Chalkboard paint has so many fun uses, both playful and practical. The only downfall is it comes at a steep price and the color selection is somewhat limited. Now you will be able to get all the fun, for a lot less, by making your own.
Chalkboard paint lets you transform any wall into an endlessly reusable writing surface. Although it’s readily available online and in stores it usually sells for about $25 per quart, it doesn’t come cheap. Plus,the colors are limited. When you make chalkboard paint yourself, first of all….it’s cheaper—but even better, you can create virtually any color you want!
MATERIALS
- Flat finish latex paint
- Unsealed tile grout
- Mixing tray or bucket
- Paintbrush or roller
- Drill/driver with paint mixer drill attachment or take a whisk and attach to drill
- Chalk
- Dry Towel
Sometimes in the paint department of large home improvement stores they have discounted paint that other customers returned/or didn’t come out right. If they have a discounted can that you like…pick it up!
STEP 1
Unable to purchase discounted paint in the perfect color for your space? Don’t fret! You can close the gap between what you have and what you want by mixing in white paint to create lighter tones. In this way, a rich brown can be coaxed into a soft tan, or a deep purple can be softened into a lavender shade.
STEP 2
Once you are happy with the paint color, add the magic ingredient: grout. For a successful batch of chalkboard paint, one to eight is the recommended ratio of grout to paint. So if you’re working on a small project involving only a half cup of paint, then expect to use one tablespoon of grout. Meanwhile, if you’re covering a large wall in a half gallon of paint, you’ll mix in a full cup of grout.
STEP 3
As thoroughly as you can, mix the grout into the paint. That means stirring for a minimum of five minutes, breaking up any clumps that start to form or stubbornly linger. Bear in mind that once you finish stirring,chalkboard paint tends to harden rather quickly, and you cannot seal the stuff for later use. In other words: Be ready to apply the paint as soon as you are done making it.
STEP 4
Apply the first coat, let it dry for several hours, then follow up with a second coat. After that, let the chalkboard paint dry for about three days, at which point the chalkboard should be cured and ready to use. Many people, however, suggest one last prep: conditioning the chalkboard by running a piece of writing chalk lengthwise over the surface until it’s completely covered. Finish by using a dry towel to wipe the chalked-over surface clean, and you’re all done!
It’s wonderful being able to make chalkboard paint yourself—quickly, cheaply, and easily—because there are so many fun ideas, and you never know when inspiration will strike. Just go where the chalkboard muse takes you! Today, turn a kitchen cabinet into your family’s shopping list and reminder hub. This weekend, devote part of the garage to visualizing complicated auto repair and construction projects. Next month, put your work calendar up on the wall to accommodate your expanding business.
I am currently painting cabinets and plan to paint one of the inside cabinet doors with this.
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Great tips! 🙂
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You can make your own color of chalk paint…..that is what I like…and it’s so much cheaper!😊❤️
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I can’t stand chalk paint on the wall, but I love the idea of it. haha! But once it’s been written on it just looks so sloppy and ashy to me, and requires constant upkeep which is just one less thing I have time for. But I would love to do tinier chalkboards for the kids to practice their spelling and arithmetic here at home, love the idea of customizing the colors to make it more fun!
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I am so glad you like it!! You could buy cheap dollar store frames and paint inside with the paint, then use that way for the kids.
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I’ve alwaays wanted to know how to make this! Great post, loved reading!
https://busybeeblogweb.wordpress.com
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Thank you Tabi Bee! I love that you can make any color…perfect for small projects!
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Yes that’s very true! It’s a great idea! 🙂
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Fun!
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Hi Jodi, and thank you!
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This is so cool!! Love it
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I have an old mirror along with a couple of old picture frames I’ve been wanting to turn into chalk boards and I never even considered making my own chalk board paint. Now I can choose a color that will compliment my home decor and make others as gifts. Thanks for the tip!
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That will be so wonderful! You could hang the picture frame on the wall with a pretty mesh ribbon also,or burlap if your home is more country/shabby chic
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We just moved into our new home and I’m trying to incorporate farmhouse elements. I like simple and classy…timeless over trendy. I have lots of extra ribbon I could add as a way to hang them. I’ll have to show you a picture when I get them finished. 😊
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Burlap and Chalkboard paint will look great…Please…send me a pic..would love to see! ❤️
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I will for sure. Burlap would be a good choice!
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Check out the dollar stores…they have the burlap ribbon. If your ends fray(burlap) put some starch on ends and let dry. That will keep them together.
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Awesome thanks for the tip!
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Your always welcome, let me know how it turns out!
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Super tips – thanks!
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I would love to see some of your work if you decide to do this!
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😊❤️
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This is an awesome tip for saving money on something you love to do!
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I would absolutely love to see some pics of your work….email to : kelleysdiy@gmail.com
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Good post. New post on Plodderr. Hope you’ll like.
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Thank you for this post! I need to make several chalk boards and was trying to figure out a way to do it for a little less! This is on my list for my weekend plans.
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Chalkboard paint is just so expensive, and hard to find in different colors…please…please show me some of your work …I would love to see.
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Cool post! I’m going to do this someday….. 😀
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Awesome! That’s what I like to hear!!!🤗
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Neat
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So glad you like it…hope I inspired you!!
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Indeed!
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Inspiring is why I created this blog. Thank you so much!
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I am going to repost this. If that is ok
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Of course it’s okay! It’s wonderful to share!!🤗
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thank you!
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🤗
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Great post! I’m going to give it a try. 😍
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Awesome, I would love to see what you create Lisa! 🤗
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Ah! Thank you for sharing this!!!
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It really saves you money. What I love about it is you can make your own color. I would love to see what you create if you make your own chalk!🤗
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It’s on my to-do list! I purchased a home in July and I have been slowly gathering ideas, and marking them off 😊
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Oh how fun Jessy…a new home! Congrats! It is so much fun decorating a new home!!! Have you read my new post? It is something you for sure could get involved with.. https://kelleysdiy.com/2018/11/14/i-have-an-idea-you-can-help/
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Thanks! Hadn’t made it there yet, but heading over now! Thanks again, Kelley 😊
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Great! I’m sure you could do! Owning a new home, you somehow graduate to a DIYer just keeping up with repairs and upgrades on your own.
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This is true!
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Are you a first time homeowner?
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I am 😊
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Oh Jessy, you are going to have so much fun putting your own touches in your new home. I’m so very happy for you. Is Thanksgiving at your home this year?
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Yes it is 😊 I am having fun! Will share pics soon!
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I can’t wait to see!!!
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Did you know through the hallmark stores they sell ‘Our First Home”ornaments during Christmas
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No, I did not! Thank you for sharing! I will definitely get that this year!
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I am so excited and happy for your Jessy! I am sure you have done a diy in your new home already…love to see a pic…send to me please with your link to your site. Thank you!~
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They are so pretty. You could probably find online also. Just a really special memento to take out each year!
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I will look, but there is a Hallmark store near me, I can drop in 😊
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Oh, they will have it!!! I love the Hallmark ornaments. I have collected a couple of the lines every year.. since my early 20’s. I had to come up with other clever ways to display since there are too many for the tree!
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Oh how fun! What a great idea, thanks Kelley
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So many memories…great to pass down to the kids!
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Thank you so much for reblogging!
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Looking forward to see results of your work, darling!
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🤗
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