DIY Projects & Crafts DIY Home Projects DIY Chalkboard Paint If you thought chalkboards were just for schoolrooms, think again. Find the formula to make your own wipe-off writing surfaces, here. By Martha Stewart Martha Stewart Martha Stewart is a bestselling author, entrepreneur, and lifestyle expert who has taught millions of people through generations the joy of entertaining, cooking, gardening, collecting, crafting, and home renovating via her eponymous magazine, Martha Stewart Living, Emmy-winning television shows, and 99 books (and counting). Based in Katonah, N.Y., where she helms her 156-acre Bedford Farm, Martha is America's first self-made female billionaire. Editorial Guidelines Updated on September 17, 2020 Trending Videos Close this video player Thanks to paint that dries into a chalkboard finish, your board can be whatever size you desire and placed wherever you like. Store-bought formulas come in traditional green and black. But you can also follow our recipe to mix your own batch in any shade. Cleverly applied chalkboard paint means new places to track appointments, keep lists, and leave messages. Or simply use the surface to draw or doodle, which will appeal to kids and the kid in everyone. Use chalkboard paint for anything from a DIY menu to decorating a child's wall. What You'll Need Materials Flat-finish latex paint Mixing container Unsanded tile grout Paint stirrer Paint roller 150-grit sandpaper Chalk Sponge Instructions Start with flat-finish latex paint in any shade. For small areas, such as a door panel, mix 1 cup at a time. Pour 1 cup of paint into a container. Add 2 tablespoons of unsanded tile grout. Mix with a paint stirrer, carefully breaking up clumps. Apply paint with a roller or a sponge paintbrush to a primed or painted surface. Work in small sections, going over the same spot several times to ensure full, even coverage. Let dry. Smooth area with 150-grit sandpaper, and wipe off dust. To condition, rub the side of a piece of chalk over entire surface. Wipe away residue with a barely damp sponge. Originally appeared: MARTHA STEWART LIVING, JANUARY 2007