How to Create a Chalkboard Wall

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Welcome guests with a unique touch when you see how easy it is to create a chalkboard wall in your home. You don't have to create a black wall either, customize the color to suit your décor.


Using a one step chalkboard paint is perfect for painting a chalk board wall because you do not have to seal it. Chalkboard walls also don't have to be black or green, there are so many possibilities.

Prepping

  • Clear out anything in the way of or handing on the wall
  • Protect trim, outlets, or other details using painters tape
  • Be sure to protect your floors

Painting

  • Use a foam or low nap roller to paint the bulk of the wall. This material is better for chalkboard paint
  • Use a brush to cut in from the trim to make sure you have clean edges and have more control
  • You may not get 100% coverage on your first coat, you may need to paint a couple of times
  • Be sure while painting with a roller to start from top to bottom, overlapping strokes
  • Give 20-30 minutes to dry between coats

Using the Wall

  • Go online and find some inspiration for drawings or quotes you might want to use
  • Chalkboard walls are perfect for seasonal decorations, to do lists or calendars, or a unique touch to kids rooms or play spaces
  • Make sure to season the wall before writing or transferring images
    • Take the side of the chalk and cover the whole wall with chalk
    • Take a damp rag and wipe off the chalk so there is a haze of chalk dust
  • Lightly spray the art with hairspray to make sure it doesn't rub off during day to day. This is a simple hack, and doesn't make it too difficult when you want to change the art

Transferring Images

  • Print out the design you would like, making it as large or as small as you want
  • Cover the back of the paper with a layer of chalk
  • Place the back of the paper onto the wall and then trace the images or words you want transferred
  • Consider using a projector or device that connects to your phone to project the art or words you want onto the wall, making it easy to trace
For more helpful tips, visit Ace Hardware's Tips & Advice Published: 3/2/2020