If you want to create a unique space, then a chalkboard wall is one of the best options! You can write and draw on these painted surfaces, making them perfect for bedrooms, study rooms, offices, and even businesses. Many people wonder if you can use ordinary black paint as chalkboard paint.
So, can you use flat black paint as chalkboard paint? Yes! You can use black paint to create a chalkboard wall. Start by applying a primer, wait for it to dry, then apply a coat of black paint. You don’t need to use a lot, but you may want enough for two layers of black paint.
Overall, making a chalkboard out of black paint is simple! I’m confident that you’ll enjoy using it. I included all the steps and details to create your new chalkboard below, so make sure to keep reading!
How To Use Black Paint As Chalkboard Paint
Using black paint as chalkboard paint is simple. As long as you have a large, flat surface to paint on, you apply it as usual. I recommend using a large sponge brush, so you can easily roll the pigment onto any wall.
You’ll need to have at least two coats of black paint so your old wall doesn’t show through. You’ll want to give the first layer ample time to dry, usually at least four hours for water-based paints. Then, you can give your wall a second coating.
Once you have both coats on the surface, you’ll need to wait at least 24 hours before you can write on the wall with chalk. All you need is standard black paint to do the job most of the time. However, some people add grout to the color to give it a grittier texture to write on.
Overall, you shouldn’t have any problems using typical black paint as chalkboard paint!
Can Any Black Paint Be Chalkboard Paint?
You can use any water-based black paint as chalkboard paint. Oil paints won’t work well for this project since they make a shinier surface, which can be challenging to write on with chalk. Oil-based black paints can also take a lot longer to dry.
You can even find black spray paints that work. Some brands create black spray paints that hold chalkboard paint. Some people find this easier to use than rolling on the pigment. You’ll want to choose an option that you feel comfortable using.
So, you can use just about any black paint as chalkboard paint! You can choose inexpensive products too- most black flat paints will look lovely no matter what.
Does Chalkboard Paint Only Come in Black?
Chalkboard paint mainly comes in black, but you can also find it in an orange pigment. These are the two primary colors that companies creating the chalkboard paints have to offer- you’ll be hard-pressed to find chalkboard paint in any other color.
However, that doesn’t mean you can only have a black or green board! You can make blue, purple, and even pink chalkboards. You can choose from all the colors of the rainbow, but the chalk you use should still be able to show up on it.
To do this, you will need to make your own chalkboard paint. All you need is some water-based paints and materials to make the pigment grittier. Mix them, and you have your chalkboard paint!
Is Chalk Paint The Same As Chalkboard Paint?
These two types of paint are different. Chalk paint is what you’d want to use on a piece of furniture or a flat surface. It gets its name from its chalky, matte finish.
Chalk paint contains a fine powder, such as plaster of Paris, which gives it that chalky texture. You wouldn’t want to use this to create a real chalkboard, but you can put it anywhere that you like.
Chalkboard paint is what you want! This paint creates a surface that allows you to write on with chalk and erase it easily. You wouldn’t use this on many furniture items, although you can always get creative with applying it!
Companies make chalkboard paint to let go of chalk when you clean it easily. A surface with matte chalk paint will take a bit more elbow grease to clean off when done drawing.
Overall, it’s always good to have the correct type of paint for the project. Some DIYs need different materials than others, and you wouldn’t want to waste them accidentally.
How Do You Make Homemade Chalkboard Paint?
To create your own homemade chalkboard paint, you’ll need:
- Water-based paint (any color you wish!)
- Measuring spoons
- Water
- Mixing bowls
- Baking soda or unsanded tile grout
- Stirring sticks
Take your mixing bowl and add two tablespoons of your fine powder, mix with one tablespoon of water. This mixture should turn into a paste to which you’ll add the paint.
Pour two to three ounces of paint into the mixing bowl. Combine them well until your paint mixture is very smooth.
Start painting! You can paint on walls or other flat items to create a chalkboard. You’ll need to wait an hour or two for that first coat of paint to dry. Then, you’ll need to add a second coat. I recommend using sponge brushes for this- not ones with bristles!
Finally, you’ll have to wait a full 24 hours for the paint to dry completely. Writing on it before that time could smudge it. To erase your chalk creations, dab the chalkboard with a damp towel. You’ll want to let the board air dry for a minute before trying to write on it again. You’ll also want to have some chalkboard erasers handy!
If you’ve worked with paints before, this project is straightforward! Most of the project time comes from waiting for the paint to dry before you can use it.
Do You Need To Seal Chalkboard Paint?
You do not have to seal chalkboard paint. If you want to use chalk, adding a layer to seal it would make it harder to write on. However, I suggest that you prime the surface before adding any chalkboard paint to it.
The primer helps the chalkboard paint stick to the wall without the worry of it peeling off. You can also prime other items, like if you wanted to make a chalkboard from cardboard. Overall, you don’t always need to seal the chalkboard paint, but you will want to prime it before painting!
After adding your primer to the surface, make sure you wait about four to six hours for it to dry before adding the chalkboard paint. The product likely comes with directions, including the drying time. You’ll want to check it out first!
Final Thoughts
To summarize, you can use flat black paint as chalkboard paint! Making your own chalkboard paint also allows you to choose any color you want. There’s also no limit to where you can put one- your office, room, kitchen, and more could all benefit from having one. Plus, kids love them!
If you’re interested, making a chalkboard is easy and doesn’t take long. It’s a great DIY project that gives you a surface to write and draw on for years to come.
Make sure to follow all my tips and recommended products to ensure your chalkboard paint project turns out great! Also, don’t forget to check out my other articles for all your painting Q&A’s. Happy painting!