Many homeowners add tile, laminate or solid-surface material to the backsplash to coordinate with the countertops and decor when remodeling the kitchen. Some homeowners paint the backsplash with regular paint, while others look for a quirky design element, namely a chalkboard. A chalkboard backsplash offers convenience and versatility. Creating a chalkboard backsplash gives homeowners freedom to decorate the backsplash temporarily with drawn pictures and patterns that are easily erasable and changeable.
Instructions
1. Remove the light switch covers and electrical receptacle covers with the appropriate screwdriver. Set them aside for future use.
2. Apply strips of blue painter's masking tape to the exposed edges of the cabinets, appliances and countertops.
3. Cover the countertops and appliances with tarps to protect them from paint.
4. Fill cracks and depressions in the existing drywall or cement board backsplash with drywall joint compound to create an even surface. Allow the compound to dry for one to two hours. Sand the surface of the joint compound with 220-grit sandpaper until the backsplash is smooth.
5. Wipe the backsplash with a tack rag to remove all dust.
6. Pour latex-based stain-blocking primer into a painter's tray. Have the primer tinted to match the color of the chalkboard paint. Dip a trim brush into the primer. Brush primer in a 2- to 3-inch strip next to the taped areas that you can't reach with a roller. Roll a 1/4-inch nap paint roller through the primer and roll the primer onto the entire backsplash. Allow the primer to dry for three to four hours. Apply a second coat of primer to the backsplash with the paint roller and brush and let the primer dry for three to four hours.
7. Fill a painter's tray with specialized chalkboard paint. Dip a trim brush into the chalkboard paint. Brush the paint in a 2-to 3-inch strip next to the taped areas that you can't reach with a roller. Roll a 1/4-inch nap roller through the chalkboard paint, knock off excess chalkboard paint on the edge of the painter's tray. Roll the chalkboard paint onto the backsplash in an even layer. Let the chalkboard paint dry for four hours. Apply a second coat of chalkboard paint using the same method as you did for the first coat. Let the chalkboard paint dry for a minimum of 72 hours before use.
8. Peel the painter's tape off the edges after waiting four hours for the paint to dry. Score a line with with a utility knife along edges that are difficult to peel. Replace light switch covers and receptacle covers using the appropriate screwdriver after the paint dries for a minimum of four hours.
9. Turn a piece of chalk on its long side edge and coat the entire backsplash with a layer of chalk. Erase the backsplash to remove the chalk before using the backsplash for writing or drawing.
