Creating a Blackboard with Blackboard Paint
If you want to create a writing surface on your wall, you don’t have to bother buying a huge chalkboard panel and have it installed because with blackboard paint you can turn your wall into a conversational piece, a writing surface for your to-do lists, a lesson planner for your kids or simply an area where you and your kids can spend some quality time drawing your future with colored chalks.
Of course, blackboard paint is not only used on interior walls. You can also use it on wood, sheet rocks, tiles, glass and metal because it can be easily applied. Once done, you will have a black matte finish-like surface (obviously non-reflective) that is pretty easy to clean or wipe with your duster, an old cloth or soapy water for that really clean look. If you use it for your walls, you can have the surrounding walls painted in a distinct color to create a stark contrast to your blackboard.
To create a blackboard using blackboard paint, you will need a cleaning cloth, soap, paint brush, stirrer and a primer. You need to first clean the surface to remove grease and other contaminants so that your paint will be properly absorbed by the surface. On the other hand, if you are going to create a blackboard over a standard emulsion, then you can make do without the primer and apply the chalkboard paint directly. Of course, you also need to clean the surface to make sure that the blackboard paint will stick well. If you are going to use bare wood for your blackboard, then you need to use primer paint to cover up the cracks and knots and ensure a smooth surface.
When applying the blackboard paint, you need to first stir the paint while it is still in the can, before you dip in your paintbrush. This would ensure that you will have evenly chalkboard paint. During the process of application, you need to continuously stir the mixture. Apply the first coat using a paint brush and let it dry for some time before applying the second coat. Again, let it dry and apply the third coat. You have to remember that you have to sand every coat that you apply to remove any knots or dots on your blackboard.
After the last coating, your blackboard will be ready to use after 24 hours given that it’s not raining outside or the air is not too humid. Of course, the drying of paint would often depend on aeration and the temperature of the environment. When the blackboard paint dries up, you will get a matt black finish and you’re off to listing your tasks or creating your first chalk work of art with your kids.