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I have deduced that I am a “Chalkboard-ologist”.
A Chalkboard-ologist you say?
Well, I believe that 747 posts on how to transform mirrors, trays, frames and whatever you can into a chalkboards, makes me a “Chalkboard-ologist”.
In my quest to further my studies on chalkboard-ology I recently experimented with my favorite chalkboard paint vs. spray chalkboard paint.
Many of you have asked me my opinion regarding and I really didn’t know.
But I do now.
Ready? This is a serious study so there will be a ton of photos. Be prepared……
What I used:
I have used different chalkboard paints and Rust-Oleum by far is my favorite.
I don’t have peeling issues and it goes on smoother.
They are both on sale right now at Amazon. They also qualify for super save shipping. WIN/WIN!
I ordered 700!
I didn’t.
600.
I wanted to!
10
For real. My husband about had a heart-attack.
On sale? Free shipping? It was a no brainer. PLUS my Lowes stopped carrying it and I could not find Rust-Oleum brand chalkboard paint anywhere. RUST-OLEUM…do you hear me? I think you should send me some free stuff to talk about!
My chalkboards have been pinned thousands of times and are number one on google searches.
Amen.
Send ME some…..then I can give you some. ; ) FOR FREEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!
I’m off track……
Back to my research.
Two thrift store mirrors.
First off…..spray paint mirror.
I can tell you that I have ALWAYS painted my “brush” on chalkboard paint right on mirror and glass. You know that from my 1000 different chalkboards BUT I was not confident about spray paint right on. I need my chalkboards durable. I sell them and if I use them, I use a damp rag to erase. I don’t want to worry about peeling, scratching etc. So….I primed the surface of the “Spray paint” chalkboard.
Then I did a layer of “spray paint” chalkboard paint.
No, I didn’t tape. I knew that when I distressed dark wood would peep through and I wasn’t too worried if parts were “darker” because of the black paint. So don’t be “hating” on me. : )
I was worried about these “dots” or “wet” looks though, that spray paint can give when spraying too closely. No worries….they eventually dried.
It was a super smooth finish and I was feeling pretty good about it.
Then my brush lightly scratched it and mirror showed.
AFTER TWO COATS AND PRIMER!
NOT GOOD!!!!
So, I applied three coats, like I do with my brush paint BUT there were “thin” spots though that I used my “brush paint” to cover.
Cost of spray paint……$7.19 right now on Amazon and I used maybe half the can? Could be less it was hard to tell by feel of the weight of the can. I think it had to be half though.
Ok…….”Brush on paint “chalkboard paint.
I am just going to show you the finished product. I didn’t prime. Just brushed on with foam brush and three coats.
It felt thick AFTER applying and drying. Just like I like it and durable. I also used maybe 1/18 of the can or less? These cans last FOREVER.
Price right now on Amazon for brush on paint……$14.93 for 30 ozs. I will get about twenty chalkboards (at least) out of this can.
Now….here is where personal preference comes in.
Can you see how the writing is smoother on the spray paint side?
It’s a little “rougher” on the brush side.
I like that look. It reminds me of a “real” slate chalkboard.
But if you like “neat and tidy”, you may like the smoothness spray paint offers.
So…….
My PERSONAL thoughts.
Spray paint cons:
* Scratches easily
* Not as cost-effective
Spray paint Pros:
* Smoother Finish
Brush paint cons:
* Rougher surface
Brush paint Pros:
* Price effective
* Longer lasting
* Durability
Does that answer some questions?
You can check out my other chalkboard posts under the “tags” on the right of my page. There are a ton!
ENJOY and SHARE!
Do you have a favorite? Spray paint vs brush?
What do you think of my “wooden” chalkboard vs painting it?
I think I really like the natural look. I bought it like this. Someone had attempted stripping it but I liked the rough look and uneven stain. I just polished.
So, am I an official “chalkboard-ologist? Should I add it to my resume?
Like the natural wood?
Have a preference?
Tell me what you think!
I can’t wait to hear from you!
Love,
Me
PS. If you are just joining please “Like” on Facebook. It is such a neat place to get to know you and hang out. Subscribe to emails so you won’t miss a post and let me know if we can “tweak” this new design even more to assist you!
PPS.
