The writing is on the wall: chalkboard paint

As mentioned in a previous blog, I was thinking of trying chalkboard paint as I needed to get all my little post-its under control. The project is now done and already is proving to be working just fine.

Finding the paint was no problem; it seems to be available at any retail store that carries paint. I had a choice of 12 different colours, as well as basic black. I opted for the black.

Once I got home, I was all set to get started. Instead of painting a part of the wall, I decided to paint over an old painting, about 2' x 3', so I could have a portable chalkboard.

Now, I discovered there are a couple of things to be aware of with chalkboard paint. It's not quite as fast as those home decorating shows on TV make it look, so be sure to read the directions:

- Once painted, you have to wait 3 days before the chalkboard can be used.
- And after the 3 days, the board has to be conditioned by adding chalk all over, then erased.
- And it cannot be wiped down with a wet cloth for 7 days.

Patience is a virtue in this case.

I also needed to stock up on chalk. This proved to be a bit more difficult. Sidewalk chalk is abundant at this time of year. An office supply section did not seem to stalk regular chalk, despite searching up and down three aisles over and over. Finally I checked the children section, the part that carries crayons. Aha! It seems that Crayola makes chalk, available in white and in boxes of  12 colours.

With chalk in hand I then got my new chalkboard conditioned. Voila! Ready for use. Notes are now transferred and little doodles and sketches. Who knows, maybe a new career as a chalkboard artist will be next!