A brand new chalkboard is gloriously clean, scratch-free and beautiful. However, it will also be highly ineffective unless you prime it first. A few simple steps will help you to prepare it for use.
Instructions
1. Prepare the area. Breaking in a chalkboard is messy business. Take your chalkboard outside if possible. If not, clear away anything you don't want covered in chalk. You may want to put down a drop cloth to help collect the dust that you are about to generate.
2. Chalk the board. Take a brand new stick of white chalk and firmly rub it lengthwise to chalk the entire blackboard. Use up and down strokes so that you ensure even coverage.
3. Rub the chalk into the board's surface. Use a soft cloth to gently massage the chalk into the board. Circular motions work well here.
4. Erase. Make sure that you have a clean, soft chalkboard eraser to rub the entire board free of chalk. Repeat as necessary until every last vestige of the stuff is gone.
5. Clean up. Get a good broom, dust pan, mop, rag and bucket of water to remove chalk dust from the surrounding area. If you are outside, make sure the dust has not conglomerated on nearby plant life, lawns or sidewalks. If it has, hose it down.
