How to Create a Floor to Ceiling Chalkboard on a Wall
In my early days of blogging I wrote a post entitled, How to Draw Like an Artist on a Chalkboard. It is where I shared all the chalkboard drawing tips I learned over the years, like dipping the chalk in water before using. In my previous house I had a large chalkboard in the kitchen and later moved it to the dining room where I enjoyed changing what was on it for the season, like drawing a turkey on the chalkboard for Thanksgiving and a 3-D Bunny on the board for Easter.
After we moved to the lake house and I painted the kitchen cabinets, I hung a small chalkboard on a wall to continue drawing on it for the seasons, when entertaining and for celebrations. It was fine, but small for the ideas I wanted to create.
About 2 weeks ago when I was walking into the kitchen from the living room, I saw the wall (the one with the DIY Christmas Card Organizer on it) that separates the two rooms in an entirely different light. I didn’t even hesitate, I went directly to the garage and grabbed a can of black chalkboard paint I had leftover from a previous project and painted the wall to make it one giant chalkboard.
The photo above is from a previous Christmas. I am showing it since I didn’t get a “before” shot of the wall before I painted it.
Here is the “AFTER”.
How to Paint a Floor to Ceiling Chalkboard Wall
How to Paint a Floor to Ceiling Chalkboard WallThe reason I didn’t hesitate to paint it was I knew that painting a chalkboard on the entire wall would add what I felt was missing in the room… something fun and out of the ordinary. I was feeling the need to add some character to the space as well as give myself a larger canvas to create.
It is still a work in progress, but that is the best part, it will always be changing.
After the paint was dry and I seasoned the chalkboard to prevent “ghosting”, I placed the chalk holder jars and the OPEN/CLOSED sign back on the wall to add dimension.
I could not be happier with not only having a large canvas to draw on again, but I also love how the black wall looks. It adds visual interest where there was once none. It also visually separates the open concept between the kitchen and living room while taking up zero space.
How to Paint a Floor to Ceiling Chalkboard Wall
When choosing a wall to paint a chalkboard on, check to make sure the wall surface is smooth. If the wall was previously painted, look closely for any dried paint drips, paint roller edges or orange peel stippling that happens when paint is rolled on a wall with a thick nap roller. These will show up on the chalkboard painted surface. If you find any imperfections, smooth the wall surface with 100 grit sandpaper before painting with chalkboard paint. If there are any holes, fill these with Spackle and then smooth.
If the wall has not been previously painted, you should apply a primer first. Any brand name of primer is find. I like KILZ primers. If the paint store sells it or will mix it for you you can get grey primer. It is better to use when painting a wall a dark color. Roll on one or two light coats and let dry. Make sure the primed surface is smooth, then proceed.
supplies needed:
- Rustoleum Chalkboard Paint in Black
- Chalk – white for seasoning. If you want to use color, after seasoning, I found Crayola Drawing Chalk has the best colors. It says the chalk is for paper, but it works fine on painted chalkboard walls.
- Painter’s tape
- Paint roller, tray and paint brush
- Use painter’s tape to tape off wall. Roll on 2 coats of black chalkboard paint, letting the first coat dry before applying the second.
How to Season or Prime a Chalkboard
1. Once paint is completely dry, you need to “SEASON” or “PRIME” the chalkboard. Doing this lessens “ghosting” of the first drawing and future drawings that will permanently show up after you clean the chalkboard. It will happen, so don’t skip this step.
2. It is easy to season the chalkboard. Simply hold a piece of chalk on its side and rub it all over the chalkboard until the surface is completely covered in white.
3. Rub the just rubbed over chalk into the surface with a soft dry cloth and then lightly dampen a piece of felt or a Handi-Wipe and rub over wall. The chalk will not all come off, but you don’t want it to.
Let the board look chalky for a few weeks, as you can see I did on mine. Over time and the more you draw and erase, the board surface will take on a softer overall black/grey color.
If Ghosting Happens on Your Chalkboard
Reader TIP: Joan, a blog reader wrote to tell me that she had ghosting on her chalkboard wall, but didn’t have to repaint it. Here is what she did: She used Dawn Dish Detergent full strength and a Mr Clean Magic Eraser and gently rubbed until she got all of it out. After it was dry, she proceeded to “season” the chalkboard wall again as usual.
How Hard is it to Paint Over a Chalkboard Wall?
When I want to change the chalkboard wall back to a normal painted wall, it is not hard to do. To paint over the chalkboard paint, use 180-grit sandpaper to lightly sand the surface, then wash the area with a small amount of dish detergent and water to throughly clean the surface. Rinse well. Once the surface is dry, apply a latex primer. Let dry and then apply the new color of paint.
To learn all my chalkboard drawing tips and tricks and where to find inspiration art and free printables, head over to my post: How to Draw Like an Artist on a Chalkboard
Do you have any area in your house that you added something fun, out of the ordinary or unexpected?
Alisa says
Do you know if it’s necessary to season a chalkboard wall if you’ll be using chalk markers?
Diane Henkler says
Hi Alisa –
I don’t think seasoning a chalkboard wall would help when using chalk markers, but it should be done as it can only help. It creates a buffer layer.
