Mr. Renaissance and I decided to create a chalkboard in the kitchen because that is where the homework is done. Since I have an educational-positive theme throughout the house, we included our “periodic table of the elements.” FYI: if you know anything about me, I always look for organic and healthy alternatives in food, makeup, furniture, etc; with that said, there is nothing healthy about chalk. I have read that it has been linked to cancer in the lungs and resembles asbestos, much like baby powder. It has been stated that baby powder and chalk can be extremely hazardous to all who inhale it. Be careful that you are not writing on the chalkboard with kids standing right under it or while eating. If you are creating this in the kitchen, be careful to not write while eating, you do not want to eat that. When viewing the pictures, you will notice that we did not skim the texture on the wall. You can tell, but I was not about to undergo a deep skimming process nor add another panel board. We are thinking about the next home owner, if we ever decide to sell. We currently have books on this small bookshelf that will be relocated once my husband completes the rolling ladder bookshelf– that will be placed in the formal living room across from the Chesterfield. I can’t wait because you will find Noah, in the pictures, making a mess with the books. He seems to love the best, older books. Not good.
How did we create this super easy chalkboard? We bought the chalkboard paint. That simple. My husband taped off the top, bottom and sides to leave a border and I painted. We did cover the floor with paper in case we had some drips. We let it sit for 15 minutes before reapplying. We gave this 3 coats and let it set for 24 hours.
Note: Writing on the chalkboard creates a mess on the floor. Knowing this is important on deciding and determining if this is what you really want in your house. Another point I want to make is that if you are concerned with Formaldehyde in your home, look at the levels with the paint you purchase.
Other forms of chalkboard paint: You can spray paint, but I don’t recommend that indoors and create chalkboard paint with unsanded grout and the paint color of your choice.
I used Valspar chalkboard paint.
A small tray and a small paint roller.
For the edges, my husband used a smooth flat sponge brush. It is recommended to use a smooth paint roller that resembles the sponge, but we were all out.
Mrs. Lady Renaissance 