How to Get a Blackboard Effect on a Wall

Sand the wall you want to turn into a blackboard using an electric sander and a piece of sandpaper. The sander will remove paint chips and bumps, and will make the surface a bit smoother.

Fill any holes or gouges in with drywall putty. Wipe the putty smooth with a plastic scraper. Allow it to dry. Once dry, sand over it with a sander to smooth it out and remove excess putty from the wall.

Squirt a bit of dish soap into a bucket with hot water. Wash the wall you sanded using the soapy water and rags. You need to remove all the dust that resulted from sanding, as well as any dirt, and may have to wipe the surface down multiple times. Allow the wall to dry.

Place painter's tape around items you don't want to paint, such as a light switch fixture, wood work around a door, the ceiling and adjacent walls.

Shake the can of blackboard paint. Pry the lid off with a paint can key. Stir the paint with a wood stir stick.

Lay a plastic tarp on the ground beneath the wall you want to paint if you're concerned about getting paint on the floor.

Dip a paint brush into the can of blackboard paint. Paint around the items you taped off, such as a light fixture and wood work, since the roller will not be able to adequately paint the edges around these spots.

Pour blackboard paint into a paint try. Roll a paint roller in the tray, then proceed to paint the wall. Allow the first coat to dry. Point a box fan at the wall to speed up the drying process. Once dry, add a second coat of paint.