I’m linking up to:
http://www.atthepicketfence.com/2012/08/its-inspiration-friday-no-79-welcome.html
http://www.foxhollowcottage.com
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I’ve used both as well. The spray paint version has held up well on my non-glass/mirror surface. And I did like the smoother surface. But agreed- the brush on is much more cost-effective.
Thank you Molly! I love hearing that someone else has done as well. I was worried about how the spray would hold up on the mirror. So glad you took the time to comment! Love having you around! Love, Me
I like the name thing-gives authority! I think I’ll be a trim painting-ologist. Why? Cause I’ve applied for tons of jobs this year and no one gives a hoot about someone 10 years out of the workforce. And I’ve painted more trim in this crazy house than I could shake a stir-stick at. Ahem.
But anyway, about your post!
, I’m glad you did the review. I’m cheap so all I’ve tried is the roll-on, but I have been curious about spray. I like the cleaner finish but still I’m too cheap to go that route.
And if you hear from Rust-o-leum tell them to give me a holla too! We’ve used tons of their deck products as well as spray paints
.
Ugh, I feel your pain about applying for jobs! Did you check out my Goodwill secrets series. Check out number #4. I think it may help your situation. It is me. Don’t forget to edit your resume to include “trim-ologist/paint-ologist”. ; ) I will give Rust-o-leum a “holla” for you too! Love, Me
Great timing! I’m in the process of creating a few chalkboards today. I’ve never painted on glass or mirrors before, but today decided to keep the glass and paint on it. I’ve started with two coats of chalkboard spray paint. After reading this I do believe that I’ll be adding a coat of brushed on paint as a “just in case”.
Yes, the brush on paint is much more cost effective and for that reason alone i’ll be continuing with that. Luckily, both forms were in my stash and ready to use.
I’m going to be certain to link your study on my chalkboard post when it’s completed. It’s great!
I’ve only used the brush on but was curious about the spray. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the subject! Love all your chalkboards!!
Good info! I haven’t been too impressed with the sprays. I am getting ready to paint a wall of my kitchen (brush of course).
I’ve learned you can use regular black enamel paint to make a chalkboard, you don’t have to spend more for chalkboard paint. I brushed on some black enamel I had left over from another project, onto a thrifted metal tray. It took two coats of paint. When it was dry I primed the board by rubbing the side of a piece of chalk over the entire painted surface then wiped it off well with a dry cloth. It works very well as a message board & I even made some as gifts. Everyone loved them & no one ever noticed it was chalkboard paint.
I wonder if you could just the canned kind in a paint sprayer? That way you could get the smooth finish effect like the spray can kind with the durability of the canned kind…Hmmm. Guess it might be too thick to use in a sprayer but I see an experiment of my own in the near future!
Hi Rebecca, I haven’t tried the brush-on yet but I just purchased a quart. I’m a chalkboard making fool…..I have been turning the mirror around in the frame and have used the back so if someday I get tired (or my customers do) of the chalkboard it can easily be reverted back to a mirror…..
Peggy
Thanks for the tips, love all your chalkboard projects!
Thanks for the comparison! I’ve only used the brush-on chalkboard paint, but I rolled it on over some primer and it turned out really smooth. So, that’s an option that marries the best of both worlds! I blogged about it here: http://jenwoodhouse.com/blog/2011/08/02/kitche-chalkboard/
Hi – I tried only the Martha brand on an old mirror and despite several layers I still got some mirror peeking through. I the put a product called Primetch which I have used with great success on tile and stainless steel – and then applied the Martha chalk paint and it still showed through. So I guess I will give the rust oleum product. I also have some mirror peeking through on the very edges. Maybe it wS just a tough mirror to cover – it was pretty old, probably 50 or more years
Rimer is in order?I also had trouble getting Annie Sloan chalk paint to cover some old trays that were made of copper and another I think was silver plated. I guess that means primer is in order?
Hi, I too have rolled the chalkboard paint on with a foam roller it works really well. I only do two coats you are right about the can it lasts FOREVER!
Hi Connie! Can you tell me what type of roller brush you used. Nap? Foam?
I tried both and they each had this bubbly finish rather than a smooth look.
Thanks!
