How to Use Chalkboard Paint on Glass

Chalkboard paint has revolutionized the world of art and craft, making every surface an open and inviting canvas. It has taken us all back to school, where the familiar smell and feel of chalk still feels fresh.

For one, I remember how my teachers would have chalk dust on their hands, faces, hair and clothes, as if they had just returned from an epic war of the words. What I remember the most, is using the classroom chalk and doodling away during lunch break, and times of utter boredom.

With chalkboard paint around, every obsolete surface can be made into a functional learning zone.

When your kids are young and eager, you can paint the very walls in their room, for them to unleash their artistic talent. The surface of a fridge can be used for leaving notes and reminders of the things to do, and things to buy.

That too without using a scrap of paper! And guess what, you can use glass as canvas as well among the many other chalkboard paint ideas! It seems too good to be true!

Not all chalkboard paints will work on glass, and therefore you will need to read the information on the label thoroughly. Buy only the paint which says it can be used on glass. You can select a shade which you prefer. Personally, I adore the slightly dark green shade of chalkboard paint, as it looks more authentic and weathered, than the usual jet black.

When using glass, try using the chalkboard spray paint, as this is easier to use and spreads evenly. Using normal paint will require that you use a paintbrush, which will leave its brush strokes all over the glass, giving it an unrealistic texture.

You wouldn't want that, when you expect your glass surface to look like a real chalkboard, and not like a dried oil canvas. Secondly, spray paint will be able to really stick onto the glass surface, making it a more suitable option.

You will need to clean the glass using alcohol, such as vodka or ethanol. This will remove all traces of dust on the glass surface. Never use cloth to dry glass surfaces, and instead use a simple piece of paper. A discarded brown bag would be great to wipe the glass dry.

Use sandpaper or steel wool to gently rub the surface of the glass evenly, so that the surface becomes smooth and is ready for its first coat of paint. This will help the paint remain on the glass for a longer period of time, without having to re-coat it often. After rubbing the surface, clean the glass again with alcohol.

If you wish to use only a specific area of the glass as a chalkboard, you will need to demarcate the zone using artist's tape. These tapes never leave a sticky residue, so do not worry about dust settling on the border! Now, spray paint within the demarcated zone, and once your done adding the extra layers, wait for the paint to dry, after which you must gently remove the tapes.

In case you do not require the artist's tape, and wish to paint the entire glass, you will need to wait until the glass dries completely.

Start by applying a very thin coat of chalkboard paint on the glass, let it dry, soon after which you must apply the second thin coat. Ideally, you must apply 2 coats, but since we are using very thin layers, you can exceed the number to 3 - 4 layers of spray paint.

Hold your horses, and wait until the paint is completely dry. This will take 24 hours, but I suggest you give it some more time. Let the glass dry for about 36 hours in all, for all the layers to set properly.

You will need to use an authentic chalk stick and not those hard and pointy or stick thin ones! Use the normal age-old chalkboard sticks. Rub the chalk all over the surface of the glass and see how it is working out to be. If the surface is behaving alright, wipe the chalkboard with a duster or a cloth. Now you may write what you please on your glass chalkboard!

● Label your kitchen jars, so that you do not confuse salt with baking powder.

● Transform a useless mirror into a wall hanging/daily notice board.

● Table glasses and plates can have chalk borders, so that each member of the family can have his/her name written on their own plate/glass.

● Candle jars and stands can be painted and stamped with messages.

● Paint a glass table and use it for writing the menu, or thoughts.

You can make fascinating art pieces by learning to use chalkboard paint on glass. You can convert old photo frames into blackboards, and vases into artistic masterpieces. You can use your mirror and paint over it... the possibilities are limitless!