arizona Painting Company, a statewide residential and commercial painting contractor.

How to apply it

Like any other paint job, chalkboard paint requires correct preparation and application. Here are the critical steps recommended for applying chalkboard paint.

Prep the surface: First and foremost, chalkboard paint requires a smooth surface. It won’t work on textured walls. So, sand paper out and smoothing out rough areas is part of the process. A thin skim coat of drywall mud is also recommended, to ensure that the work surface is completely smooth. Once the drywall mud has dried, it is important to prime the surface with an undercoat.

Apply chalkboard paint: Using a thin nap roller cover, apply the chalkboard paint in coats. The main challenge with chalkboard paint is maintaining the smoothness of the surface. Using a heavier brush or roller will likely result in an overload, which will then cause drips. Four coats are usually sufficient to create a smooth chalkboard finish.

Curing and Conditioning: When chalkboard paint dries, people want to try it out right away. Don’t. For best results, leave the chalkboard surface to dry over a period of a week. This process is called “curing.” Most products recommend a curing period of 3 to 4 days; however, waiting the full week will guarantee a well-cured chalkboard surface.

Once the chalkboard surface has cured, conditioning is required. This part is extremely important, otherwise, the owner could end up with permanent ghost writing on the chalkboard. To condition the chalkboard, take a piece of chalk, place it sideways against the chalkboard surface, and apply a thin layer of chalk over the entire area. Once the chalkboard is completely covered, use a lightly dampened cloth to wipe off the chalk. When the board dries, then the owner can let the creativity flow.

“Curing and conditioning are very critical steps. You really have to let the product dry adequately, otherwise you can ruin the surface,” Caris noted.

Chalkboards for children, staying organized

Many people purchase chalkboard paint to keep children entertained. Give a toddler chalk, the world is their canvas. Some parents enjoy creating a dedicated space where their kids can explore their creativity. By transforming a wall or section of a wall into a chalkboard, children can also be trained to limit their artistic flair to the designated chalkboard.

Homeowners can also create their own editable calendar with chalkboard paint. It offers a place to record important appointments, create lists and keep track of the children’s activities.

Chalk it up to the Professionals

Some, however, like the idea of using chalkboard paint but don’t have the confidence to do the job themselves. Arizona Painting Company has completed a number of chalkboard projects for both homes and businesses.

“It’s a process that requires skill and patience and we receive our share of calls from YouTubers who started out confident but realized they were in over their head. Sometimes it’s best to let a pro handle it,” Caris added.

To schedule an estimate or to learn more about the Arizona Painting Company, visit its website at arizonapaintingcompany.com or call 602-648-3071.