Hello! I’m looking for fast help!! I am trying to use the top of a finished wooden table (bought at Hobby Lobby with smooth paint on the top and “pencil legs” and turn the top of the table into a chalkboard. I have the can of paint an used a roller as recommended on the can. But when I started to roll the paint on, little bubbles formed, as if from the foam of the roller material, rather than from air.
I used a recommended type of roller brush and something still seems wrong. I’m not getting a smooth finish. I quickly used water to wipe off the mess.
Can anyone please help, or recommend anything! I’m trying to do this for my nieces birthday in a few days.
I’m thinking of using the spray can method but not sure of its durability on a wooden table.
Suggestions are welcomed!!! Thank you!!!
Hey Jenna! I emailed Connie directly and asked her if she could help you and the issue you are having. Let me know if she contacts you!
Love, Me
Thank you so much Connie and Rebecca for your help and input. I ends up purchasing the spray paint and it worked wonderfully!
Gonna try and see if Home Depot will return my paint can and roller since I was told they have a guarantee. But either way, it worked! Yay!
Thanks again!
For the ‘bubbles’ issue when rolling on chalkboard paint, I’ve found two ways around it.
I’ve had less bubble issues with a cotton mini roller than I’ve had with the foam mini rollers – try a different type of roller.
The other work around for bubbles is to roll it on then I set my air compressor to very low output pressure and gently blow over the whole thing using the air gun attachment. This essentially ‘pops’ the bubbles and all is well.
WONDERFUL, HELPFUL POST. I love it!! Only ever used spray, now I know the the pros and cons without testing myself
Thanks Reb
This is so funny. I was in the shower (don’t you do your best thinking there?) And I thought to myself, that I would post on FB about this very subject. To see who likes what. I have always used rustoleum in a can. I bought spray for the first time ever yesterday. Used it today. I got mine at The Home Depot for $4.98.
Anyway, after I got out of the shower, I forgot to do the fb post and I saw this on Pinterest! I couldn’t get over here fast enough to read your thoughts.
I too do 3 coats with the quart (using a foam brush) I have a particular project in mind for the spray. I hope it works.
Thanks for your thoughts!
gail
Great post – I have also turned into a chalkboard paint fanantic. I am painting everything with it that I can. Have not tried the spray paint version but, good to know the pros and cons. Stopped by from Debbidos Pinterest Party….am now following your blog and facebook page…..
I found the best paint is basic FLAT paint and a foam brush work best. Cheap and no brush marks. Using flat paint you can use different colors for your chalk board!!
Hey ya’ll,
I have to make a chalk or dry-erase board for a “pictionary” type game and thought it would be easier and cheaper to make my own chalk board. I am considering the Rust-Oleum Spray paint since it is only $4.98 at Home Depot, but my only concern is if it will be durable enough for a “pictionary” type game.
Help!
Thank you!
We have used like crazy and it has been fine. Just do a couple of thin coats! Have fun!
They also make chalkboard contact paper. It’s fantastic. Just peel and stick!
http://www.amazon.com/Kittrich-Corporation-06F-C9052-06-Chalkboard-Contact/dp/B000KKMO90/?ref=pd_bxgy_hi_text_y
Have you ever tried sanding the brush-on with a super fine grit sandpaper?
I haven’t? Have you tried that? I have never even heard of that. What would the purpose be of using sandpaper? Just curious.
Hello. I’m making a chalkboard frame for my husband for Valentine’s Day and used the spray form chalkboard paint…I can’t find a chalk that will write smoothly, evenly and dark enough. Any suggestions, please?? Thank you!!
You can either wet down the board with a rag or dip your chalk tip in water. Your writing will dry smooth and dark.
This is such a good tip and I can’t wait to try it! XOXO! I just saw this comment in my spam. Sorry!
I actually have 2 chalkboard paint projects drying right now. One is spray chalkboard paint and the other regular brush chalkboard paint, both Rust-oleum. The spray paint is being used on a piece of wood that will be fit in to my pantry door to make grocery lists. I applied the brush paint directly to my laundry room wall, where it will be framed and used as a place to write my “To Do” list. My husband is worried about the spray paint on the wood because he thinks it doesn’t seem smooth enough. The first coat is still drying. Have you used the spray chalkboard paint on wood? And if so, is it supposed to dry perfectly smooth?
