Some things just seem too good to be true: sugar-free chocolate, free samples, and chalkboard paint to name a few. The idea that you can swipe on a few coats of paint and have an instant chalkboard surface? Must be too good to be true. But it’s not!
I had been stalking this paint in my local craft store when, lo and behold, I was a runner-up in the Plain Trick Your Pumpkin Contest and won a swag bag filled with Plaid products (also too good to be true, right?) And there it was, two colors of FolkArt Chalkboard paint to try out!
I cracked it open, and found it to be a very thick paint with a mild odor. The viscosity is somewhere around that of gravy. Now usually I swatch up samples for acrylic paint, but because this is a specialized paint, I just dove right in.
The first project was making a “countdown” calendar for the holidays. I decided to use the picture frame opening for the space in which to try the chalkboard paint. The actual back of the frame was bumpy, so I cut a piece of cereal-box cardboard to fit the opening and painted that.
The instructions said to use two coats, and I was skeptical. I mean, it covered and all, but I was fully prepared to put and extra coat on just to make sure. After inspecting the coverage after the second coat dried, I was satisfied and left it be.
Priming the surface with chalk.
I found no issues with wrinkling the cardboard, either. I “primed” the surface by rubbing chalk on the surface, rubbing it in, then wiping off the excess. I finished the frame (directions on that tomorrow) and set up our calendar:
And I LOVE the way the chalk shows up on the hot pink! Perfect. And we’ve been using the calendar here at home, and the chalkboard surface wipes clean easily with just a dry paper towel. Another bonus!
Then I went ahead and tried covering a whole MDF frame with the chalkboard paint. (I thought it would be the quickest holiday gift ever!) Again, two coats covered perfectly. The directions say to let the second coat dry 24 hours, so you need a little bit of curing time.
This pic shows just one coat- still great coverage.
Talk about a quick and easy gift!
So now my mind was racing- what ELSE can I cover with chalkboard paint? Theoretically, any porous surface is fair game. I took a leap and tried recycling an old vitamin bottle by painting the label:
If the label is glossy, sand lightly.
This time it DID take 3 coats, as well as a light sanding of the label itself (it was glossy and the paint didn’t stick well.) But can you imagine all the little boxes, tins, and containers you can recycle? Just a quick swipe of paint and you can write what’s inside. Brilliant!
Upcycle old jars & boxes!
I’m also pleased to report that Folk Art Chalkboard Paint comes in some great colors, too: red, orange, brown, purple, hot pink, camouflage, green, true blue, slate gray, black and white. (See the full-color chart here.) Now, I also love the wide-mouth 8 oz jar- you can just dip your foam brush in and GO. The package states that it will cover 10 sq. feet with one coat, so you can estimate how much paint you’ll need for larger projects. And, because this paint is an acrylic, it’s water-based and cleanup was a snap with just soap and water.
Lastly, for you folk who work in institutional crafting (activities directors, daycare teachers, art therapists- I’m looking at you) this product is certified Non-Toxic, so you can use and store Chalkboard Paint easily in your workplace. And at around $6 a bottle, it won’t break your budget, either.
FolkArt Chalkboard paint is readily available, too, both online and in craft and big box stores.
Since I cannot find a down side to this product, it earns my Craft Test Dummies Seal of Approval!
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I have been wondering about this paint also. My daughter wants some for her door. Looks like it will work great!!
I super love chalkboard paint. I’ve even used it on glass! Great review!
Awesome!!! Looks like fun!
I LOVE chalkboard paint. My favorite color is the white if you can believe it! Great review Jenny!
years ago before I sold my then house, I had replaced the sink to a modern one and there was a huge gap on the wall. Decided to get a smooth piece of shelf from the local home depot. Nailed it to wall. Painted the chalkboard paint to the board. Let it dry. Covered the nails with trim. Before I sold the house I left coloured chalk, a congratulatory message to the new owners, and drew a bottle of wine, glasses, some fruit, and veggies to give them grocery list ideas 🙂 Today I come to read the test you had with Plaid because my ship came-pre-opened, and had leaked in shipping so there were no directions. I am re-coating a cat kitchen chalk board from the 50’s that I bought at a yard sale- I am finally breaking down and freshening it up since I like to put menus, or easy recipes for the spouse on it. Thank you for including your experience. I will let this dry and then give it another coat or two.
I am currently using the black chalkboard paint for a project for my classroom. I have some old plastic magazine holders. They are a dingy gray color and stained. I am painting the front of them with the chalkboard paint. I decided to prime them first with a spray primer for plastic and acrylic paint. I know if you paint acrylic paint on plastic it is bad about flaking off and not sticking. I just finished the 4th coat. Once I’m done I’m going to tape off the chalkboard section and paint them bright colors to accent the chalkboards and to clean them up. When I’m done I hope they make a fun storage option for my class.
I was so hesitant to try the chalkboard paint but you eased my mind. Thank you. I am still wondering what the was is for.