Paint the inside of small frames to make small portable chalkboards.
Chalkboard paint can be used to paint a variety of things, and once dry, can be written on with chalk and then erased over and over again. Walls are popular surfaces to paint with chalkboard paint, but you can also paint anything from tabletops to picture frames to allow for changeable designs using chalk. If you want to paint with chalkboard paint, learning the rules to do so properly and safely can help you get a chalkboard finish on any project.
Clean Surface
Begin with a clean surface when using chalkboard paint. Wipe down the surface with an all-purpose solution or white vinegar to clean it of dirt, grime or dust. If you have any tough stains, you can use sandpaper to sand them away.
Remove Finishes
If there is a finish on surfaces, you'll want to remove it to insure the paint adheres to the surface properly. Use some medium-grade sandpaper to sand off any finishes on things like wood, or walls with a gloss finish. Don't over-sand an area; once you see that the shine of the finish is gone, continue moving over the rest of your surface.
Mark Off Area
Always use painter's tape to cover moldings or trim in any area you want to paint with chalkboard paint. If you are only painting one part of a wall, for example just making a small chalkboard rectangle on a kitchen wall for notes or a calendar, then use tape to mark the area you want to paint.
Primer
Use primer before painting with chalkboard paint. This will yield the cleanest slate to paint on and further help paint stick to walls. Primer can be found at most hardware stores and should be painted the day before you plan to use chalkboard paint, as it needs to dry for about 24 hours.
Layer It
To create a good thick chalkboard, paint at least two or three layers of paint on the surface. After painting the first layer, wait a few hours and paint the second layer. Let the two layers dry completely overnight and add a third layer, then let that layer dry overnight as well. Wait a couple of days before drawing on your chalkboard paint.
Ventilate
Always paint in an area that has good ventilation. When at all possible, paint outdoors for objects you can easily take outside. If inside, open any windows; or if you have no windows in the room, put a few fans around the room to promote air circulation.
Cleaning
Use soft erasers made of felt for your finished chalkboard piece. If you want to refresh, paint and clean it with some warm water and a small amount of dish soap. Another cleaning solution that will be gentle on chalkboard paint is white vinegar, which can also help neutralize any musty odors caused by chalk dust.
Break It In
Before drawing on your chalkboard paint, color over the entire area with a piece of chalk, let it sit and then erase. This will help prep the surface of your chalkboard paint for everyday use and break it in.
