Lizette Schapekahm - DIY Chalkboard Crafts: From Silhouette Art to Spice Jars, More Than 50 Crafty and Creative Chalkboard-Paint Ideas

Chalkboard paint can be used on almost any surface: wood, metal, glass, ceramic, clay, fabric, porcelain, plaster, cardboard, terra cotta, canvas, papier-mch, and plastic. Always begin with a clean, dry surface. A vacuum and tack cloths remove almost all dust and debris from a surface. If youve never used chalkboard paint before, here are some general guidelines. Note that for best results, you should always follow the directions found on the label of your chalkboard paint. In addition, follow these guidelines:

• Smooth, flat surfaces provide the best places to apply chalkboard paint. Do not apply chalkboard paint to bumpy or rough surfaces.
• If painting on wood, make sure the surface is smooth before painting. Sand the surface beginning with a coarser-grit sandpaper, such as 120 grit, working your way up to 220-grit sandpaper if necessary.
• Priming plastics, metals, and bare wood before using chalkboard paint will decrease the likelihood of the paint chipping, flaking, or scratching off.
• If youre using primer, use the correct kind for your surface. (For example, use primer intended for metal for metal surfaces and plastic primer for plastic surfaces.)
• If using multisurface chalkboard paint on fabrics, always prewash the fabric with soap and water. Allow it to dry thoroughly before applying the paint. Testing a small section of the fabric before initial use is always a good idea. Chalkboard paint will not adhere to all fabrics, so read the instructions on the label before proceeding.
• Painters tape will give you crisp, clean edges and help prevent any paint from leaking onto surfaces that you wish to remain paint free. Always remember to firmly press the tape down before painting. I find that FrogTape works best for any paint project.
• Should any paint accidently leak under your painters tape, scrape it off the surface with a razor blade.
• All chalkboard paints are not created equal, especially when it comes to drying times. Be sure to read the manufacturers instructions on the labels of your chalkboard paint to learn about waiting time in between coats of paint as well as how long it will take the paint to cure before you can season it. Some chalkboard paint will require the surface to cure for 24 hours before initial use.
• Always season a chalkboard surface before writing on it for the first time. To season a chalkboard, rub a piece of white chalk over the entire surface and then erase it. Do not use a chalk marker or colored chalk to season a chalkboard surface.
• If you want your writing to last a bit longer and not rub off so easily, use a chalk marker instead of a regular piece of chalk. To remove chalk marker from a chalkboard surface, use a damp paper towel or rag.
• When creating chalkboard-paint projects for children, make sure they dont contain anything harmful to babies or toddlers if they put them in their mouths. Most chalkboard paint is nontoxic, but it is better to be safe than sorry!

Dont limit yourself to the basic black or green chalkboard colors. There are many colors of chalkboard paint available in craft and home improvement stores. You can also have chalkboard paint tinted to almost any color, making it useable in any color scheme in your home. So go wild!

There are many resources in books and on the Internet for making your own chalkboard paint. This isnt discussed in this book, but you might want to research and try it for yourself!