Did you know you can make your own Chalkboard Paint? I haven’t tried it yet but I’ve seen this recipe several places and it seems really easy.
My 8 year old wants a wall of chalkboard and I just might try this! By the way, look in the marked down section at Lowe’s or Home Depot for broken open non-sanded tile grout packages. It would be cheaper than than buying a new package. You could also ask friend, family or in our case you might ask the builder in your subdivision if you can just have some if they are remodeling. 1 Tbsp. isn’t much so I’m sure they would just give it to you for asking.
Don’t forget, those acrylic craft paints come in thousands of colors so you could make some really cool and colorful chalkboards!! Isn’t the one above from BHG.com just too cool! Tawra
Homemade Chalkboard Paint
1 Cup of latex house paint or acrylic craft paint
1 Tbsp. of non-sanded tile grout
Mix paint and grout together making sure all lumps are out. The using a roller* or brush paint on wall or object where you want a chalkboard. Paint 2 coats for best coverage. After it’s dry use a fine sandpaper and lightly sand to make smooth.
*A roller makes the paint go on smoother.
Photo by: foxtonge
I made a window chalkboard too! I used actual chalkboard paint though. I am definitely going to try this. We homeschool and I would love a big chalkboard! Here is the link to my window Chalkboard. http://www.notyouraveragehomeschoolmom.blogspot.com/2011/11/catch-up.html
Although I love chalk boards, they are also messy. In our homeschool family we have converted to dry erase markers. Now before you think we spent a bunch for a dry erase board, think outside the box. We often write little encouraging messages on our kids bathroom mirror. Or especially to that hard working husband who wakes up before the sun to support his family. Also for those really long Algebra/Calculus/Trig problems that need more than a piece of paper to figure, we let the boys use the large glass patio sliding door as a HUGE dry erase board. Erase with a simple paper towel. For deep cleaning, use regular glass cleaner with rubbing alcohol.
Even grout that doesn’t have sand often has other additives, like polymers that can be less than desirable for chalkboards.
Because it is getting more and more difficult to find grout that doesn’t have any additives, I offer these two options:
Powdered sheet rock compound. Drawback is in the quantity you must buy, just to get a few tablespoons,
Best readily available item I found is to use plaster of paris. Can get it in small quantities, and often already in the toolkit of many crafters.
Or, how about this one? Pulverize a piece of sidewalk chalk to a fine dust. (Use a common grater, or heavy sandpaper.) It’s calcium carbonate, AKA “chalk”. That’s the part of the grout useful to you, and that’s the easiest, least expensive option.
~DM
I used Dollar Store talcum powder instead of grout or chalk. It seems to work but I am going to try adding extra talc.