{Party Trends} Chalkboard Paint Ideas!

Looking for chalkboard paint ideas? You’ve come to the right place!

We are HUGE fans of chalkboard craft ideas around here! We’ve used chalkboard paint in our offices, homes, and of course…. PARTIES! Many of our readers have been chatting it up about their favorite chalkboard finds too, so we thought we’d dedicate a whole post to chalkboard.

Drink Tags (LilBDesigns) Menu Board (source) Place Cards (House & Home) Chalkboard Candle (Mine Designs), Bottles (FrenchMelody) Tin Pails (BraggingBags)

We have made many of our own chalkboard crafts by using Chalkboard Spray Paint! Find it in your craft store – spray paint aisle! The spray paint is the easiest to use but you can also buy black chalkboard paint in a pail. These days, we’re not limited to black anymore! Companies like Hudson Paint are offering chalkboard paint in a rainbow palette of colors! We’re not stopping there, however, we have the how-to to make your OWN chalkboard paint in a custom color.

How to Make Chalkboard Paint

Start with flat-finish latex paint in any shade. For small areas, such as a door panel, mix 1 cup at a time.

1. Pour 1 cup of paint into a container. Add 2 tablespoons of unsanded tile grout. Mix with a paint stirrer, carefully breaking up clumps.

2. Apply paint with a roller or a sponge paintbrush to a primed or painted surface. Work in small sections, going over the same spot several times to ensure full, even coverage. Let dry.

3. Smooth area with 150-grit sandpaper, and wipe off dust.

4. To condition: Rub the side of a piece of chalk over entire surface. Wipe away residue with a barely damp sponge.

If you find that chalk doesn’t produce as smooth and clean a look as you wish, try CHALK INK that washes off with water but writes easily on chalkboard! Find it online at a number of locations such as The Writing Pen Store.

5 Chalkboard Paint Ideas

1. Welcome & Menu Boards

The simplest way to use a chalkboard in a party or wedding is as a large sign or menu! Write “Welcome”, “Bon Appetite”, or “Happy Birthday” or simply write the drink or food menu for guests.

Purchase a chalkboard sign from etsy (like this one below from bragging bags shop) or make your own by using chalkboard paint on a piece of craft wood and place inside a decorative picture frame.

Chalkboard signs via Sugar Paper

2.  Place Cards

What I love about using mini chalkboard signs as place cards? They’re reusable! Paint small wooden pieces for an easy, DIY place card to use over and over again! Bragging Bags shop on etsy has another neat chalkboard place card set for sale that is PERFECT for Easter!

Chalkboard Chargers via Playing Grown Up

3. Favor & Decoration Tags

Use small chalkboard tags for favors and gifts! You can tie them on a flatware set, tie around a napkin, wine glasses, or around small vases.  Make your own by painting small wood pieces from the craft store. We love these burlap chalkboard tags from blue pearls.

4. Decorative Accents

Chalkboard vinyl stickers can be found across the web! Perfect for children’s parties – set out an array of colored chalk and let the kids decorate! Whether they decorate their own chalkboard craft to take home as a favor or a larger wall art for a playroom or child’s bedroom, the kids will enjoy playing and crafting! These fun butterflies & baseball are from The Vinyl Chalkboard.

5. Wine & Drink Labels!

Label your bar mixers, juices, syrups, or use as drag tags for larger parties! Make your own with vinyl stickers or purchase these from Pier1.

If you loved these chalkboard paint ideas, let us know in the comments!