Be sure not to confuse chalkboard paint with chalk paint. Chalkboard paint is just what it sounds like—paint that allows you to turn the item or wall you’re painting into one you can write on with chalk. It creates a hard, scratch-resistant surface and can be applied to wood, metal, drywall, glass, concrete and more. According to Rust-Oleum, a maker of chalkboard paint, the paint works best when used indoors and can be cleaned with soap and water. Allow the paint to dry for three days and once cured, prepare the surface for chalk by rubbing the side of a piece of chalk over the entire surface, and then erase it.

Protective waxing or a sealer coat of polyurethane can extend the life of chalk paint. Experts recommend sealing chalk paint finishes with a protective wax to prevent wear and tear, especially in high-traffic areas or high-touch surfaces. For peace of mind, brands like Rust-Oleum and others provide their own protective top coats designed for use with their chalk paint. A chalk paint's coverage claims should be taken with a grain of salt because of how widely varying each project is. Darker woods, for example, will require more product or coats to cover, especially if you’re using a lighter paint color. If you're going for a weathered look, full coverage might not be that important. You might even like the way the wood looks when it shows through. All things considered, 1 ounce of chalk paint will typically cover 1 to 3 square feet.

Chalkboard paint (which is not the same as chalk paint) is fun, versatile and easy to use.

Don’t Make It a Focal Point: Chalkboard paint is best used in moderation. Use it to paint a small wall or just a portion of a wall. Place the chalkboard wall in a less obvious part of your house and you won’t have to worry about the trend becoming an eyesore. A big chalkboard wall in a main part of your home—such as the living room—may end up making the room look like graffiti central. You’ll Need Two Coats: When you’re ready to paint, you’ll likely need at least two coats, if not more. This will all depend on the surface and condition of the wall you’re painting and the brand of paint you use.

To use the chalk paint on upholstery, evenly spray the fabric with water, and brush on the chalk paint (you may want to dilute it slightly). If necessary, apply a second or third coat of paint to get the desired effect. You can successfully transform a side chair or even an entire sofa with this chalk paint in minutes. Dust can prevent paint from adhering to upholstery, so be sure to clean and vacuum the surface before beginning. The paint is free of chemicals like phthalates, formaldehyde, or heavy metals and comes in 4-, 16-, and 32-ounce containers, so you can choose the right size for your needs. Chalkboard paint allows you to transform a wall into a family message center, create a small accent wall or decorate a child’s bedroom or playroom to encourage creativity. However, there are a few things to consider before you paint a chalkboard wall. What Is Chalkboard Paint? This paint dries to the touch in 30 minutes. However, if you’re looking for a more opaque finish, you’ll have to wait at least two hours between coats. While primer isn't necessary with this chalk paint, it is highly suggested for unfinished wood. You also don't need to sand your surface for the paint to adhere. If paint gets on the floor by accident, the latex formula makes it easy to clean up with just soap and water.The best chalk paint is Rust-Oleum Ultra Matte Interior Chalked Paint. With outstanding adherence and durability, this paint is great for a wide variety of surfaces. For small craft projects where you don't want a lot of leftover paint, we recommend FolkArt Home Decor Chalk Paint, which comes in bottles as small as 2 ounces and costs just about a dollar an ounce. What to Look for in a Chalk Paint Surface Compatibility Contrary to popular belief, chalk paint is incredibly versatile and can be used to paint fabrics as well as furniture and vases. Almost any chalk paint will work well on fabric, but we prefer Country Chic, because it is inexpensive and comes in more than 50 different colors. Dust: If you don’t like dust, a chalkboard wall may not be right for you. Chalk is messy and the dust from the chalk will find its way to your floor and to any furniture and crevices nearby. Colored chalk dust can also discolor any flooring or painted walls nearby.