We love using chalkboards as backdrops for displays and parties (like this one here!). So we were super excited to learn that you can create your own custom colors-and it's really easy! We first learned how from Martha Stewart whose tutorial you can read here. She recommends that you use latex paint, but we tried it out with acrylic paints with much success. Here's how you too can create your own chalkboard paint...
Supplies: 1/2 cup acrylic paint (choose any color you like, or mix colors together to make the perfect shade!), 1 tablespoon unsanded grout (this can be purchased at most hardware/home improvement stores, we got ours at Home Depot), mixing cup or bowl, spoon, paint brush and an object or board you plan to paint on.
1. Measure out your paint and grout. The unsanded grout is a fine powder so be sure to work in a well ventilated area.
2. Stir the grout into the paint until no lumps remain. 3. Paint your surface with your new custom chalkboard paint! The paint will begin to harden once it is mixed, so only mix what you need at one time as it won't store as well as other paints.
Once your chalkboard has fully dried be sure to slate the surface before using it for the first time. To slate a chalkboard lightly rub chalk along the surface and then lightly rub it off.
Have fun creating any color combination you like!! xo. emma and elsie
This has been on my to-do list for quite some time. I have some lovely lime and cyan acrylic paints hanging around that I've been thinking would make great chalkboards. Your nice cyan blue has made me confident that it will look great!
great tutorial! crazy-- my blog today features 6 DIY chalkboard paint tutorials and a host of chalkboard paint inspirations. i'm going to add your tutorial to my list :)
I can't wait to try this out. My daughter has hit the age where I trust her with chalk now (not eating it lol). I want to do something like this on my pantry door in the kitchen. Thanks for posting!
Love this! I have had a fancy for chalkboards as decoration for a while, but it just felt a bit too reminiscent of my early-teen goth days having large areas of black paint - this is an awesome way of fitting the chalkboards to suit their surroundings!
Rachx
I've totally seen the Martha concept but hadn't been brave enough to try it yet. Glad to know it works! I am curious, though--I've seen beautiful mason jars with chalkboard labels painted on the glass. Do you think this technique would work? Like, do you think it would hold up to being hand washed with dish soap??
A Beautiful Mess is all about creating a beautiful life. We share daily inspirations, DIY projects and recipes. We believe that the best things in life are homemade.
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A Beautiful Mess is all about creating a beautiful life. We share daily inspirations, DIY projects and recipes. We believe that the best things in life are homemade.
That's awesome! I am totally doing this!
-K
Posted by: Kathryn Shaw | February 28, 2012 at 06:10 PM
This has been on my to-do list for quite some time. I have some lovely lime and cyan acrylic paints hanging around that I've been thinking would make great chalkboards. Your nice cyan blue has made me confident that it will look great!
Posted by: Cait! | February 28, 2012 at 06:13 PM
great tutorial! crazy-- my blog today features 6 DIY chalkboard paint tutorials and a host of chalkboard paint inspirations. i'm going to add your tutorial to my list :)
http://mistergandmecrafts.blogspot.com/2012/02/chalkboard-paint-diy-tutorials-and.html
Posted by: ashley | February 28, 2012 at 06:14 PM
I can't wait to try this out. My daughter has hit the age where I trust her with chalk now (not eating it lol). I want to do something like this on my pantry door in the kitchen. Thanks for posting!
- Sarah
http://agirlintransit.blogspot.com
Posted by: Sarah @http://agirlintransit.blogspot.com/ | February 28, 2012 at 06:14 PM
Oh wow! I had no idea it was that easy! The colour is just acrylic paint? :D
xo Heather
http://ahopelessnotebook.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Heather | February 28, 2012 at 06:15 PM
I love this idea!!! This is a must do! Thanks :)
Much Aloha, Monika *:)
http://sewfulloflove.blogspot.com
Posted by: Monika | February 28, 2012 at 06:15 PM
this is so incredible! thank you. i'm thinking a whole wall needs to be painted in purple chalkboard paint!
Posted by: Lauren Jewel | February 28, 2012 at 06:18 PM
Love Love Love chalkboard paint! How ironic that I just came across all these ideas and you have a post on it: http://www.skinnyscoop.com/list/cathleenking/clever-ways-to-use-chalkboard-paint
Great minds think alike :)
Posted by: Claudia | February 28, 2012 at 06:19 PM
Wow looks so easy! I've been struggling with the urge to buy a chalkboard lately and I think I'll just make one myself now. :)
Xo, Vicky
http://somehowlovely.blogspot.com
Posted by: Vicky | February 28, 2012 at 06:31 PM
Love this! Thanks gals!
Posted by: Lucky Jackson | February 28, 2012 at 06:32 PM
Love this! I have had a fancy for chalkboards as decoration for a while, but it just felt a bit too reminiscent of my early-teen goth days having large areas of black paint - this is an awesome way of fitting the chalkboards to suit their surroundings!
Rachx
Posted by: Rachael | February 28, 2012 at 06:34 PM
You've made this look as fun to make as it will be to play with! Thank you.
Posted by: Natalie, the Chickenblogger | February 28, 2012 at 06:36 PM
I totally wanna do this with some bright plum! thanks for the inspiration & tutorial :)
Posted by: Sarah Starr | February 28, 2012 at 06:42 PM
I've done (with acrylic paint as well), and it is sooooo much cheaper than buying it pre-made! :)
Love,
Stephanie May*
http://www.maydae.com
Posted by: Stephanie May* | February 28, 2012 at 06:42 PM
Thanks for sharing :) Glad to hear it works with acrylic paint.
Posted by: Lindsay | February 28, 2012 at 06:53 PM
I've totally seen the Martha concept but hadn't been brave enough to try it yet. Glad to know it works! I am curious, though--I've seen beautiful mason jars with chalkboard labels painted on the glass. Do you think this technique would work? Like, do you think it would hold up to being hand washed with dish soap??
Posted by: Sequins | February 28, 2012 at 07:01 PM
You all are so good at what you do! Always an inspiration.
http://mereandthemr.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Meredith | February 28, 2012 at 07:04 PM
This is so cute. I love the idea. xo, rv
http://aneclecticheap.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Rae Veda | February 28, 2012 at 07:04 PM
Oh my gosh so cute! Great idea I would lie love love to try it!! :)
Posted by: Chelsea | February 28, 2012 at 07:08 PM
My word, these are amazing!
I really need to pick up some grout and paints! :)
http://vivikstyle.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Vivi K | February 28, 2012 at 07:12 PM