At first thought, chalkboard paint might not seem a likely decorative element for rooms outside of the children’s bedroom or a designated play area. In fact, interactive chalkboard walls in the home make for a fun yet practical addition. Not only do they add a design edge to any room in the house, but the surface also allows for free reign on creativity andpersonalisation. Whether they are pulling focus in the kitchen, or above your work station to keep track of your to-do list, just one Pinterest search will have you dreaming of all different ways you can use a chalkboard wall.
Chalkboard paint is an enjoyable way to transform a room with minimal effort. Refreshing the walls in room-warming tones with functional solutions, such as blackboard paint, is an excellent idea for a contemporary interior. Painted with Liitu Blackboard Paint, this effortlessly applied paint can be tinted to any shade from our Feel the Colour collection, so there is no need to restrict yourself to a traditional black or green. The rich tones of X465 Brexia, from our Tundo Textured Finish collection, fold into a warm grey-beige with a slight peach pink tinge, complementing the neutral décor while keeping the room full of light. Why not go the extra mile with your chalkboard and pair it with Tikkurila Magnetic Paint to hang your favourite memorabilia or pictures?
If you can’t bring yourself to painting a full-scale wall, it is just as easy to bring this idea to life by making your own chalkboard. While this method requires a few extra steps, it can unlock an array of exciting shapes such as a free-standing rectangle chalkboard. Or go bolder and try out this idea with furniture. Give floor-to-ceiling storage cupboards a new look with chalkboard paint. When the doors are closed, the painted surface transforms into an interactive accent wall. No matter what size your room is, a painted chalkboard wall makes for a great focal point, adding drama and depth to any space.
1. PREPPING THE AREA
Begin by wiping the surface of the wall clean. If the surface requires a deeper clean, use Tikkurila Maalipesu cleaning agent to remove unwanted dirt and leave to dry. Use a good quality filler like the Tikkurila Hole-in-1 to fill cracks, nail holes, blemishes, and levelling uneven surfaces. Finish by priming wall surfaces with Luja Universal Primer.
2. FIRST STEPS
Use a flexible masking tape and begin to shape the outline of the chalkboard.
3. PRETREATMENT
Stir the Liitu Blackboard Paint, pre-mixed with your colour of choice. For a neat outline, use a small painting brush and paint onto the tape’s edge before filling in.
4. PAINTING
Fill in the rest of the chalkboard by applying two coats with a larger roller, allowing the paint to dry for 6 hours between each applied coat. Once the last coat has been applied, leave the surface to set for one week before drawing on with chalk.
