Chalkboard walls are quite the rage, and I can see why. They’re inexpensive, easy, and give a space some creativity. There are a few things, however, that should be done in order to properly paint a chalkboard wall. In order for it to last, it needs more than a coat of paint. So let’s go over some things!
My mudroom organization station has seen it’s day. As my kids are getting older, they aren’t using it as much. We now use phone calendars that we sync within the family, so a wall calendar just wasn’t being used. Soooo I decided to make this space a little creative.
First up? Apply some chalkboard paint. I had an old can from Wal Mart in the garage that I used. I don’t know that I would recommend one brand over another. I’ve used a couple different brands, and they both work just fine. I applied three coats and let it set. For a couple of days. It really should cure for a bit before you start writing on it.
Next, using some cheap child labor, employ a little one to rub chalk all over the board. While the newly painted chalkboard gives a clean look, it will be very uneven once you start to write on it. You’ll be able to see the writing once you erase it, and it’ll be a mess. You need to use the side of a piece of chalk to rub it all in. It allows the pallet to be more evenly blended.
Once it’s all filled in, find another child (two children really work best for this space) and have them rub the chalk all over to get into the wall. It’s messy. Just vacuum up the dust when complete. Then hose down the children.
Using a damp cloth (I used paper towel and a sock), wipe down the excess chalk. This will give you the permanent chalkboard wall that you’ll want to write on. Looks pretty cool, eh?
If you’re artistic, this is the fun part. If you are “challenged” in that area like me, this is the stressful part. I kept it simple since I knew it would change up often. A little banner, some frames for the kids to draw or write notes in, etc. It was “good enough.”
And here’s the finished product! There are mistakes (that’s ok!) and no one seems to be paying attention to the shoes part yet (that’s NOT ok!), but we all think it’s pretty cool! We’re already using it for notes, and there’s now a six-eyed monster in one of the frames.
While it’s not necessary, I highly recommend chalk markers. They give off a much more vibrant color, and it’s a smoother look. You can find them at Michaels, Hobby Lobby, or online. Otherwise, invest in some inexpensive chalk for .89 cents. We use both!
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Looks great! We have a chalkboard wall just like that in our kitchen and now I’ve made a chalkboard subway tile back splash with the chalk markers. I may have a slight obsession with chalkboard paint. Plus if your kids are like mine, they will have that thing covered in chalk drawings and sayings. Even guests like to write on it when they come to visit! 🙂
Love your use of “Child Labor”:-) Turned out so well and I’m so jelous! I love in Texas and there is no such thing as untextured walls here. Therefore a chalkboard wall is not within my grasp at the moment.
Love it!
*live*
🙂
Awesome! I love chalkboard walls. Love the frames too. Have a lovely week!
Hugs,
Deborah
I love this! Thrifty Decor Chic has a chalkboard wall in her kitchen, too, and she hung actual frames on her wall. But, of course, her kid is quite young still and she only has one. Hers is pretty while yours is creative, cool and actually more useful.
The frames just make it! I would love to do something like this in my house 🙂
love it – I cant get enough chalkpaint stuff
This turned out sooooo cute!! Need to have more than just a couple chalkboards around the house, it’s time for the real deal. Love how you “decorated” it too 🙂
xo, Tanya
twelveOeight
Perfect wall height for the chalkboard so wish I had a narrow wall to do this for my kitchen.
This is great! I didn’t even know they had chalkboard markers…..cool! Pinning 🙂
I love chalkboard walls. I really love the tip about chalk markers!! My pantry wall has been painted as a chalk wall for a few years and chalk is not showing evenly, I probably need a new coat of chalk paint, but I am heading to Hobby Lobby today to find the markers! I just featured my chalk wall on my blog yesterday!! Thanks again for the great tip!!
Love it!
Question… My walls aren’t smooth they have that bumpy finish to them. I’ve always been nervous to do the chalkboard thing because of that. Will it work on that kind of wall?
Oh this turned out SO cute! I would love it if you would link up at my {all things creative} linky party!
http://www.theblissfulbeeblog.com/2013/04/1-year-blogiversary-linky-party.html
xo
amy
ok, this has inspired me!! I am doing this to a small wall in my hallway today!!! Can’t wait!!
I love it! I’m addicted to chalkboard paint. Just did a mini deck outside for my son.