Chalkboard Paint Projects

Published April 15, 2015

Chalkboard paint is probably one of the most useful products in the do-it-yourself world.

You’ve seen it in traditional classrooms, restaurants and used for memo boards. It’s now available in many different colours, useful for a variety of craft projects.

I love the fact that it dries very quickly and can be used within a very short time after application. It’s durable,  washable and very child-friendly.

The following are some ideas for quick and easy projects for the home incorporating this versatile product. Remember to not limit yourself to traditional black. Try some of the new shades for bright and colourful designs. And for best results, allow the painted area to cure for two to three days.

Herb planters and markers
Small terra cotta pots work beautifully for this idea. You can find them in nurseries and craft stores. Clean them of any dirt or debris. Apply a small amount of chalkboard paint to the front side of the planter. Using a stencil or painters tape is a good idea.

Let them dry and then write the name of the herb on the front with chalk. This works well for large and small planters. When the season is over simply remove the name of the herb with a soft, damp cloth.

Herb markers can be made using chalk paint as well. I like the large, wooden Popsicle stick markers that you can find at nurseries. Dip one end into the chalkboard paint and let it dry. Add the herb’s name with chalk.

Memo board
If you have a favourite frame or serving tray you can easily transform it into a chalk memo board. Plastic surfaces should be primed ahead of time and shiny metal surfaces should be lightly sanded before applying the chalkboard paint.

Inside a cupboard
If you have a craft room or an office with a cupboard door that you don’t mind using as a memo board then this idea is for you. I’ve done this before on the inside panel of a kitchen cupboard door to use for a grocery list.

Prep the surface ahead of time by sanding or applying a good primer if necessary. Most wood surfaces should take the chalkboard paint without priming but if you’re unsure, ask your paint professional beforehand. Measure off the space you desire on the inside of your cupboard with painters tape and then apply the chalkboard paint. Let dry.

Menu planner
I love this idea for evening gatherings. An ordinary serving tray can be transformed into a lovely menu planner to display in the corner of your kitchen during a dinner party. Write your evening’s menu with chalk and reuse the tray for future dinner parties.

Storage tub labels
This is one of my favourite uses for chalkboard paint. Large Rubbermaid storage tubs work wonderfully for this idea.

Tape off the area you would like to paint. Apply the chalkboard paint to the small area on the front of the tub and let it dry.

Once the paint is dry, label the contents with chalk and place in your storage room.

The beauty of this idea is you can constantly change the contents of the tub and relabel it each time.

Barb Lunter is a Professional Stager, freelance writer with a passion for home decor, entertaining and floral design. lunter.ca