Transform Windows With Chalkboard Paint: A Simple Guide

Painting a window with chalkboard paint is a fun and creative way to add a unique touch to your home decor. It's an easy process that can be done in a few simple steps, and you can find old windows at flea markets, thrift stores, or even on the side of the road! All you need is some chalkboard paint, a clean window, and a few other supplies. This guide will take you through the steps to transform your window into a functional and stylish chalkboard.

Clean the window thoroughly

To clean a window thoroughly before painting it with chalkboard paint, you must first remove any debris from the frame and clean the glass meticulously, as this will be your chalkboard surface.

Start by placing a large bath towel under the window to catch any spills. Then, fill a bucket or large pot with clean, warm water and add a few drops of liquid dish soap.

Next, use a clean microfiber cloth or sponge to wipe down the entire window surface, starting at the top and working your way down. Don't forget to wipe the frame, inside and out. If there are any tough stains, use a toothbrush to scrub them away.

Once you've removed the initial layer of dirt, spray the window with a vinegar and water solution or a commercial window-cleaning product. You can make your own vinegar solution by mixing one part vinegar to two parts water, or for a stronger cleaner, use one capful of ammonia with two gallons of water.

Finally, dry the window thoroughly using a clean, lint-free towel or some paper towels. If any dirt or streaks remain, spray and dry the window again.

Seal the window frame

Sealing the window frame is an important step in painting a window with chalkboard paint. This process will vary depending on the type of window frame you are working with and the condition of the paint.

If your window frame has chipped paint that you want to preserve, you can seal it with a spray or water-based polycrylic. This will help to protect the paint and give it a polished look. Make sure to let the polycrylic dry completely before moving on to the next step.

If you are not concerned about preserving the original paint on the window frame, you can repaint it with a colour of your choice. Once the new paint is dry, seal it with a topcoat to protect the paint. This is especially important if you are using chalk paint, as it will help to ensure the paint adheres to the glass.

If your window frame is made of wood, you may want to consider using a primer before painting. This will help the paint adhere better and create a smoother finish.

Finally, if you are concerned about lead-based paint on the window frame, you can use a water-based polycrylic to seal it in. This will help to protect you from any potential health hazards associated with lead paint.

Tape off the frame

When painting a window with chalkboard paint, taping off the frame is an important step to ensure you get clean lines and don't get paint on the parts of the window you don't want to be painted.

To start, you'll need to clean the window frame thoroughly to ensure any dust or debris is removed. This is an important step to ensure the tape and paint adhere properly. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the frame, and be sure to let it dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Once the frame is clean and dry, you can begin taping it off. Start by covering the bulk of the frame with newspaper, then use painter's tape to secure the paper in place and create a seal to protect the frame from paint. Take your time with this step and be as precise as possible, pressing down firmly on the edges of the tape to ensure no paint seeps underneath.

After the frame is completely taped off, you can begin painting the glass with chalkboard paint. Remember to use thin coats and allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next.

When you've finished painting and the final coat is dry, carefully remove the tape and newspaper from the frame. It's important to do this slowly and gently to avoid accidentally peeling up any paint from the glass.

With the tape removed, your chalkboard window is almost ready to use! Be sure to follow any additional steps provided by the chalkboard paint manufacturer, such as curing and seasoning the chalkboard surface.

Apply chalkboard paint

Now that your window is thoroughly cleaned and taped off, it's time to apply the chalkboard paint!

For this project, you can use a brush-on or spray chalkboard paint. If you're using a brush, opt for a foam roller or 1/4" nap roller to achieve a smooth finish. Apply the paint in thin, light coats, and be careful not to overload your roller. If you're brushing on the paint, use an angled brush for the edges and a roller for the interior part of the glass.

If you're using spray chalkboard paint, work in a well-ventilated area or outdoors. Apply 5-6 thin coats of paint for the best results.

Regardless of the application method, you'll need at least three coats of paint to build up the chalkboard layer. Allow each coat to dry before applying the next.

Once you've applied the final coat, let the paint dry and cure. This typically takes 24-48 hours, depending on the product you're using. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for the exact curing time.

After the paint has cured, it's time to "season" the chalkboard. Take a piece of chalk and rub it over the entire surface, then erase it. This step helps the chalk write smoothly and erases properly.

Now your chalkboard window is ready for writing and decorating!

Cure the chalkboard

Allow the paint to cure for the amount of time noted on your specific paint can—usually, this will be between 24 and 72 hours. This is an important step as it ensures the paint is fully cured and won't scratch off the glass with normal use. Once the paint has cured, rub a piece of chalk (or a piece of wet chalk) over the entire surface of the chalkboard and then erase it. This is called "seasoning the chalkboard" and helps the chalk write more smoothly and erase properly.

If you're using chalkboard paint on a wall, the curing time is also 72 hours. After this time, you'll want to condition the wall by rubbing chalk all over the surface and then erasing it. This will close up the pores of the paint, making it smoother for writing and cleaning.

Frequently asked questions