DIY: Chalkboard with Rustoleum. {Review}

 Rustoleum is a well known, trusted brand since 1921, that supplies paints for decorating. When Rustoleum got in touch and asked me if I'd like to try a DIY project using some paint from Rustoleum Spray Paint. I agreed because I've been wanting to try and make a chalkboard for the longest time. It is also one of my new year goals to be more creative and adventure in the land of DIY this year. I was sent some magnetic chalkboard paint along with some Chalky finish furniture paint, primer and some finishing wax. This is the first time I have tried anything like this.


 I'll start off by saying the wood that I used is wood left over from other projects, I thought I would put that to good use! I'm all for up-cycling and recycling.


First of all I sanded down my wood board, I wanted to make it a bit rough so that when I applied the paint, it went on smoother and had something to "stick" to. It also gives a smoother finish. After I had sanded down my wood board. Next up was time to prime the board first to provide a tight bond. I shook the can well (as directed on the can). I used the primer, standing about 30cm away from the board and spraying evenly and keeping the can at the same distance. As it also states on the back of the can, it dries quickly.


 While I was waiting for that to dry, I opened the magnetic chalkboard paint and gave that a good stir. It was quite watery on top and thick at the bottom, I stirred the chalkboard paint for around 8-10 minutes, making sure that it was a thicker, even consistency, I also left it to settle for a few minutes. The paint is very black and nice and was nice and smooth after it had been stirred well.
The magnetic chalkboard paint can be used on many surfaces such as wood, metal, plaster and much more. It is for interior use only. 

 Once the primer was dry, I started painting the chalkboard using a medium sized paint brush. I noticed that the wood absorbed the paint quite fast and knew that it would need at least 2 coats. The magnetic chalkboard paint is quite thick and smooth, it painted onto the wood really well! I knew I didn't have to be to neat with this as I was going to adding more coats of paint.
Once the first coat was dry (it took about 45 minutes to dry outside), I added a second coat and noticed that the paint was going on a lot smoother and was starting to really look like a chalkboard!

After the second coat it still looked a little patchy and so I went ahead with a third coat. Again it didn't take very long to dry and the paint went on very smoothly and it honestly didn't take very long to paint at all! Three coats is recommended and my board certainly needed three coats. 

Chalkboard after the third coat.

I decided I was going to use some pine edging (that I had left over from when we had the flooring laid) for the border around my chalkboard. I decided on the pink chalky paint for the edging. I did have to saw the edging to size and angles.


I did give the pine edging a quick wipe down just to remove any dust/lose bits. Again, I used a paint brush to apply the paint onto the edging strips. The paint itself is a really good consistency, neither to thick nor too thin. It is actually quite a "chalky" paint, too. The good thing I really like about this paint is, it can be applied to wood without any preparation or sanding.

It can be painted directly onto old paint and vanish using either a roller or a paintbrush. I used a paintbrush. The coverage of this paint was amazing! In just one streak with a paintbrush it covered pretty much most of one edge! I did need to give it a second coat though, although it did look alright after one coat but the wood I used absorbed it quite quickly. And I really wanted a bright finish so a second coat it was. It did take a while to dry, I left it for a good couple of hours to dry completely. Again, the second coat went on really smoothly and with such good coverage. A little bit of paint seems to go a long way. Chalky furniture paint would be perfect for giving furniture that "shabby Chic" finish look.


Once that was completely dry, I attached the edges to the chalkboard using small tacs (you can use a strong wood glue or screws) and I painted over them with the pink chalky paint. Once that was completely dry (It took around 2 hours to completely dry) I applied the finishing wax using an old cloth. I wiped the finishing wax into the painted frame and worked it in by rubbing up and down quite firmly. The finishing wax protects the frame and also gives it a lovely smooth finish. I left that to dry for about half an hour and then went over it with a soft cloth, almost buffing it. The frame was then left with a nice sheen finish. I then left it for a further fifteen minutes to dry fully.

A sheen finish!

I tried normal chalkboard chalk and chalk pens on the chalkboard, both work wonderfully. The chalkboard washes perfectly with soapy water.

I tried normal chalkboard chalk and chalk pens on the chalkboard, both work wonderfully. The chalkboard washes perfectly with soapy water.  That's it my chalkboard is complete! Not bad for a first attempt, huh? Especially because I already had the wood and I do like to recycle! I am really quite proud of my chalkboard (and myself!). I know that my daughter will enjoy playing schools with this chalkboard and it also makes a good "reminder" board for myself, hehe.
I can't recommend using Rustoleum paint enough, honestly, it is really good quality, great coverage and leaves a lovely finish, too!

I feel very inspired to try other DIY projects now. I might give up cycling a piece of furniture a go next.... Watch this space.

Also check out Rustoleum's  youtube channel for more great ideas, inspiration and tips!

Have you attempted any DIY projects lately? Let me know in the comments.

Sarah xXx






I was sent samples of the paints and finishing wax for the purpose of this post. All opinions and words are my own, honest, personal opinions. I was not paid for this post.