If you’ve checked prices on chalkboard paint at the home improvement or hobby stars you probably had sticker shock.  They both sell a very small can of “chalkboard paint” for $12.00  These small chalk board paint cans contain roughly a fourth of a gallon of paint.  Truth be told there isn’t much difference between what is called chalkboard paint and good old flat black latex paint.  They are so similar that you can actually use flat latex with no issues.  The trick is in seasoning the paint once it’s dry.  Here’s how to paint a homemade chalkboard on the cheap, this really pays off and saves money if you have several boards or a wall to paint:

1: Purchase a gallon of Glidden flat black exterior latex paint from Home Depot or ask for the cheapest can of flat black paint from your hardware store.  The Glidden at Home Depot costs $18.00 a gallon while a gallon of chalkboard paint costs nearly $40.00

2: Paint your surface using a brush or roller, keep your coat thin and even.  Wait for the first coat to dry completely, it won’t take long, maybe 15 minutes.  Check to see if you can see the base coat at all through the first layer of chalkboard paint, if you can, paint a second coat.  If you can’t you are ready to sand and season.

3:  Using a fine sandpaper 220 grit, check your newly painted surface for bumps, lumps, paintbrush hairs, etc.. and lightly sand these areas to get a nice smooth finish.  If you are paint a board as a small chalkboard sand the entire surface lightly.  Wipe away the sand dust.

4:  Lay a  piece of white chalk on it’s side on your surface and lightly cover the entire surface with a layer of chalk, use several sticks of chalk if needed.  Once the entire surface has been covered use the palm of your hand to work the chalk into the board, you should have a white chalk haze over the entire surface of your new chalkboard.

5:  Use a soft rag or paper towel to wipe away the excess chalk dust.  You are now ready to use your new home made DIY chalkboard.  If you skip the seasoning step it will be hard to erase your imagery from your chalkboard.

Have fun with your new home made chalkboard.  If you are looking for a wonderful wedding or birthday gift or want some unique decoration for your next event check out my custom chalkboard artwork at http://www.customchalk.com