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An easy, homemade chalkboard paint recipe.

Make Your Own Chalkboard Paint Recipe

 

 

Making your own chalkboard (or blackboard) paint is actually really simple.  The store bought stuff is better, I can't deny it, but for simple projects to keep the kids occupied, this is foolproof.

 

 

You'll Need:

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  • 1/2 cup acrylic paint

  • 1 tbs extra fine unsanded grout

  • mixing bowl - use something that you can throw away afterwards, such as an old take out container

  • paint brush

  • object to paint

 

Note:
 

Make sure that you choose the finest grout possible, as it is quite gritty.  It should look like a fine powder and is available from craft or home maker stores, such as Bunnings and Masters.  The first time I tried this at home, I used regular grout and my chalkboard paint came out quite gritty.  

 

Also, chalkboard paint sets really quickly, so less is more.  Make only the amount that you need to use straight away, otherwise you'll be left with something that can only be used as a paperweight!

Steps:

 

 

 

1. Simply mix your paint colours.  The whole point of making your own paint is to achieve the right colour, so mix the paint first. 

 

 

 

2. Once you are happy with the colour, add your grout powder a little at a time.  Mix well, otherwise your paint will be gritty.  For very vibrant colours, you may actually need a greater paint to grout ratio.

 

 

3.  Paint.  Leave to dry. 

 

 

 

 

The girls over at A Beautiful Mess (and just about everyone else) recommend that you "slate" your new chalkboard the first time you use it.  This means to completely colour it in in chalk, then wipe off, before you actually write anything on it.

 

 

Martha Stewart also recommends using Latex paint, rather than Acrylic paint.  I'm not sure whether or not this makes a difference, but my chalkboard paint turned out just fine with normal Acrylic paint. 

 

Oh, and I really love this DIY Silhouette project, below.  Click here to take a look at the instructions.  If you'd like to learn how to make the Taxi Cab Chalkboard mural above, click here to read our craft post.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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