How To Refinish A Chalkboard

Don't throw away that old chalkboard that has lost its surface. You can easily repair a scratched, chipped or dull chalkboard in just a few simple steps. You just need chalkboard spray paint to renew the surface of your old board.

Step 1

Clean the board with a wet sponge and dry it with a rag.

Step 2

If the chalkboard is chipped, repair it with the all-purpose putty. Follow instructions from the putty can for best results.

Step 3

Lightly sand the chalkboard with fine-grit sandpaper. If you had to fill any chips, use the sand paper to level the putty with the surface of the board. Wipe dust from the board with a rag.

Step 4

Mask off the chalkboard's trim. Place on the drop cloth in a well-ventilated workshop, garage or outdoors.

Step 5

Following the manufacturer's directions, spray the chalkboard paint on the surface of the old board. Two or three light coats of paint are much better than one heavy coat. Allow to dry between coats.

Step 6

Check the chalkboard paint can for any special directions on curing the paint. You may need to allow the paint to dry for from 24 to 72 hours, then prime with a fresh stick of chalk.