How to Make Chalkboard Paint (+ 10 Paint Projects)

Oh, chalkboard paint! I love you so. A little bit of chalkboard paint can really take a craft project to the next level, turning your creation into something versatile and begging to be drawn on over and over again.

The trouble with chalkboard paint is that you really don’t have many options when it comes to the stuff. Black chalkboard paint is pretty easy to find at the home improvement store, and some shops stock that chalkboard green color, but that’s it color-wise. You’re also limited in terms of environmentally friendly options. If zero VOC chalkboard paint exists, I’m yet to come across it. You can imagine my joy when I learned that you can actually make your very own chalkboard paint!

When you whip up your own batch, you have total control over what sort of paint you’re using and you can make it in snazzy colors. Black and green are for the birds. You can mix up chalkboard paint in teal! Or mustard yellow! Or Kelly green! Here’s how to make your own.

Materials

1 pint of zero-VOC paint in whatever color you choose
1/4c unsanded tile grout
paint stirrer

Directions

1. Add the tile grout to your pint of paint, and use the paint stirrer to mix it up really really well. I mean really well. You don’t want to leave any big clumps behind.

2. Paint as usual.

3. If your finished chalkboard area looks lumpy at all, use fine sandpaper to smooth it out once the project is completely dry.

That’s it! Now that you have your very own beautiful chalkboard paint in the color of your choice, you’re ready to get crafty. On the next page, check out 10 chalkboard paint craft projects.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Sharon E.

12:28PM PDT on Mar 21, 2012

Great idea for when my son is a bit older!

send a green star

Sarah M.

12:51PM PST on Mar 5, 2012

cool, thanks

Tim C.

11:42AM PST on Feb 27, 2012

Laurie B.

11:37AM PST on Feb 27, 2012

Running a week long camp in the hinterlands - this is a super idea for the "Munchkins"!!!

Debra G.

9:08AM PST on Feb 26, 2012

It's a nice thought, but in getting real in my life, I've been giving away to neighbors those crafts I will not complete, that I know they will. Plus, they will give me a couple of the finished products, so it is a win-win. Reduce, recycle, reuse. Regift. All in all, a pretty good plan.

Deborah D.

10:20PM PST on Feb 25, 2012

Things that make me go 'Ooooohh, what fun this could be'!

Anna B.

7:03AM PST on Feb 23, 2012

Thank you for sharing. Now to decide on a color to get started.

Lu Ann P.

10:52PM PST on Feb 22, 2012

Love the color idea! BRIGHT PINK and/or ORANGE for my daughter and BLUE for my son (wow, sounds like we're a traditional family!)

I hate chalk in the house, the dust is icky and messy and sneeze inducing! But I could easily make chalk boards for the garage play room.

Quanta K.

9:25PM PST on Feb 22, 2012

Thanks.

Carmen S.

5:40PM PST on Feb 22, 2012

great information, thanks