I am a big fan of children using chalkboards. For one, kids seem to be drawn to them. Second, it provides young ones with a fun way to practice writing letters and numbers. Finally, older teens use the chalkboards as an outlet for expressing their creativity. Chalkboard paint is readily available at any home improvement store, and can even sometimes be found in large department stores. You can apply the paint to walls or refrigerators to give your kids their own in-home chalkboard.

• Age Guideline: 8 Years and Up
• Time Required: 30 to 60 minutes depending on the surface area (does not include drying time)

The age and time guidelines listed above are estimates. This chalkboard paint activity can be modified to suit other ages, and may take a little more time if you alter the craft to fit your needs.

Materials Needed:

• Chalkboard paint ()
• Paintbrush or roller
• Painter's tape
• Chalk ()
• Cleaning supplies

Instructions:

In order for your chalkboard paint to stick properly, you need to clean the surface. I use a little ammonia mixed with warm water. Then I dry the area with a lint-free cloth. You could also let the surface air dry if you wish.

Use painter's tape to mark off the area you want to turn into a chalkboard. I used a level to make sure my lines were straight. You can eyeball it if you want or use the edge of a ruler. Of course, you don't either one if you are making your chalkboard circular in shape.

Once you have the painter's tape in place, go over the edges of it with a device that has a smooth flat edge.

This will ensure that there are no bumps that the chalkboard paint can get in.

The next step is an optional one, however, I found that it really makes a difference. Apply a coat of primer. Traditional primer will work on walls, but you'll want to use a bonding primer on any shiny surfaces, such as metal, glass, or plastic.

Wait for the primer to dry before continuing.

Now it is time to apply the chalkboard paint. Simply brush or roll the paint over the primer that is within the area that you taped off with your painter's tape. Once you get a nice thick coat on there, you'll need to give it three days to completely dry out. Before you wait for the paint to start drying, remove the painter's tape. Do this slowly so that you have nice clean lines when you're done.

After the three days has passed, take a stick of white chalk and turn it on its side. Rub it from the top to the bottom of the chalkboard until the entire chalkboard is covered with the chalk. You will only need to do this once.

Remove the chalk from the chalkboard by spritzing a paper towel with a little water and then using it to wipe down the board. Once the chalkboard dries, your family can start using it.

Chalkboards in bedrooms are perfect for practicing math, spelling, or working on art. Chalkboards on refrigerators are great for listing the day's events or for assigning household chores.

Tips:

Sand the surface where you plan on applying the chalkboard paint if possible before brushing the paint on for better adhesion.

Apply a second coat of chalkboard paint if you don't use a primer.