DIY: KITCHEN BLACKBOARD - MIX YOUR OWN CHALKPAINT

There are many tutorials on how to make chalk paint. Many recipes and many outcomes. Some of them are good for furniture painting, and some are better on wall.

My idea was to make a big blackboard in kitchen where we can write shopping lists or weekly menu. 

After testing some recipes decision was made. Simpler is always better!

Things you will need:

1.   Non-sanded tile grout

2.   Latex paint (any color) - latex paint is a must for wall painting

3.   Mixing cup or bucket (bucket is better, even for a small amount of color)

4.   Wooden paint stirrer or mixer drill attachment (in my case - just mixer...you know, this one you use in kitchen :D)

5.   Sponge roller and paintbrush

6.   Masking tape

1# - MIX

Mix the latex paint and non-sanded grout in prepared bucket. 

The ratio is: 1 part grout to 8 parts paint. 

Amounts are dependable on painting area. For a cup of paint you need only 2 Tsp of grout.

When you start with this job you'll soon be realising that mixing of it isn't the easiest job. So - use mixer and be sure to get an even and homogenous paste. You don't want visible granules or grout bumps on your wall.

2#- CLEAN

Like always, painting surface must be clean from dust, oily marks and preferably even. Dusty and oily wall will cause peeling of your paint. 

Oily marks will need some sanding, and dust will come off with wet cloth (don't overdo with water, you don't want to wait too long for it to dry)

3# - MASK

Use masking tape to mark the painting area. Apply your chalkboard paint using a paintbrush and/or sponge roller. If your paint is too dry, feel free to dilute it with small amount of water. Don't pour too much water at once!

Like every chalkboard paint, one coat isn't going to be enough. First coat should be painted in one direction (horizontally), and after drying, second coat in other direction (vertically).

4# - DRY

Allow the paint to dry. It will look dry after only hour, but you should allow it to dry for a 2 or 3 days before using it.

5# - CONDITION

After a few days it should be ready for use, but, as we condition our cast-iron cooking utensils, we must condition our chalkpaint also! Rub chalk along the entire surface and then wipe it off with a barely-damp cloth.

6# - USE

And, finally, the last step....go on! Use your board!

Have a nice weekend,
<Marta>