What Surfaces Can You Use Chalkboard Paint On?

Wondering if you can use chalkboard paint on wood, metal, glass, plastic or ceramic surfaces? We have all the answers you need, plus 5 helpful tips on getting the best results. Ready to transform your furnishings or home decor? Let’s get started!

What Surfaces Can You Use Chalkboard Paint On? Wood? Metal? Glass? Plastic? Ceramic? Here are 5 Tips on How to Get the Best Results

Chalkboard paint (and chalk paint) has become a hot, trendy finish for furniture, crafts and other home renovation projects. Not to mention, you can turn an entire wall, door or tabletop into a giant chalkboard in under an hour.

Use Chalkboard Spray Paint to Make Painting Projects Faster and Easier

Note: Not only can you now get chalkboard paint in virtually any color, you can make it yourself from a few inexpensive ingredients. You can even buy chalkboard spray paint to make textured or angled items much faster and easier to cover.

So, What Can You Use Chalkboard Paint On?

First of all, you can apply chalkboard paint on many different surfaces. For example, you can use it on wood, metal, glass, ceramic and also plastic items.

Note: More importantly, however, you want to prep the surface before you apply chalk paint. In other words, make sure that it’s clean and dry before painting so you get better adhesion and a more professional finished look.

Pro Tips to Get the Best Chalkboard Paint Results

1. Using Chalkboard Paint on Wood:

Chalkboard Paint and Primer in One Product

Some porous woods (ie. cedar or pine) may require primer before paint application. On the other hand, hardwoods like maple or oak don’t need the extra prep work. And if you’re like me and don’t always know which wood is which, play it safe and use a chalkboard paint and primer in one.

2. Painting on Metal:

You can also use chalkboard paint on metal patio furniture, picture frames, refrigerator doors, etc.. As we talked about above, you want to clean the surface thoroughly and also remove any rust or chipped paint. Use some sandpaper if needed to achieve a smooth paintable surface.

3. How to Paint Ceramic Items with Chalk Paint:

Chalkboard paint works fine on ceramic surfaces as well. However, just like porous wood, you want to apply a primer first (and clean it of course). You can use the chalkboard paint and primer or use a primer separately if you have a certain color or brand in mind that you want to use.

4. Using Chalkboard Paint on Glass:

How to Apply Chalkboard Paint on Glass Surfaces and Get the Best Results

Some people think that chalk paint won’t work on glass because it won’t stick – but all you need is, yes you guessed it, primer. This extra step really makes a difference and is worth the additional cost because the paint won’t chip, scratch or flake off as easily.

Also see: 5 Easy Tips for Applying Chalkboard Paint on Glass

To speed up the job, use spray-on primer. You can get it in white or colored, and many times the color doesn’t matter. That said, some people use a darker tone primer to mask the previous color better than white. I typically use Rustoleum or Zinsser primer and have gotten great coverage from both brands.

5. Will Chalkboard Paint Really Stick to Plastic?

Primer once again comes to the rescue here. Who knew primer was the magical solution to everyone’s problems, right? That said, flexible plastic items that bend don’t do so well with any paint, as there’s more chance of cracking or flaking.

How to Make Chalkboard Paint – (4 Different Ways!)

DIY Chalkboard Paint Recipe - 4 Easy Ways

Besides being able to make your own chalkboard, you can also make your own chalkboard paint with which to paint it! But why would you want to do this?

DIY Chalkboard Paint Recipe - 4 Easy Ways

Well, for one thing, homemade can often cost less than store-bought chalkboard paint. Plus, it’s a simple project, using materials you can get at your local hardware store. (You might even have them already in your house!).

For people who just need a small batch of paint for a craft project, DIY chalk paint can also provide an easy solution.
 

Easy Chalkboard Paint Recipe:

DIY Chalkboard Paint Recipe: How to Make Chalkboard PaintHomemade DIY chalkboard paint is typically made with flat latex paint and un-sanded tile grout. That’s it. It’s that simple. You can find specific measurements (and other helpful tips) in the video below.

You’ll need a container in which to mix your paint (preferably one with a lid if you want to save any extra paint) and a stir stick. A foam brush or foam roller is suggested for applying the paint, since you can easily avoid brush marks this way.

Discounted 22 Piece Foam Brush and Foam Roller Set for Crafting, Painting Chalkboards and More

Note: If you want to save money and like disposable foam brushes, you can get a 22-piece foam brush and roller set for under $15. This is a great deal for crafters or people who do small painting projects.



Click here for un-sanded tile grout

But what if you don’t want to use un-sanded tile grout? Some people don’t. Maybe you’d prefer to use baking soda or cornstarch instead.

Do you already have these common cooking items in your kitchen? Then you can save yourself the time and money of going to the store to buy the grout. It’s really just personal preference.

In any case, using this DIY method can be a lot cheaper than buying pre-made chalk paint at the store. Furthermore, if you have an unused paint can laying around, and it’s a color you like, you can have yourself some free paint!

3 More Ways to Make Chalkboard Paint:

If you want to save even more money, you can also make chalkboard paint with cheap ingredients that you may also have laying around the house. These are quick and easy recipes that basically involve stirring.

Note: Use latex paint for these DIY chalkboard paint recipes. However, don’t use the kind that has primer mixed in with it because it will gunk-up with mixture.

With Baking Soda:

With Corn Starch

With Plaster of Paris

Note: You will not notice a difference as you apply the paint. However, after the paint dries, you will see and feel the chalk-like texture.

SALE

Large Vinyl Chalkboard Wall Decal for Kitchens, Kids Rooms, School Classrooms, Making Labels and more

Create an Easy Chalkboard Wall for Under $15 $10?

7-Foot Long Chalkboard Wall Sticker to Write, Draw, Create Calendars & More. Cut to Size. Great for Kitchens, Kids, School, Labels. Get it Now.

BUY