Chalkboard paint is a really fun way to transform a room with minimal effort. For starters, you won't have to worry about hanging wall art because, well, the paint turns the wall into a canvas for whatever hand-painted creations you'd like. Whether it be in a playroom for kids to get creative with, above your desk to keep track of your to-do list, or in a kitchen, just one Pinterest search will have you dreaming up of all different ways to use the paint in your home. But, before you do that, here's what you should know:
First, check the texture of your wall.
If your wall has some texture to it, it's going to be a bit more difficult to use the chalkboard paint on. Ever see a bumpy chalkboard? There's a reason for that. Make sure the texture of the space you want to cover is totally even, and if it's not, grab some sandpaper to smooth out the surface.
When it's time to apply, you'll need at least two coats.
The more coats, the smoother this will appear, so have enough paint for a minimum of two coats. Some people have said they needed to use four, but, again, it depends on the surface you're covering and the brand you're working with.
You need to give it three days to dry.
According to the P&G website, chalkboard paint should dry for up to three days before you use it. Then, when it's finally dry, you'll want to rub chalk over the entire space and then erase it thoroughly with a dry towel. Once you do this, the surface will be ready to go.
Chalkboard paint can be any color you'd like it to be.
Your chalkboard wall does not have to be black. Take it from A Beautiful Mess, who likes to make colorful chalkboards for party signs. You can DIY it by using acrylic paint and grout—get the full directions here—or you can pick up colorful chalkboard paint at Benjamin Moore.
You can even turn it into a magnetic chalkboard.
Endless possibilities! Magnetic Primer is a magical thing that turns just about any surface into a magnetic one, so if you add this to your chalkboard paint you can hang photographs, magnets, and just about whatever else you'd like. Be warned: You'll need at least three coats of this to make the magnetic attraction strong.
And after all of this, if you're afraid to commit, you can buy a peel-and-stick wallpaper decal to test it out.
You can get an entire role for $13 on Amazon, no dry time needed.
Create Your Own Chalkboard Wall
Amazon Krylon Chalkboard Paint
Amazon FolkArt Chalkboard Paint in Assorted Colors
Amazon Magnetic Paint Quart Kit
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I like pink, iced coffee, and long walks through the candle section. When I'm not lighting up my favorite scents (probably while testing out new skincare), you can find me writing and editing all of the lifestyle things at Seventeen.
