Framed Kitchen Blackboard

Paint a swath of black in a corner of the kitchen, frame it with crisp white moulding and let the board take over from messy notes and lists, or use it for an extra-large calendar or menu selections.

Blackboard Basics

Using blackboard paint is a snap. You’ll have to invest a little time, but the actual technique is quite simple. The keys to success are to apply several coats (two to three), let each dry thoroughly, and allow the final coat to cure for several days before writing on the surface.

• To prepare the surfaces, lightly sand the area with 120- or 140-grit sandpaper (this will allow the paint to adhere best to the surface). Wipe the surface with a damp cloth to clean away all dust.
• Using low-tack masking tape, carefully tape off the area you will be painting.
• Apply a coat of primer (use Benjamin Moore’s Fresh Start 023 primer on already-finished surfaces and Benjamin Moore’s Alkyd Enamel Underbody 217 on raw wood). Let dry overnight.
• Apply a coat of blackboard paint (try Benjamin Moore’s Studio Finishes Chalkboard Paint 307). Let dry overnight.
• Apply a second coat of blackboard paint. Let dry thoroughly. If needed, apply a third coat. To let the final coat dry thoroughly, wait at least three days (and ideally seven) before writing on the blackboard surface.

Project Details: Framed Blackboard Wall

What it Cost

Moulding $20
Primer $14
Blackboard paint $14
TOTAL $48

Materials and Tools

• 4 pieces 5’-long 1” x 4” moulding
• Handsaw
• Low-tack masking tape
• Sandpaper and cloth
• 1 L primer
• 1 L blackboard paint
• Paint (for frame)
• Wood glue
• 1-1/2” screws

Decide how much of the wall you want to cover with blackboard. In this case, we painted the top half of the wall above the existing wainscotting — a 4’ h. x 5’ w. space. We made the frame from four pieces of 1” x 4” moulding. You can purchase this moulding at a building-supply store.

Step 1: Measure and cut moulding

If possible, have the store mitre the four pieces of moulding to length as per the dimensions of your desired blackboard surface. If you cannot, cut it yourself with a handsaw, making sure that the ends have exact 45° angles.

Step 2: Prepare and paint wall

Tape off the surface to be painted. Place the tape on the wall 1” in from where the outer edge of the frame will lie. On the kitchen wall, the bottom of the frame lies 1/2” above the top of the wainscotting. Prime and paint the wall according to the instructions in Blackboard Basics.

Step 3: Paint moulding

Paint the moulding pieces (and let dry) before attaching them to the wall. We used the paint colour of the room’s trim and wainscotting for a clean, contemporary look.

Step 4: Attach frame to wall

Once the blackboard and moulding paints are completely dry, apply glue to the moulding and attach it to the wall using 1-1/2” screws.