DIY Chalkboard Paint Wall Idea For Kids

Are you looking for a creative wall or interactive element for your child’s room, playroom or even kitchen? Chalkboard paint is the perfect way to create a unique feature in your home. Learn how to paint a chalkboard wall mural for kids that doesn’t turn into a huge mess.

*Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Read our full privacy policy.

We loved the idea of chalkboard paint but didn’t want it to just turn into a big mess once we let our children start showcasing their masterpieces. This DIY chalkboard wall idea was an awesome solution to that problem.

Where to put a chalkboard wall?

Kitchens, kid’s rooms, and basements are great places to put a chalkboard wall. Using chalkboard paint is a semi-permanent accent wall that can add a lot of character to any space.

We recommend using chalkboard paint in a small area first to see if you like the look. The good news is that if you don’t like your design, you can always just repaint it!

Other Factors To Consider

• How smooth is your wall?
• Is it for kids?
• What kind of floor is there? Will chalk dust easily clean-up?
• What is the purpose of this wall? For kids or another decorative purpose?
• Do you want this wall to be magnetic as well? Check out magnetic chalkboard paint or primer before.
• Chalkboard paint doesn’t have to be black, so consider different color options.

Our Painted Chalkboard Wall

Our chalkboard wall is a small room around our sump pump in our basement. We have even added a metal door that truly showcases my husband’s love for Eddie Van Halen (Google his frankenstrat guitar to see the door inspo).

This DIY chalk mural will also eventually double as a scoreboard for the dartboard and a fun place for the kids to create artwork.

You very easily could have frames go all the way up the wall for your children to design in. Or make a more permanent design element to the mural by adding a quote or hand-drawn wall design.

Can Plywood Walls Work?

The room is built with simple plywood and is a place we honestly don’t care too much about. Therefore we didn’t really sand the wood or anything to have a completely flat surface.

Smoother Walls Will Be Easier

Make sure if you want a pristine chalk wall (if that is such a thing) that you start with a super smooth surface. However, kids will love chalking on any wall you allow them to.

Recommended Supplies

• Chalkboard Paint
• Small Roller and handle
• Small paint tray
• A small brush (not pictured)
• White Chalk
• Found objects to trace for frames
• Watered Down Acrylic or Latex White Paint

How To Make A Chalkboard Wall

Step 1: Start With A Smooth Surface

Sand the wall for the smoothest surface you desire. The smoother the wall the easier. However, our wall is plywood and still works.

Wipe the wall to get rid of extra dust.

Step 2: Prep Areas Not Getting Painted

Measure and tape out the work area if need be.

Step 3: Paint The First Layer Of The Chalkboard Paint

Use a small or large roller to apply the chalkboard paint.

We used a small 3/8″ nap roller and a small synthetic brush to trim out areas. We chose a 3/8″ nap roller instead of a foam roller because we were painting plywood.

Rustoleum recommends painting on a smoother surface with a small foam roller.

Step 4: Let dry.

Step 5: Add Another Layer

Paint at least 2 coats of chalkboard paint.

Step 6: Plan Out Mural

Plan out your design. You could measure everything, but I just found the middle of the wall and went from there.

Find objects that can be traced to create the frames. We used an oval paper plate, a piece of tagboard and a plastic circle that holds a paper plate.

Step 7: Trace Frame Items

Use a white piece of chalk to lightly sketch out the placement of your frames.

Step 8: Keep Adding Details

Continue using chalk to design frames. You can be super precise or just kind of wing it. Repeating different simple lines will do the trick to create a frame-type feel.

Step 9: Paint Frames With Watered Down Acrylic Paint

Once you like your design, go over some lines with watered-down white acrylic paint (about 1/3 water to 2/3 paint). You really won’t need much paint.

Watering down the paint gave a “chalky” look of the paint mixing with the chalk on the wall.

Step 10: Let The Paint Fully Dry

Step 11: Prime The Chalkboard Wall Inside The Frames

Rub the side of the chalk in the area that will be chalked on.

Use your fingers to rub the dust into the texture of the wall.

Step 12: Start Creating!

We recommend waiting at least 3 days before you start drawing on your freshly painted walls. Let your little ones start creating. We love this colored chalk for more vibrant colors.

Optional Step: Add A Quote

Use paint chalk markers to come up with more permanent designs. You could use an easy letter transfer method with chalk on the back of my printout instead of graphite. 

Other Tips

• Read the instructions carefully on the chalkboard paint you use. Each brand will have specific dry times and other tips.
• Most chalkboard paints will say to “prime” the wall before drawing. Do not skip this step! This helps ensure that your drawings will not be permanent on the wall and can be erased.
• Do not overdo it when deciding where to place your mural.
• Use chalk paint markers to add extra details to your chalkboard mural.

Chalkboard Mural FAQs

Other Creative Wall Projects

• DIY Ombre Hexagon Wall
• How To Paint A Herringbone Accent Wall
• 15+ Painted Accent Wall Design Ideas
• Black and White Paint Pen Mural

This chalkboard wall idea was such a fun and easy DIY project. Now you just have to find the right wall and start planning your mural today.