Fun with Chalkboard Paint!

Go ahead, kids - write on the wall! I wish chalkboard paint was available when I was little...

I was one of those unfortunate kids who took a crayon to the wall - and then suffered the consequences! Actually, I don't know any child that has not done this at one time or another, including my own two boys!

But now there is a solution - one that you may want to consider for the next mural you paint in your child's bedroom or playroom.

Not only is it a great way to add an interactive element to wall murals, it encourages your child's creativity and artistic skills.

Keep reading to find out more - including a great alternative to chalkboard paint as well as a recipe to make your own, in any color you want!

Popular manufacturers of chalkboard paint include Benjamin Moore, Rustoleum, and Krylon. The only downside to these products is that the paint color choices are limited to black or green.

If you want a different color, you may want to consider MagnaMagic. MagnaMagic manufactures a chalkboard paint base that can be tinted any color you want - pink, blue, orange, purple, red - any color you can find in a Crayola crayon box and more!

You can also make your own in any color you want - just scroll down to find out how. Or, if you are looking for something a little different, directly below you will find a great alternative...

Chalkboard Paint Alternative

For an alternative to paint, you may want to check out Wallies. In addition to wallpaper cutouts and murals (discussed elsewhere on this site), Wallies makes removable and repositionable (peel and stick) vinyl chalkboard panels in four colors - slate gray, schoolhouse green, blueprint blue, and grape.

Each pack comes with four 9" x 12" panels that can either be trimmed down more or placed together to make a larger chalkboard. At less than $20.00 per pack, it's definitely worth checking out!

Chalkboard Paint Recipe

You can make chalkboard paint, and you don't even need a degree in chemistry!

Before you do anything, you will need to make a trip to the hardware store. Here are the "ingredients":

  • flat finish latex wall paint
  • unsanded tile grout
  • measuring tools - measuring cup for the paint, measuring spoon for the grout
  • paint stir stick
  • bucket or other container for mixing
  • Paint roller or sponge paintbrush
  • 150-grit sandpaper
  • chalk

And now, here are the instructions...

STEP ONE:

Using the paint stir stick, mix the latex wall paint with the unsanded tile grout. You will need to mix 2 tablespoons of tile grout for every 1 cup of paint. Make sure you break up any clumps that form.

STEP TWO:

Using a paint roller or sponge paintbrush, apply the paint mixture to the wall. The wall should be clean and either previously primed or painted (do not apply directly to drywall). Work in small areas and paint over the same spot several times until it is thoroughly and evenly coated.

STEP THREE:

After the area has completely dry, use 150-grit sandpaper to smooth. Wipe off any dust with a clean towel or rag.

STEP FOUR:

Before setting your little one loose, allow the paint to cure for approximately seven days. Finally, condition the area by rubbing the side of a piece of chalk over the entire surface. Wipe clean with a damp sponge.

That's it!

Ideas and Resources

Check out this house mural that would make an adorable addition to your kids' room or playroom. Green chalkboard paint is used for the grass and treetops, and black is used to create the windows, door, roof, and driveway. So cute - and easy too!

Show & Tell

Upload photos of your murals or check out the submissions from other visitors to our site in the Show & Tell section of this website.

The pictures above are just a small sample of the inspiration that awaits in our visitor submission gallery!