Chalkboard Paint Ideas and DIY Recipe

For only a few dollars and a few hours, you can add a whimsical touch to a wall or table as well as everyday household objects.  Instead of forking over cash for expensive pre-mixed chalkboard paint, try making your own with this easy recipe! Feel free to play with different colors and finishes such as latex, matte and rubber-base paint.

Purchase ingredients: primer, paint, unsanded tile grout, and (2) foam paint rollers.  You can find a roller for about $2 at your local hardware store. Make sure your roller's package reads, “very smooth finish.” Opt for a foam paint roller instead of a brush. Even when the paint is well mixed it's a little gritty, and foam rollers distribute the paint evenly and smoothly. Use two separate rollers for your project – one for the primer and one for the chalkboard paint.

Mix the paint. Recipe: 1 cup of paint + 2 tbsp. unsanded grout

1. Be sure your wall or surface is completely clean and free of holes or nails. Repair any damages before you start your project.

2. Mix small batches of paint, even if you're working on a large project. Stir the paint often because the thick paint dries quickly.

3. Use a primer. Be sure that your primer edges are neat, because a messy primer edge makes painting more difficult. Allow your primer to fully dry before painting. Tip: When you think it's dry, wait another hour.

4. Paint several coats for the optimal chalkboard paint project. Let each coat fully dry before painting the next layer for the smoothest finish. If you're unsure if your wall is dry, a good rule of thumb is to wait two hours between painting each coat.

5. You're ready to draw! Don't buy dense school-type chalk. Instead, opt for lightweight artists chalk. We found this set on Amazon for $15.99. You can also find it at your local arts supply store. The nicer chalk will make more dust, but is easier to erase and will keep your chalkboard paint looking new.

Have fun and be creative! Inspiration:

- Graham Yelton / The Handmade Home

- Etsy

 - Just Short of Crazy 

- Kyle Not Really a Dude

- Design Sponge

- Martha Stewart

- Wit and Whistle