This DIY Chalkboard Wall is a favorite bold move of mine. When we moved, everyone asked what wall I would be painting with chalk paint in the new house. A chalkboard wall makes for a perfect back drop when it comes to school photos, birthdays, parties, you name it. We did the new one in the garage to have the best lighting, but even an office or a bedroom would make the perfect location.
Reegan only has sidewalk chalk in the house. Mainly because if she ever colors on our Pottery Barn couch my husband will cry (it’s worth every single penny). Chalk is all our own little Jackson Pollack, coloring all over walls when we aren’t looking gets. Luckily, it’s easy to clean up. But without fail, every time someone walks into our house they sweetly comment on her entryway artwork. I don’t know much about parenting a few years in, but I know to survive – I pick my battles. This time I went with – of you can’t beat it, make it look like it’s on purpose. After a Pinterest hole of chalkboard walls, I decided the can of chalk paint in the basement was the solution.
I require clear verbal or written confirmation that my husband is aware of what’s about to go down so that there’s no miscommunication, and one Friday morning he said ok. I didn’t waste a minute.
• Supplies for Creating a Chalkboard Wall •
- High-Density Foam Roller
- Mineral Spirits
- Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer for a water-resistant based
- Rag
- Paint Tray
- Chalk Paint
- Frog Tape (delicate)
All of My Tips for Creating Your Own Chalkboard Wall
• Wipe down the wall! Get all the dust and oils off the wall before starting. I used mineral spirits on a clean rag after dusting with a dry swifter pad. Let it dry. That shouldn’t take very long.
• Use the good tape. ESPECIALLY when doing a high contrast paint color. Black wall with white trim; you want these lines crisp. This yellow frog tape is the bomb. It’s maybe a dollar more, but it is a thousand times because of the blue stuff. Don’t skip tape. Preparation is everything. The tape makes life easier in the end.
• Use a high-density foam roller. Mine was smaller and from Home Depot. Any size works. Just make sure it’s the nice white foam stuff. This is not a job for a fuzzy roller. The high-density foam roller makes sure that your chalk paint looks smooth and chic. It also insures that down the line, you can paint over it if you or a new owner is over it.
• Prime with the Zinsser 1-2-3 primer. This clear coat is a great prep step for any drywall that may be exposed to water. You’ll be wiping the wall down often with a damp cloth; this Zinsser primer protects your drywall from repetitive dampness.
• The first coat of chalkboard paint looks like a horror film. You sit there like “OMG… please don’t let anyone walk in right now!!” The second coat looks better, but still scary. Third coat is where it’s at.
• If droplets of paint fall on the floor or baseboard, I let them dry and then remove them with my finger nail. Otherwise they will smudge everywhere causing a bigger mess. So, don’t panic.
• Once you are done – wrap your roller in a plastic bag and put it in the fridge. That will keep it moist while the paint dries and give you time to see where you need touch ups. I keep it in the bag in the fridge for a few days so I can see light hit this wall at different times of day. Once you are fully done with touch ups, wash or toss the roller. That’s up to you.
• Remember. It’s paint. Not a face tattoo.
Chalkboard Wall Q&A
After the Fact: I am still loving the wall. It’s brought an easy fun vibe to the house and we’ve used it for party photo wall backdrops as well. I give this afternoon project two thumbs up. Whether you have Little’s or not it’s fun!
Is a Chalkboard Wall Messy?
Yes and also not as bad as you think. Stick with nicer chalk, such as Crayola and you’ll be fine. Cheap and brightly pigmented chalk can get on your kid’s clothing often. One thing to know is that little kids when you ask them to stand against a chalkboard wall for a photo, will 10/10 lean their back on the wall. Meaning chalk can often get on their clothing. It comes out. But it’s something to note on the way to school.
You’ll get some chalk dust on your floor and baseboard. Nothing a dry cloth can’t wipe off.
Does The Chalk Erase Well?
It will never be as fresh as your first coat. You’ll want to stick with a lightly dampened cloth when erasing your chalk art, to protect your wall – a serious chalk cleaning isn’t always in the cards. The good news: Every few years you can just do a fresh coat. And the ghost markings are kind of sweet. Take a look at a few of our cherished chalk wall moments below. Does it get any sweeter than those little kid drawings behind their dance class photos?! It doesn’t.
Not Willing to Paint the Wall Yet?
Here are some adorable chalkboards to purchase or you can start with a simple Chalk Table DIY here!
Social Links:
Facebook | Instagram @CandaceCottet | Pinterest