How to Make a Chalkboard Wall

There might be some furniture or other household items kept near the wall. Move them all out of the way to gain clear access to the wall surface. If the wall has any baseboards, trim or switches, cover them with painter’s tape. This will ensure that they stay secure from any chalkboard paint drip or spill.

Next, lay a tarp or some old newspapers on the floor right below the selected wall. Consider securing it with painter’s tape. This will ensure your floor does not get any paint stains.

Now that you have prepared the work area, you can start with crafting your DIY chalkboard wall. Wear your protective glasses and respirator and start sanding the wall. You can use medium-grit sandpaper or a sander for this step. Sanding the wall will ensure you have a smooth surface on which to paint. It further helps the chalkboard paint to adhere to the wall surface.

Sanding will leave some dust on the surface of the wall. Use a cloth or a brush to wipe it off. You can clean the dust on the tarp with a vacuum.

There are two ways to apply chalkboard paint on your wall. You can either use paint from a can or chalkboard spray paint. Though both these ways give the same results, spray paint typically dries faster. However, you may need to apply additional coats for even coverage.

1: Using Chalkboard Paint from a Can

Use a brush to stir the paint inside the can. Now, pour some amount into a paint tray. Roll a roller paint brush in this paint tray. Start painting the wall from one of the corners.

You may need a ladder to access the upper portions of the wall. Use a small paintbrush to paint around the edges of switchboards or trim. Use a tack cloth to catch any paint drippings.

2: Using Chalkboard Spray Paint

Take the spray paint and shake it vigorously for a minute. Hold the can firmly and position it at least 6 inches away from the wall surface. Start spraying and make strokes in one direction. 

You can overlap the paint strokes slightly. This will mask the difference between different strokes and give a smoother finish. Avoid spraying for too long on any one particular spot. Or else that area can appear darker than the rest of the chalkboard surface.

You'll need to be careful while spray painting on the wall edges. Hold a piece of cardboard to guard the adjacent wall. This will prevent any spray paint from accidentally getting on areas you don’t want painted. Use this method to get clear and sharp edges for your DIY chalkboard wall.

Once your chalkboard wall is fully dry and cured, it’s essential to season the surface. Seasoning prevents any permanent marks of the chalk on this wall. Use a standard white chalk stick for seasoning.

Hold the chalk stick flat against the wall surface. Rub it over the entire wall in different strokes. You can also make horizontal strokes followed by vertical ones. This crisscross pattern allows the whole wall surface to be covered evenly. You will need a few chalk sticks for seasoning the entire wall.

Now, wipe the chalk marks clean with a lint-free cloth. You can also use a chalkboard eraser for this task. Some of the chalk residue will be embedded in the grain surface of the chalkboard paint. It will give a smooth finish to your wall surface. Your DIY chalkboard wall is now ready to be used.

Use a cloth or towel to clean the wall where you plan to install the chalkboard wallpaper. Remove all the dust and grime to ensure the wallpaper sticks firmly.

Measure the length of wallpaper you will need with measuring tape. Now use a pair of scissors to cut the wallpaper to the required dimensions.

Peel some of the backing of the wallpaper from one of the ends. This will expose a sticky surface. Start from one of the wall edges and press this sticky surface onto the wall. Gently press the stuck wallpaper to remove any air bubbles. Again, remove some part of the backing and stick the wallpaper. Work in small sections till you’ve covered the desired area.

Check for any loose ends of the chalkboard wallpaper. Press the wallpaper with your hands to secure it firmly with the wall. Your DIY chalkboard wall is ready to be used.