Some chalk markers cannot be removed from a porous chalkboard and are only made for using on glass, metal or sealed surfaces. I would check to see on a small area of your wall if the chalk markings come off. I have used chalk markers on metal and when I wiped the drawing off, it left a shadow even on the non-porous surface that I have never been able to remove. If you want deep colors for a porous chalkboard wall, check out this chalk: https://amzn.to/3c5DuyC or this dustless chalk: https://amzn.to/2TBItAQ
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anju anu says
Thank you for sharing these nice idea.
Alison says
Just put up the twinkle lights I ordered from the link in your previous post. They are charming!
Diane Henkler says
Hi Alison – Don’t they look magical? I love the atmosphere they create.
Joanne B. says
Once again, you never cease to amaze and inspire! I only WISH I had a suitable wall, but I am considering all options- I sort of do a “WWDD” (What Would Diane Do”) when I am stumped for a good idea. I do have a framed chalk board in my kitchen that I am somewhat embarrassed to admit that I have not changed or erased since February because I was just not sure I could come up with another good design. I love it the way it is now – just a vine/wreath effect with our last name initial in the center that goes well year round. I did manage to create a Christmas one last year and since I am forever doubting my abilities and hold myself to a high standard of ‘perfection’, when I do something that pleases me I want to hold onto it forever! It was February when my husband said it’s time to take the (chalkboard) Christmas tree down and I sadly erased it and did the wreath/initial. But now that you have rekindled my interest in chalkboard art perhaps I will study up your guide and give it another try and create another masterpiece for THIS Christmas. I ma a good copy-er and embellish well once I get a spark of an idea from someone else’s talent. You are so generous for always sharing your ability to create a comfortable home and we are so grateful!
Diane Henkler says
Hi Joanne – I am my own worst critic too, but always have to remind myself that I am not after perfection. I decorate my house to add things that make me or a family member smile and feel good. If I really like a drawing, before erasing, I always take a photo of it with my phone so that I can remember it and maybe someday recreate it. Enjoy creating and let your imagination do it’s thing, even if you use another’s art as inspiration, add your own touches to it to make it truly yours.
Sher says
It looks GREAT.
I painted a wall in my youngest daughter’s room when she was growing up. I first painted 1/2 the wall with magnetic paint first. Same brand. Not sure if they still make it or not. . .then I painted chalkboard paint over entire wall including magnetic painted area. She was able to hang papers on top of 1/2 of that wall too. She loved that wall as well as all of her friends. Lovely chalk art and sayings were written on that wall while she was growing up. Family who purchased our family home had a daughter who assumed ownership of that room :) – she LOVED it too.
Diane Henkler says
Hi Sher – I think they still sell magnetic paint. It sounds like the wall was a great success and perfect for a kids room, especially a teenager. Being able to use it as a memo board and art canvas made it truly unique and a way she could personally express herself. I would have loved a wall like this in my room growing up. Thanks for sharing. I know others will find inspiration with how you created the wall.
Auntie Kaye says
Hi Diane – great use of the wall and really does add texture! Questions:
1). Do you use the same steps when erasing the chalkboard when ready for new artwork? (Cover with white, wipe down, etc?)
2). How did you attach the jars to the wall.? So great to use that frame. In another setting I have one jar attached to the wall to hold some items – I used white Command strips (Velcro-type) and since the jar contents block any view of the strips the jar appears to be “floating”.
As always do enjoy your posts.
PS: Still working on re-creating your no-sew valances (have had some challenges), promise to send a pic when I finally prevail!!!
I WILL prevail…
Diane Henkler says
Thanks Auntie Kaye – Here are the answers to your questions:
1. I only add a new rubdown of chalk if the wall looks uneven in color. I always use a damp rag to remove the image, let dry and then decide how the wall looks overall. If not overly grey and even, I apply another layer of chalk to season.
2. I used Command Strips to hang the framed jars. The open closed sign is hung on a nail.
Thanks for reading my posts. Looking forward to see your valances. :-)
Valerie says
You chose a great spot for your creative chalk board! I noticed that you have stainless steel ovens. I seem to remember a post where you painted the ovens that came with the house white. Did they not hold up? Just curious as I thought that was a neat idea! Thanks!
Diane Henkler says
Hi Valerie – Good memory. Yes, I did paint the original ovens white. The paint held up perfectly. The reason we had to get a new oven was the glass cracked on one of the ovens. It was not replaceable so we had to get a new ovens. Here is a link to a post I wrote about it: https://inmyownstyle.com/10-steps-forward-2-steps-back-won.html
Amy says
Hey Diane,
Thank you for the tutorial. I chalk painted the exact same spot in my kitchen a year ago. I didn’t “season” it with chalk and have wanted to repaint it. The ghosting is so annoying. If going back over with another coat of chalk paint. Would you still recommend priming first? Thanks!
Diane Henkler says
Hi Amy – Before repainting the wall, another reader wrote that she was able to remove ghosting on her wall by using a Magic Eraser. It may be an easy fix. If it doesn’t work, then it can’t hurt to roll on one light coat of primer first, but I am not sure it will be needed. Roll on another coat of chalkboard paint, let it dry. Once it is dry, rub chalk all over to season it.