Chalkboard and whiteboard paint sound like great ideas in theory. They promise creativity, flexibility, and a fun way to turn walls into functional spaces. But before you start rolling it onto your walls, there are a few important things to know to make sure the results turn out the way you expect.
The Problem with Wall Texture
When you buy a whiteboard or chalkboard, the surface is perfectly smooth. That smoothness allows you to write and erase easily. Walls, however, are a different story. Even in brand-new homes, texture from rollers, primer, and previous paint coats creates tiny grooves that you don’t notice until you start writing on them.
Once you write with a marker or chalk, the color settles into those small cracks. When you erase, pigment stays behind, leaving stains and smudges that make the surface look messy. It’s like trying to wipe clean a dry, cracked riverbed. You might remove the top layer, but color remains trapped in the lines.
What Happens in Real Life
At Jeff Bryant Painting, we’ve seen many homeowners try whiteboard or chalkboard paint with high hopes, only to be disappointed by the results. Even when walls are carefully sanded and prepped, the surface usually isn’t smooth enough for easy cleaning. The paint tends to stain or hold onto color in the wall’s texture, often requiring constant use of special cleaner to stay looking fresh.
Chalkboard paint has a similar issue. While it may erase a little better than whiteboard paint, it creates a lot of dust and tends to look smeared or cloudy after use. The surface rarely looks truly clean unless it’s washed with a damp sponge. For many homeowners, that constant dust and upkeep outweigh the fun of having a writable wall.
How to Make It Work
If you’re set on using chalkboard or whiteboard paint, you can improve your results with extra prep work. Start by skimming the wall with drywall mud to make it as slick as possible, then sand it smooth with a power sander using 220 or 240 grit sandpaper.
For an even smoother finish, we recommend using a product called Aqua Coat, which helps fill in fine texture. Apply it with a rubber spreader, sand again with 400 to 600 grit sandpaper until the wall feels mirror-slick, and then apply your paint with a sprayer.
This level of prep gives you the best chance at success, but it also takes time, skill, and equipment. Buying and installing a pre-made whiteboard might end up being easier and less expensive.
Setting Realistic Expectations
Chalkboard and whiteboard paint can be fun, creative additions to a space when done right. They work best on walls that are properly prepped and smoothed. With the right effort, they can provide a functional surface for notes or artwork. Still, it’s important to understand their limitations. For most homeowners, a traditional whiteboard or chalkboard remains the easiest way to get a clean, durable writing surface without extra upkeep.
Ready to Start Your Next Painting Project?
At Jeff Bryant Painting, we help homeowners get professional results without the guesswork. Whether you’re planning a specialty project or just want a clean, lasting paint finish, our team can help you get it done right the first time.
Getting started is easy:
- Contact us to talk through your project ideas.
- Schedule your painting day with our experienced team.
- Enjoy the results of a smooth, professional finish that lasts.
Reach out today, and let’s make your next painting project a success!
