Chalkboard paint can turn just about any hard surface into a working chalkboard. For kids' rooms this is ideal, but the uses are limited only by your needs, desires and imagination. Furthermore, the paint comes in several colors and is just about as easy to apply as regular latex wall paint.
Types
Many paint manufacturers have created types of chalkboard paint, including Krylon and Rustoleum. Chalkboard paint comes in paint cans, for rolling onto a surface with a paint roller, or spray cans, for spraying onto surfaces. You can use the traditional colors--green or black--or you can get extra creative (some types of chalkboard paint can be tinted many different colors).
Applying The Paint
This paint is applied just like regular wall paint. If using the spray paint, you'll need protective gear (painter's respirator, goggles, protective clothing), but it takes less time to apply than the roll-on kind. If you do use paint requiring a brush or roller, make sure you apply it with a sort-knapped roller. The paint needs to be applied to the surface as smoothly as possible.
Surfaces
Most walls and other hard, smooth surfaces can be used for this paint. You can even turn a child's table surface, a closet door, a dinner tray or an entire bedroom wall into a chalkboard.
This paint isn't limited for children's uses. Use it in the kitchen for jotting down grocery needs and reminders, or in the office for brainstorming.
Preparation
You should clean and dry surfaces well first or the paint won't go on smoothly and will not stick well. You may also need to sand away bumps and remove other imperfections on the surface before painting.
Time Frame
Chalkboard paint needs sufficient time (up to three days) to cure before the chalkboard is ready to use. The amount of time needed, and other preparation, may vary from brand to brand. Most kinds of chalkboard paints need one more step, after painting and curing, before they are ready to be written or drawn on. Preparing the board is easy--simply rub a flat-sided piece of chalk over the entire surface and then erase with a standard chalkboard eraser.
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