How to Create a Giant Chalkboard Wall

Chalkboard walls are convenient and functional for everything from perpetual grocery lists and weekly dinner menus to family message centers. Budding little artists in your household will also appreciate having an ever-changing canvas on which to create their latest masterpieces. Once painted, a giant chalkboard wall can satisfy many needs, whether decorative, organizational or creative. By taking time to properly prepare and prime the wall, you will ensure that your giant chalkboard wall is a success.

Paintable wall spackle
Putty knife
Sandpaper, fine-grade
Painter’s tape
Latex primer
Sponge paint rollers, 2 high quality
Chalkboard paint

Instructions

- 1
  Fill any holes in the wall using paintable spackle and a putty knife. Allow the spackle to dry completely.
- 2
  Lightly sand the wall that will be painted, using fine-grade sandpaper, until smooth. Sand the entire chalkboard area, not just the spots where spackle was applied.
- 3
  Tape off the area that is to be painted using painter’s tape. Press the tape firmly to the wall, paying special attention to the edges that will border the painted area.
- 4
  Roll on a coat of primer within the taped area, taking care not to stray outside the border. Use light, even strokes for a smooth finish. Allow the primer to dry for 1 to 2 hours.
- 5
  Roll on the first coat of chalkboard paint using light, even strokes. Avoid overworking the paint since repeatedly rolling over the same area may result in an uneven writing surface. Apply repeat coats after 4 hours of drying time in between applications.
- 6
  Allow the final coat to dry for at least 72 hours before using.
- 7
  Condition your new chalkboard wall by rubbing the side of a piece of chalk over the entire surface. Erase with a chalk eraser. Conditioning your chalkboard in this manner before using will help to ensure good erasability in the future.

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