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Good Questions: Light Chalkboard Paint On Walls?
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020609chalkboard.jpg


A reader question from our most recent Open Threads comments:
I'm getting ready to do some chalkboard painting in a home office, but don't want to use black or grey. I'm wondering if anyone has used off-white with dark chalk colors, instead of dark paint with white chalk? -kimg924

Got a good question you'd like answered? Send your queries and a photo or two illustrating your question, and we'll see if the ATLA team or our readers can help you out.

 
 

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Good Questions, chalkboard paint, chalk

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Comments (17)

Check out tilano.net they have coloured chalkboard paint that you can get in various size. I have used the pink, pear and white and they all work great!

posted by champagnedesign on February 6th 2009 at 1:56pm
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Does anyone know what i would apply to an orange-peel textured wall prior to applying the chalkboard paint...in order to get a smooth finish for writing on. Thanks.

posted by BeachHouseDreamer on February 6th 2009 at 2:27pm
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martha stewart Living featured beautiful colours for chalkboard paint, with formulas, and other advice on same. can't recall which issue. made it look easy, and the photos were great.

posted by avianmission on February 6th 2009 at 2:32pm
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i just don't understand this whole chalkboard paint fettish. I can understand if you're a teenager or putting it in a dorm or college kids apartment but why would you ruin the walls of your home by slapping up chalkboard paint...even more so...why subject yourself to the nasty filth of having chalk dust everywhere?

posted by LittleRock on February 6th 2009 at 2:54pm
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I find the cool glowing stuff in the background much more interesting. As for the chalkboard paint, my friend has it in her house and has 1/2 erased stuff on it that just won't come off. It doesn't work very well and looks messy.

Now...what's up with the cool glowing stuff? How did they do that?

posted by bether on February 6th 2009 at 2:56pm
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Ahh...my bad. It's a negative photograph. Oh well. If anyone figures out how to make their kitchen glow like a negative photograph please share :)

posted by bether on February 6th 2009 at 2:57pm
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To erase chalkboard, try using a slightly damp cloth, I always do that, and find it works much better than a dry eraser. (Also, some chalkboards need to be "conditioned" before using, by covering the whole surface evenly with chalk, then erasing it all)

In our home we used pre-coated chalkboard panels from Mr. Plywood, had them cut to size, and they didn't need anything other than being framed into the wall...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/acorncottage/3007724658/

Littlerock - I am more worried about the "nasty filth" that comes inside on the bottoms of shoes than any chalk dust...

posted by fjorlief on February 6th 2009 at 3:13pm
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BeachHouseDreamer, i would suggest either sanding the walls smooth, OR, get some cheap plywood (or cheaper masonite) and paint THAT with chalkboard paint.. then mount it on the wall.

posted by antimatt on February 6th 2009 at 3:39pm
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The chalkboard paint I have used never fully erased, even with a cloth. When the paint is "treated", it never really looks that great afterward, there will always be that residue unless you wipe it clean after every use. With that said, I only tried the black paint, perhaps the color tints work better?

Have you considered using dry erase paint? It has a much cleaner look, and when applied on the wall without writing, it just looks like a white wall. If you are interested, check out my blog, www.adesignedlifeblog.com I have a link to a brand I had tested back in school (for interior design) and was pretty happy with.

posted by monialicia on February 6th 2009 at 3:56pm
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what's about chalkboard paint in the kitchen? grease on chalkboard? can you keep it clean?

posted by Linksaussen on February 6th 2009 at 4:44pm
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Okay so the secret (hardly) is out - there are several poo-pooers of chalkboard paint here at AT. But seriously, why the negative comments EVERY time there's a post about it? This person is asking for advice based on experience, not people's personal opinions about whether they like the stuff.

So lighten up, LittleRock. To each his own.

posted by TheGoodBiGirl on February 6th 2009 at 6:38pm
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People can post negative comments.
People can post positive comments.
That's what happens on blogs so if you really believe "to each his own", than it shouldn't really mattert to you if LittleRock does or doesn't dig chalkboard paint.

posted by Seaside on February 6th 2009 at 11:12pm
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Hey, everybody. Just Keep Calm and Carry On! 8^)




~ducks and runs~

posted by btoddster on February 7th 2009 at 12:19am
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If your taste in interior decor is as good as your taste in music i'm sure you'll make the right choice and it will look fantastic;)

posted by electrolad on February 7th 2009 at 8:13am
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Oops! That isn't 'your' picture above, is it.... my mistake! When you do make your choice maybe you could hang PJ Harvey's 'White Chalk' album cover on your wall too. It looks great.

posted by electrolad on February 7th 2009 at 8:18am
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I am another who doesn't "get it" with regard to writing on walls.

I didn't know they made chalkboard paint in anything but black and green. Interesting.

A word of warning, though. If you do go light, do NOT use those brilliantly colored artist chalks meant for drawing on paper. The pigments in them almost certainly will stain the paint and leave permanent marks. Look for chalks recommended for light chalkboards.

posted by SherryBinNH on February 7th 2009 at 2:40pm
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