Chalkboard Kitchen Wall

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Are you looking to add a fun and functional touch to your kitchen but on a budget? A chalkboard wall can be a great DIY way make your wall into a shopping list, menu or even art space for the kids. Chalkboard paint now comes in more than just black, so great creative! Follow these DIY tips to wake up your kitchen without spending a lot of money.

Choose Your Wall

Since you have to prep your walls before painting it is important to choose which wall you want to chalkboard paint first. If you’re planning on having the kids draw on it, it’s important that they can reach the area. Keep in mind that you do not have to do an entire wall either. Visualize what you want your kitchen look like and plan from there.

Prep Your Wall

Tools you will need include:

  • Clean lint-free cloth
  • General purpose concentrated cleaner
  • Bucket and warm water
  • 100-grit sandpaper or primer
  • Paint roller extension handle
  • Gloves
  • Drop cloth
  • Safety glasses
  • Step ladder
  • Paint tray

Materials you will need include:

  • Painter’s tape
  • Respiratory mask
  • Chalkboard paint of your choice
  • Small paintbrush

Since kitchen walls have a tendency to accumulate more grease than other rooms, you’ll want to start by cleaning your walls. Lay down tarps around any place you will be painting. After removing all decorations and nails from your wall, take a bucket of warm water and the cleaner of your choice and dilute per manufacturer’s directions. Using a lint-free rag, wipe down your walls removing any grease or food debris.

Depending on the type of walls you have, you have two main options for the next step of prep: fine-grit sand paper or primer. If your walls have a lot of damage or heavy texturing, primer may be easiest to smooth them out. However, if your walls are in fairly good condition, then a light sanding to rough up the surface should do the trick. If sanding, sand completely top to bottom and side to side without missing any spots. If you are sanding, however, be sure to wear a mask and eye protection. Some older Wisconsin homes can contain lead paint, so, as always, safety first.

Cut In With A Paintbrush

If you have a deft hand, then edging with a paintbrush around corners, windows, baseboards, etc. should be easy enough. If you’re not confident however, then a simple application of painter’s tape will protect anything you don’t want paint on.

Rolling On Wall

Using a paint roller, tray, and extension pole if necessary, roll paint on in small areas using an up-and-down “W” motion. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying time between coats and recommended number of coats.

Cleaning Up

After finishing with the painting, clean any brushes or rollers with warm, soapy water. Rinse with clean water and set aside to dry. Once the paint has fully dried, remove the painters tape and any tarps. Before using the wall, check with your manufacturer’s directions on how long you should wait, which can be anywhere from 1 to 3 days.

Enjoy!

Add your own personal touches to make your wall your own. Create a tray or box to hold chalk on the wall. Use decorative molding to create separate spaces on your wall. Write your recipe on the wall before cooking for easy reference. Make an open spice rack by adding shallow shelves and keep your most popular spices within reach. It can also be used as a family time activity to keep the kids in the kitchen but busy while you cook dinner, and then all can enjoy their art. And when you want to change your wall, use a damp rag to wipe clean and start all over!