It’s amazing how much fun a can of chalk board paint can be. I wanted to buy my daughter a chalk board for an area off of our kitchen. I looked around at a few options for an actual board and none of them fit the space just right or they were quite expensive. I then remembered that they make chalkboard paint and decided to just make her one. When I went to buy the paint, I noticed they had magnetic paint as well. I decided it would be nice if her chalkboard could also hold magnets so I purchased that in addition.

I had already picked out the area for the chalkboard, an out of the way space behind a door opening off of the kitchen. This was otherwise “wasted” space that has now been claimed as her classroom for when she plays teacher to all of her stuffed animals. I began by taping off the area I wanted with a laser level and some painter’s tape. I then painted on multiple layers of the magnetic tape allowing the proper dry time between each layer. After all of those layers dried thoroughly, I added three layers of the chalkboard paint. When the chalkboard paint is completely dry make sure to cure your new board. This is done by simply taking a piece of chalk and rubbing it all over the board to cover it and then erasing it.

The result was fantastic except for one small thing. The magnetic paint doesn’t work quite as well as I hoped. She can place magnets on there and they will stay for the most part but if something is too heavy, it will slide right off. A small limitation to an otherwise great finished product. I am wondering if the magnetic paint would work better underneath a normal paint. I am going to try it out again when I paint my husband a marker board in his office with the marker board paint. I will let everyone know how that goes.

Here’s a few more ways to use the chalkboard paint:

1. Paint the back of a door. Our friends in the Netherlands did this to the back of their kitchen door and it was the perfect spot for grocery lists and phone messages. The door leading to your garage would also be a good choice.
2. The lower half of your kids’ walls in their room. They can draw to their hearts’ content!
3. Wooden bins and baskets. You can then write what is inside on them and change it easily. Great for the garage or pantry.
4. A craft table. For you or for your kids! Cut a hole in the corner to slide a metal cup inside to hold your chalk. Make sure the hole is just a little smaller than the mouth of your cup so it doesn’t slide right on through!
5. The garage wall. Have everyone in the family check it as they come and go for important messages and reminders.
6. The inside of your medicine chest door. Keep a list of what’s inside with expiration dates and the person who uses the medicine.

Send us your pictures or comments on how you have used the chalk board paint. We will feature the best suggestion.

NOTE: Here’s a tip for making your own chalkboard paint in any color. I haven’t tried it yet so would be interested to know how it works for you all.