Chalkboard Paint

Transform a cheap metal serving tray into a really special chalkboard wall hanging with the help of homemade chalkboard paint. Once you know how to mix together this special paint, you can transform just about anything into a fun drawing spot for your tot. And you can use any color of paint for the base, creating a chalkboard wall in your tot's room that matches the decor or painting the top of a table with your tot's favorite color for hours of chalk drawing fun. Chalkboard paint is easier to mix together than you think, making this an exciting project to tackle with your tot.

Keep reading for the fun directions.

While I might have dismissed blackboard walls as a trend just a year ago, their unflagging popularity is making me reconsider. Home decorators continue to embrace the look, and for good reason — they offer an unexpected color contrast in a room, and are also incredibly useful. A blackboard wall in an entry is a great spot for scribbling notes for housemates or family members, while one in the kitchen is perfect for writing up your grocery list. They're also a good way to satiate scribble-happy toddlers: our kitchen blackboard wall is a great place to redirect our little guy when he's interested in crayoning over one of our other walls.

However, if you're not sold on the concept, or, if you're positive you'll tire of the look in a few short months, you don't have to paint an entire wall. Try painting a black "board" instead.

Take for instance this lovely living room. A large piece of plywood has been used to create a blackboard, which works well in the space since it acts as a piece of large-scale art as well as a practical message board in the area between the entry and the living room. Since the home is so open, this blackboard actually helps to define areas.

To try this look at home, head to your local hardware store and pick up a piece of plywood, then cover it thoroughly with several coats of blackboard paint. I personally prefer Hudson, but ask your local hardware store rep for his or her recommendations, too.

Another great idea: try using a salvaged door instead of plywood. That way, you don't have to worry about rough edges, and your chalkboard will take on an even more interesting look, depending on the level of detail in the door itself.

Source

Here's a post from CasaSugar Community member ourfifthhouse from the Su Casa group:

I found a globe at Marshalls for $7. It was good as is; but I wanted to turn this store-bought, probably mass-produced decor item into something a little more unique.

So I gave it some love!  Read all the deets at Our Fifth House!

Right now I'm using my chalkboard globe on my mantel, but who knows where it'll turn up next.

Have you finished any DIY projects lately? Be sure to share photos with the Su Casa group!

Yesterday, I showed you the before and after of my awkward kitchen wall, which I transformed with blackboard paint. It was the first time I'd used this type of paint, and I absolutely love the transformation it's made in the kitchen. Along the way, I picked up a few tips that I thought might benefit other chalkboard wall painters.

Whether you're a chalkboard painting pro or a newbie like myself, check out my tips for some advice on getting the most out of the experience.

• Decide how you're going to deal with outlets, as well as plate covers. I initially followed my usual plan when painting:  I removed my outlet covers and set them aside so they wouldn't get paint on them. I soon realized that white plate covers were going to look glaringly odd against a jet black wall, so I ended up giving them a few coats of paint before sticking them on. I also painted over the outlets. Yep, that's right. I know I'm going to have to do some scraping later when I change the color, but for now it blends in perfectly and creates a cohesive surface. The outlet is actually in this photo — and you can't see it at all.
• A little doesn't go a long way. One small can of Rust-Oleum Chalkboard Paint barely covered an 8-by-5-foot wall in our house. To get a smooth and even surface, you're going to have to apply a lot of paint. I put on two thick coats, and then did lots of touch up work. If you're doing a large surface, definitely calculate generously when it comes to your paint supply.
• Use a good brush. I used the Green Toad paintbrush, which did a great job. Since the contrast between ceiling and wall will be so great with a chalkboard wall, invest in an edging tool and a high quality paintbrush. It will make a huge difference.
• Be prepared for a stinky space. Since I always use low- or no-VOC paint, I'd forgotten how much I hated the smell of paint in general. And chalkboard paint smells. A lot. If I'd taken more time to research my paint, I'd probably have gone with Hudson Paint instead, which is low-odor As it is, I can still detect a faint paint smell emanating from the wall, and I painted it nearly two weeks ago.
• Plan other activities for the day. Why? Because this project doesn't take that long. I spent four hours from start to finish on this wall, with time off in between for the first coat to dry. So don't worry:  you can still have a gorgeous chalkboard wall and enjoy your weekend.

Here's a post from CasaSugar Community member Brisas from the Assisted Living group:
My husband and I both really want to paint one of our entry walls with chalkboard paint and possibly even use the magnetic paint. I have started to read about it online but was wondering if anyone has used these sorts of products before or did you make your own chalkboard paint? Any advice, tips, etc. would be great!

Please offer your advice for Brisas below! Have a decorating dilemma of your own? Be sure to post questions in the Assisted Living group!

Source: Flickr user Romanlily