Chalkboard paint brushes or rolls onto a wall much like any other wall paint, but some special considerations are required to produce a usable chalkboard wall. The wall surface has to be smooth — a metallic end does not work well, because even once painted, writing on it with chalk ends in choppy, broken lines. If the present paint finish is shiny, in some cases, a primer is needed.
Smoothness is Essential
Pick a wall that’s completely smooth for your chalkboard finish — a textured cement wall, for instance, is much less than perfect, as chalk drawing would be difficult onto it. Remove any protruding nails and mud bumps smooth. Wipe the whole wall down with a feather duster or soft cloth to remove dust and cobwebs. Go above the wall using a moist cloth to remove any excess dust, then let dry before adding primer or paint.
To Prime or Not to Prime
Some brands of chalkboard paint do not expect a primer prior to applying the paint to the wall, except above glossy paints. Select a high quality primer for the best coverage, which will also help conceal the original paint shade beneath the chalkboard paint. If the present wall finish is flat or matte and isn’t a darker shade than your chalkboard paint, then it may not need priming. Browse the chalkboard paint container to see if your chosen brand recommends or requires applying primer to the wall prior to painting.
The Painting Process
Once the wall is smooth and the primer is dry, attach painter’s tape across the region to be painted. Put on the chalkboard paint using a brush or a short-nap roller. Brush or roll the paint in slightly overlapping strokes until the whole area is covered. Optimal coverage requires two or three coats of chalkboard paint; allow each coat to dry for at least three hours prior to applying the next. Even after the final coat dries, allow the paint to cure for many days prior to writing on it. If you would rather not paint an whole wall using a chalkboard finish, paint just a lower area of the wall to get young children to draw upon at a playroom, or even the top half of a wall close to the kitchen door exiting outdoors as a place to leave messages and shopping lists for household members.
Preparing the Chalkboard Space
Once the chalkboard paint cures for many days, then rub a piece of white chalk all over it to make it more receptive to chalk drawing. Wipe the chalk away using a slightly damp cloth or paper towel, then allow the wall to dry thoroughly prior to drawing on it again, otherwise the chalk might get moist and not pull properly. Keep chalks handy neighboring or on a shelf for simple accessibility and wall use.