Paint a wall or area in your child's room with chalkboard paint so they can use it to do homework.
Chalkboard paint is a thicker paint that dries to form a chalkboard layer that you can write on over and over again with chalk. Using chalkboard paint takes a few more considerations than regular acrylic or latex home paint to ensure proper adhesion and drying. If you are interested in using chalkboard paint for a wall or item of furniture in your home, learning some helpful tips will make the end result a success.
Surface Prep
Paint chalkboard paint on a clean and primed surface. This will ensure the strongest bond to whatever surface you are painting. If you are applying the paint to a wood surface, such as a tabletop, make sure to sand off any existing finish from previous paint or stains and then prime the surface with a basic wall primer.
Magnetic Primer
Use a magnetic primer and you can hang magnets on the area as well. This is a helpful idea if you are using the chalkboard as a wall calendar or schedule organizer on which you also want to hang lists or reminders. Magnetic primer should be painted on a clean, unfinished surface with three coats and allowed to dry for 48 hours.
Painting
Paint on two coats of chalkboard paint to ensure that you get an even layer and allow the paint to dry for a week. Avoid using paintbrushes to apply paint; use a foam roller brush instead. This will give you a more even coat of paint. Use a paintbrush only if you are painting a small area that a roller brush is too large for or a surface that has intricate carvings or details.
Chalkboard Prep
Before using the chalkboard, take a piece of chalk and glide it over the dried chalkboard paint. If you notice any gaps of paint visible through the chalk, fill it in with chalk. This will help condition and prepare the new chalkboard for writing and erasing. Erase these chalk layers with a felt eraser and your board will now be prepared for regular use.
