Photography by Leslie Santarina for Remodelista.
A few weeks back, Michelle overhauled her mini potting shed with a coat of chalkboard paint and praised its power as an organizational tool (see A New Use for Chalkboard Paint: Toolshed Makeover, Garden Edition for more).
We did some research, then found chalk, chalkboard, whiteboard, and magnetic paints and put them to the test.
Chalk Paint
Not to be confused with the chalkboard paint mentioned above, chalk paint is an ultra-matte paint that gives a chalklike finish.
We used two coats of Americana Décor Chalky Finish Paint in Carbon ($8.90 for an eight-ounce jar at Home Depot) on our picture frame.
How do I prepare the surface before using chalk paint?
Chalk paints adhere well, so a primer generally isn’t needed. If your piece has a dark stain, it’s possible that the stain will bleed through.
How do I apply chalk paint?
You can use a brush or roller to apply chalk paint (some brands even come in an aerosol can for easy application). Most chalk paint requires only one coat, though you can apply more, depending on the look you’re going for.
Chalk paint will stick to virtually any surface.
What surfaces can I use it on?
After applying the paint, wait about 30 minutes, then simply wipe portions of the surface with a damp rag until you’re pleased with the look.
How do I get the distressed look?
It’s not necessary, but it will help protect the surface.
Do I need to add a finish?
Chalkboard paint turns any flat surface into an instant chalkboard. Other brands, like Colorhouse, make the paint in a range of colors.
Chalkboard Paint
A few weeks ago, Michelle used Rust-Oleum Flat Black Chalkboard Paint ($9.97 for a 30-ounce can at Home Depot) to paint the shelves and pegboard in her potting shed, then used a chalk marker to outline her tools so she’ll never misplace one again.
How do I prepare the surface before using chalkboard paint?
Most people apply chalkboard paint to a portion of wall, a door, or a piece of wood or paneling.
Chalkboard paint will also adhere to metal, glass, concrete, and unglazed ceramic, but be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions for the brand you’re using as some of these surfaces will require priming.
Using chalkboard paint is much like painting a wall with any other paint. Note that it may take several coats to get full coverage and the paint will need to dry for at least two days before you can write on your chalkboard.
How do I apply chalkboard paint?
Beyond the obvious uses as a place to jot down reminders or a spot where kids can draw on the walls we like the idea of painting pantry jar...
What can I do with my homemade chalkboard?
...lids to identify what s inside creating chalkboard patches on terracotta pots to identify the seeds you planted and of course painting a pegboard and outlining designated spaces for tools
Like chalkboard paint, whiteboard paint transforms any surface into a custom whiteboard (also called a dry-erase board).
Whiteboard Paint
To create a custom whiteboard, Michelle had a piece of plywood cut to fit inside her pantry door and painted it with a Rust-Oleum White Gloss Dry Erase Kit; $20.98 at Home Depot.
If you’re applying the paint to light-colored drywall, you don’t need primer—just make sure the wall is smooth, clean, and dry. Whiteboard paint can also be used on wood, cement, and metal.
How do I prepare the surface before using whiteboard paint?
Be sure to follow instructions: With most brands, such as Rust-Oleum’s latex-based kit used here, the paint comes in two parts that need to be combined before using: Stir the components separately first, then mix thoroughly and use the paint right away.
How do I apply whiteboard paint?
Be sure to use only dry-erase markers—keep indelible markers well away. If you get marks that won’t disappear, use a dry-erase cleaner, not an abrasive cleanser or cloth.
How do I use my homemade whiteboard?
Magnetic Paint
Magnetic paint is a primer with tiny iron particles mixed in. You can apply it to any wall, or to a wood or masonry surface.
We painted a board with Rust0-Oleum Magnetic Primer ($20.98 for a 30-ounce kit at Home Depot) and then used Behr’s Varnished Ivory as a topcoat to create a custom photo collage.
No special preparation is needed, but a smooth surface works best, and it should be clean and dry.
How do I prepare the surface before using magnetic paint?
Magnetic paint must be stirred extremely well before using, to make sure the iron dust is evenly distributed. If you are using a topcoat, stick to one or two coats as too many layers will affect the magnetic grip.
How do I apply magnetic paint?
How do I use my magnetic board?
Use it to display photos, memos, calendar pages—nothing too heavy.