chalkboard paint

How Much Chalkboard Paint Do I Need?

If you plan on painting a fridge, wall or large tabletop, you may wonder, “How much chalkboard paint do I need?”

This will depend on two factors:

  1. If you plan on using 1 coat of paint or 2
  2. If you are using brush-on or spray paint

How Much Chalkboard Paint is Needed for a Wall or a Fridge?

Chalkboard Paint Colors: How Much Chalkboard Paint Do I Need?
Yes, you can tint chalkboard paint
Note: I have used one coat or paint on many projects, and that amount has worked out just fine. However, many people recommend using two coats, especially on well-trafficked surfaces like refrigerators or walls. It makes a noticeable difference on surfaces where you are not using primer.

To paint an average-sized fridge using 2 coats of paint, all you need is one 30-oz can. If you want to use spray paint, see the cost calculation below. It basically will cost twice as much as using brush-on.

The amount of paint needed for a wall is much easier to calculate, since we can simply measure height by length to get the square footage. For example, one can of 30-oz paint should cover a wall that measure 10 feet x 10 feet. However, if you want to apply two coats of paint, get 2 cans.

Note: Spray paint is typically faster and easier and can eliminate any potential brush marks. At the same time, these conveniences will cost you most money per square foot, so keep that in mind.

Cost Comparison of Brush-On Paint VS Spray Can:

Chalkboard Paint Price ComparisonOne 30 oz can of Rustoleum chalkboard paint covers up to 110 square feet. Other brands like Krylon make paint as well and sell them at a comparable price (about $15-20) and area coverage.

An 11 oz can of chalkboard spray paint, on the other hand, coves up to 12 square feet and costs about $4. This means you would need about 9 cans of spray paint to achieve the same coverage of one 30 oz can of paint. This would end up costing approximately $36 vs $15-20.

Can of PaintThis is one of the cheapest ways to update the look of a refrigerator, and in turn, the entire kitchen. That said, if you are looking for way to spend even less money – find out how to make your own chalkboard paint from scratch. It’s easy!

Something I Learned:

After I painted my first chalkboard table, I decided I wanted to paint some picture frames and ceramic pots to match. It was very convenient that I had some leftover paint. If you think that this situation might happen to you, plan ahead. =)

How to Make Chalkboard Paint – (4 Different 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.

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