I have already written about my love of black doors and windows so it will probably come as no surprise that I’m not averse to a black wall as well. But this time it’s practical.
We may have reached the age of the paperless office (and however bad you think yours is, just remember the days when the fax machine in the corner was constantly spewing out paper all day long so that you had to literally wade through it to find the one you wanted) but we have by no means reached the paperless home.
My fridge is covered with notes and reminders and lists and letters and drawings and parking permits (and the odd ticket) and it looks dreadful. So it’s time to consider blackboard paint. Or chalkboard paint, whichever you prefer to call it. And, as we shall discover, it doesn’t have to be black, you can make it magnetic for those bits of paper you really can’t afford lose, or ignore, and, if you don’t like black you can even buy whiteboard paint now.
I have, as regular readers may know, painted my entire downstairs loo in blackboard paint (and added a glitterball). It’s not entirely practical as, rather than shopping lists and useful information, there tends to be a lot of graffitti from the children, not to mention the people who come for supper and always leave something interesting to read the next day.
So, if you do fancy it, here’s a tip: obviously you need to clean and prepare the area before painting, but you knew that right? Then, I would give it two or three coats. After all you are going to be wiping it with a damp cloth quite often. Then, if you can, leave it for two or three days to really properly dry out before you let anyone loose with the chalk.
For best results, allow the painted area to cure for 3 days before using it as a chalkboard. According to the US paint company, Benjamin Moore, you should rub the entire surface with a piece of white chalk before using it. This will make it easier to clean when people do start writing on it.
You can either paint a section of wall, in which case, think about putting a large frame around it to make it look finished. Or, why not paint the back of the door, or a kitchen cupboard. The world, is basically your chalkboard. And if you’re really not sure, then consider painting the inside of a cupboard door. That way you can have your notes but they’re not on display.
And, of course, do look for different colours if you prefer. You can also do a couple of layers of magnetic paint under the blackboard if you want to be able to stick some reminders on it. It will never be as magnetic as the fridge though. Or think about whiteboard paint, which is invisible on a white wall and, apparently, a nightmare to apply, but you might prefer the look. Having said that, if you’ve got small children and there’s one white wall they can draw on and one/several they can’t (with a felt pen) there could be trouble ahead. #justsayin
The other really useful idea, which, if I hadn’t bought a new fridge two years ago, I would be totally up for doing is the blackboard fridge. Unusual and useful at the same time.
And here someone has painted their kitchen worktop in whiteboard paint. I’m not sure how long it would last but it could be fun.
So, what do you think. Blackboard, whiteboard, corkboard? Which one will you choose?
Smart Wall Whiteboard Paint
Coloured Chalkboard Paint
For more blackboard inspiration visit my Pinterest Board
I love blackboard paint and I have done my daughters’ closet doors as well as our kitchen pantry door. At the cottage I did a small wall and it’s a huge hit with everyone who visits.
This post is perfect timing for me, I am halfway through painting a wall in our kitchen in chalkboard paint – after wondering about doing it for ages! Finally took the plunge and after the first, patchy coat thought, ‘Arrrghh! What have I done?’ But second coat is on now and it looks much better. A third coat, and It will be appearing on my blog soon, hopefully!
I love blackboard paint, every home I have lived in since my daughter was 3 has had one wall/door/cupboard painted. As much for me as her!
Huge fan of walls, doors, cabinets etc painted in blackboard paint (just not all at once)! The fact that it’s so matt makes it even more attractive and it always gives a place a slightly more easy-going feel even when the rest is quite formal or stark.