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I'm trying to create my own chalkboard paint (where I'm from, we don't seem to have any stores that sell chalkboard paint, nor unsanded grout in the entire city) and I see all the DIY posts out there saying you need "unsanded" grout. I'd like to avoid trial and error because the grout isn't as cheap as I thought it would be so my question is:

Is there a way to create chalkboard paint without using unsanded grout?

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3 Answers 3

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You need unsanded grout, paint, and chalk.

Mix your unsanded grout.

Then add the unsanded grout to your paint. The ratio is about 1 unsanded grout to 10 paint.

Then you have to mix really well. If hand mixing this could be a good 10-20 minutes.

Paint section.

Let it dry a day.

Rub chalk all over the paint very thickly. Let it sit for about a half hour. Wipe of chalk with rag or eraser - nothing wet.

Should be good to use.

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  • Any thoughts on the kind of paint? Latex or Oil? What about the paint finish: matte, gloss?
    – Raistlinxw
    Commented May 15, 2013 at 19:58
  • I used a oil based paint with a semi-gloss. I think latex would work fine although I would wait a long long time (2-3 months) before touching it with moisture. So that kind of limits the cleaning possibilities.
    – DMoore
    Commented May 16, 2013 at 3:51
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    why the 2-3 month wait? Also, most chalkboard paint I've used is matte. I suppose any finish would work, but matte is likely the more traditional blackboard look.
    – DA01
    Commented Jul 14, 2013 at 19:04
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    He's asking for an unsanded grout solution.
    – hookenz
    Commented Jul 25, 2013 at 21:23
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    Sorry, I meant to say he's asking for a solution that doesn't use "unsanded grout".
    – hookenz
    Commented Jul 25, 2013 at 21:31
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Back when I was a child, I remember making a chalkboard from a piece of plywood, finishing it with just ordinary black, matt-finish paint.

Whether that will work for you or not will depend on the finish of surface you are looking to cover.

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I've not tried this but I've heard you can mix baking soda into the acrylic paint with a ratio of around 1 tsp to 1/4 cup of paint.

See here: Make your own chalkboard and paint

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  • Has anyone tried this? I can't afford to buy an entire can/gallon of acrylic paint - it is too expensive where i am (and i haven't bought because i still don't have unsanded grout)
    – Yasker Yasker
    Commented Nov 20, 2013 at 11:12

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