5 Easy Tips for Applying Chalkboard Paint on Glass

Pantry Chalkboard Labels - peel and Stick

Paint Me!Chalkboard paint works really well on glass because of non-porous surface dries quickly and provides a smooth area to work with. You can create (1) changeable “labels” on beer glasses or (2) dip wine glass stems in paint for a unique look.

Don’t forget (3) small glass containers like mason jars or spice jars. Even (4) lids provide a paintable space that can work as an erasable label when you change the contents of the jar.

While you’re at it, why not organize your entire pantry with chalkboard paint – (5) creating labels on larger containers that list contents, ingredients, recipes or expiration date. You can always erase of change them!

But can you use chalkboard paint on glass? Why yes you can! And you don’t need a special type of paint to do it. Chalk paint can be used on a variety of different surfaces, such as wood, metal and glass.

Plastic surfaces get best results when you use a primer first. Plus, bendable objects typically will crack and chip, so painting them is not advised. Alternatively, you can use chalkboard peel and stick labels.

Pantry Chalkboard Labels - peel and Stick

Chalk Painting Tips on Glass:

Use a foam brush to avoid getting paintbrush marks on your project and use stencils (or painter’s tape) to achieve clean, crisp lines that make your artwork look professional and classy. Use bright white chalk markers to get clean, crisp easy-to-read text.

And did you know that you can get chalkboard paint in all different colors? You can even make your own colorful chalkboard paint.

Check out this video to find out some great chalkboard paint ideas, kitchen organizing and labeling tips – and even some super cool gift ideas that are easy and inexpensive to make!


This next video also shows how to use chalkboard paint on glass in a little more detail. Keep in mind that you can use paint in a can, spray paint or you can dip your item, depending on the project you are doing.


How Much Chalkboard Paint Do I Need?

Chalkboard Paint Colors

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. =)

DIY Chalkboard Refrigerator Panels…. Made Easy

Roll of Peel and Stick Chalkboard Decal for Walls
Roll of Peel and Stick Chalkboard Decal for Walls

Another way to create a custom look to your fridge is to add refrigerator door panels. However, refrigerator panels are usually expensive to buy, and often need to be custom made.

Instead, try the easy and inexpensive DIY method using vinyl chalkboard panels that stick in place. Plus, you can quickly remove them without damaging the surface of your fridge.

Do you have an old fridge that you are simply trying to hide? You may find that adding custom panels costs more than the fridge itself.

The Solution to Expensive Refrigerator Door Panels:

Magnetic Chalkboard Fridge Panels
courtesy of https://www.bobvila.com

Recently though, we’ve seen lots of DIY refrigerator door panels that are really cool-looking and easy to make. They don’t cost a lot in materials, and you don’t have to be a skilled craftsperson either. Some match the surrounding cabinets while others don’t. Of course, some include handy chalkboard panels.

There are several ways that you can go about this project, and it may involve some experimentation if you’re up for it. The panels you create will depend on the shape of your refrigerator doors, how you want the doors to look and whether or not you want them to match the rest of your kitchen. We’ve provided some ideas below.

How to Make Fridge Door Panels as Shown Above.

This is simply a white fridge with 2 chalkboard panels attached with heavy duty magnets. You can get magnets that screw into your chalkboard panels. Then stick securely to your appliance so you don’t have to worry about it moving when you open the door.

Get a thin sheet of plywood. Frame it with molding and paint the frame to match the color of your fridge. On the other hand, if you want your refrigerator to be a different color, paint everything. Also remember to remove any handles if necessary before attaching the panels.

As you can see, this project didn’t involve trying to conceal the fridge or match it to the cabinets (which are blue). However, it looks fresh and new and creates a cozy feel in the kitchen where it might otherwise have just looked like a dull, old appliance taking up space.

A nice bonus to this option is that it is not permanent.

Sophisticated Fridge Panel Project… Made Simple

Custom Paneled Refrigerator
courtesy of https://katiemxoxo.blogspot.com

In this next example, you’ll notice that they added panels to the front. That said, they left the handles intact and simply worked around them (and the ice/water dispenser). Although it’s not completely hidden within the other cabinetry, this simple project gives it a custom look that makes it stand out less.

What they actually did here is quite crafty. They only added the panel frames and then painted the entire fridge 1 color. Less materials means a less expensive project. However, it may require more patience and skill to make it come out looking good. When doing this, it’s a good idea to add a bead of caulk along the inside seam of the frame where it touches the door so that it looks like it’s all one piece.

Another option is to paint the door within the frames with chalkboard paint (in any color, of course). If you wanted to go really crazy, you could make it a 4-color refrigerator!

How to Conceal Your Fridge Using Panels

White Refrigerator Door Panels
courtesy of https://www.pinterest.com

Do you have a smaller appliance or counter-depth fridge? You can more easily add door panels with matching cabinetry handles to fit in with the rest or your kitchen.

As you can see, the panels are extremely simple. You could make them using the techniques described above.

The matching kitchen hardware is key to making it look custom-made. Plus, you can fool your friends when they are trying to find a glass of juice.

Remember, these panels can also be painted with tinted chalkboard paint if you want. It will still look like a cabinet door.

Using Wallpaper on a Fridge?

Wallpaper-Covered Fridge Doors
courtesy of https://diy.roomzaar.com

Check this one out. It’s got wallpaper on it. Yes, wallpaper.

The owner created the door panel frames and attached them to the doors over beadboard wallpaper.

You can use this simple and inexpensive technique to transform an entire kitchen without having to pay for a costly remodel.

It’s brilliant!

The door handles were actually purchased at a craft store and then spray painted silver, another cheap option to regular hardware.

courtesy of https://theoldpaintedcottage.com

In this example, the owner used actually beadboard and attached the panels to the doors with a hot glue gun. Although the hardware doesn’t match the rest of the existing kitchen, the farm-style look fits right in with the rest of the decor – and once again, it fools the eye into thinking it is yet another storage cabinet.

Photos/Ideas Using Chalkboard Refrigerator Panels:

Chalkboard Fridge Panels
courtesy of https://www.lonny.com
Chalkboard Painted Fridge Panels
from https://www.housebeautiful.com
Refrigerator Chalkboard Panels
courtesy of https://s693.photobucket.com/user/theliebertfamily/

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