Thanks
I am sorry for the delay in responding to you! You actually went to my spam. I have used chalkboard spray paint on wood and it does go on smoothly, if your wood is smoothe. Did you finish your chalkboards by now? : ) Tell me about it! XOXO! Rebecca
Howdy!
I can imagine the finish that was on the wood frame, and I’m glad it’s stripped. And all the marks just draw out its depth and character even more. Great choice and good job NOT buffing it out to a more uniform look! I love that colonial or federal style (especially square notched trim!)
One of my favorite chalkboards and hated letting it go…..the lady that bought it loved it like we do though, so that is a good thing. XOXO! : )
Have you ever tried the make your own chalkboard paint ? With latex paint and sand free grout ? Also have you ever painted ceramic tile ? Want to know if I need to primer them because they have a smooth finish slightly glossy.
I did a mirror. Using spray and when it dried it had a crackel all over the dried surface
Cindy! What a pain! I am wondering if it was too many coats before it dried? You could lightly sand and now do another coat. Let me know how that works. What brand did you use? XOXO! Rebecca
Hi
Today I made my very first chalk table! It had been an idea in my head for quite sometime as we had an old Ikea side table that was stained beyond belief with our kids’ markers and what not that needed re-purposing.
I had originally thought of mixing my own chalkboard paint after reading so much about it and had even decided on a nice dark purple paint colour. But the Ace Hardware store in my area only had one box of unsanded tile grout left and it was a huge, big old one that cost way too much for one simple little project.
So I ended up buying a can of Krylon chalkboard spray paint in green (it was the only chalkboard spray brand they carried). It went on nicely and dried up smooth. I primed it with chalk before letting my kids use it but it wasn’t long before I noticed that my two-year-old had scratched a small area of paint off and the white table surface peeked through.
I’m wondering now if I had missed something out? Should there have been a layer of something else underneath before I sprayed the table top? I’m new to this and would love to hear your opinion on what I should have done differently
A friend of mine saw the table I did on my FB page and she wants one for her kids as well. I would love to make one for her but am worried that the chalk table won’t stand up to normal wear and tear by young kids like the one I did.
Regards,
Carol (From Malaysia).
I am so sorry I missed this. It was in my spam! I have not really used the spray paint on tables. If it were a heavily used and you think your friends kids will use heavily, I would suggest just spray painting with “any” color over the surface first. That way it will give the spray paint “chalkboard paint” something to stick to. I’m still so impressed that I have a reader in Malaysia! You are so cool! ; ) XOXO! Rebecca
Thanks so much for the tips. I painted a mirror with a brush and did get the brush strokes. I agree with you that I like the look of the traditional slate chalkboard. Have a great weekend!
Leslie
House on the Way
I hope you like how the mirror/chalkboard turned out! Thank you for stopping by. XOXO!
Hi, i painted a piece of wood with rust-oleum brush chalkboard paint, i applied like 3 coats in total, waiting hours between each one, the last coat like 12 hours ago but i dont like the glossy finish, it doesnt look like a normal chalkboard, it looks really shiny and glossy. I did applied a primer, altough here in Mexico they told me to use a sealer telling me it was the same thing. Is this glossy look normal?
Hey Rebeca? Is that your name? We match! : ) I want to make sure I understand. They told you to put a sealer on the wood. That is what you primed with, correct? Not a sealer on the last coat? It shouldn’t be glossy. I am wondering if your chalk paint could be mixed differently. Here is what I suggest, because if it messes it up, you can always put another coat on it. Lightly sand the chalkboard. See if it takes off the shine. You could also buy a small can of FLAT black paint. Mix it with an equal part of chalkboard paint and do the final coat. See how that goes. I am convinced your paint must be mixed differently. I am going to try to find out from Rustoleum. Let me know how those attempts go! XOXO! REbecca
Yes, my name is also Rebeca with one “c” because im mexican and we only use one “c”! So, thanks for your reply and yes, the sealer was my primer and used it before, and of course already dried, the chalkbooard paint. Its been almost 48 hours since the last coat but still remains looking really glossy, i have not written anything yet or neither rolling the side of a chalk over it, i dont know if that is the cause, but the instructions advise to wait 3 days before using it. I will try to do what you suggest, i hope to do it before my baby is born (due next week) because i was planning to use it as decoration in the hospital room. I’ll let you know any news and thanks a lot Rebecca! Best regards!