Best Chalkboard Paint: Reviews and Guide in 2023 (Recommended!)

Want your child to draw & write their imagination away? Then use the best chalkboard paint to paint their bedroom wall.

Need to take recipe notes more easily? Then cover your kitchen table with chalkboard paint.

Looking to draw fantastic art in your living room? Then paint a wall with chalkboard paint.

Whatever you want to do that includes using chalk on a chalky surface will probably need you to use some chalkboard paint.

That’s why we’re bringing you 10 of the best chalky paints in the market. Whatever you want to paint – these formulas will help you do so.

Take a look further to find out more about them!

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Top 10 Best Chalkboard Paints Reviews

It doesn’t matter what you want to paint – you must have the right chalkboard paint. And for that, you’ll have to learn which one is worth your money.

That’s why we’re reviewing some of the best chalkboard paints in the market so you can learn more about each and choose accordingly. Take a look:

1. Krylon K05223000 Chalkboard Paint Special Purpose Brush-On

The first paint on our list comes from Krylon. This is a black chalkboard paint coming in a quart metal pot. That allows a practical and easy application when necessary.

If you want other colors, then you can go for the Aerosol version that offers Blue, Green, and Clear/White.

But it is not the container or color options that make it such an excellent choice. It is the fantastic paint quality you get. With a smooth finish that looks amazingly soft and delivers a slate appearance, you can expect it to work wonders.

Applying it is also a piece of cake. You need a brush or something similar, and that’s it. Just brush it across the surface you want to cover, and it should do the job. Then you can wait 60 minutes for it to dry and 24 hours for it to cure completely. After that, you can start drawing or writing on it with chalk.

This paint is mostly recommended for people who want to recover chalkboard. But it also works wonders for any type of surface going from ceramic to glass, plaster, metal, and wood.

Still, the paint is not the most resistant of all. So it is mostly recommended to use it for interiors. If you want the most long-lasting results, use it inside, and it will last years without issues.

Everything you may be looking for – this chalkboard paint has it.

Highlighted Features

• Excellent available colors for any surface
• Available in quartz for brush-on or an aerosol spray
• Dries out in just 60 minutes and cures in 24 hours
• Can last years without problems
• Perfect for interior surfaces of all kinds

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2. Rust-Oleum Available 206540 Chalkboard Brush-On

Rust-Oleum is among the most popular brands for chalkboard paint. And it is not a secret why – it takes quality and durability to a whole new level.

The first thing you’ll notice is the erasable/writable surface. You won’t have to worry about the chalkboard point coming off after using it. Instead, you can write and draw as many things as you want, then erase them without a single issue so you can re-use it later.

The paint is so amazing that you can get it on masonry, drywall, plaster, concrete, ceramics, hardboards, wood, and even glass. There’s no surface this paint can’t adhere to. That’s a level of versatility you won’t get easily with other paints.

It also leaves an excellent hardness. You won’t have to worry about it wearing off or scraping away after some time. Instead, it sticks sturdily to the surface to provide years of use without problems.

Last but not least, you can get it in different colors as well. From Black to Green and even White/Clear – there’s no way this chalkboard paint doesn’t offer what you want.

Coming in a 30-ounce container, it is a Brush-On ready paint for anyone to enjoy in simple steps. You won’t find anything to hate about it.

Highlighted Features

• Sticks to a wide array of interior surfaces
• Available in 30-ounce containers for brushing
• Three color options for different results
• Totally erasable surface for extra convenience
• Durable & tough composition

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3. American Crafts 366867 Chalkboard Paint

As the best chalkboard paint for walls, the American Crafts 366867 16.5-ounce container is a top-notch choice for most people. It offers the chance to cover entire walls with little effort.

But you can actually use it on tons of different surfaces without problems. From walls to paper, wood, concrete, and more – it sticks well enough for years to come.

The paint is also erasable. That means you don’t need to worry about the paint coming off when erasing the chalk. Once it dries up, it will stay on the surface for a long time. This adds tons of convenience and extra durability to the paint.

The best of all is how easy it is to apply. With a practical bottle that you can pour almost anywhere with ease, it will make it possible to cover large surfaces without wasting any time or effort.

While it is only available in Black, you can still expect it to look amazing and deliver precisely what you’re looking for. Especially if you use it on walls – the results will be excellent.

Highlighted Features

• Deep and intense Black color
• Totally erasable & durable
• Large 16.5-ounce container
• Practical plastic bottle to use
• Dries up decently fast

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4. Rust-Oleum 1913830-6 PK Specialty Chalkboard Spray Paint

Coming back with RustOleum chalkboard paint, we now find the 1913830-6 PK Specialty option – a paint that works on any surface.

The single spray paint bottle is enough to cover an entire 7 square feet area without problems. And you can do so in no more than 20 minutes. That’s how this aerosol paint makes it easy to paint.

However, it is not the speed or the ease of use that stands out, but the quality of the paint. Using an oil-based composition, it creates a tough surface that sticks to almost any material. And it will stick for years.

This toughness means you can write and erase on the paint without causing any damage. And on top of that, it is also scratch-resistant and doesn’t wear off as fast as others do.

The paint still leaves a smooth surface that’s easy to write or draw over. And if you apply it and wait 24 hours, so it dries up completely – then you’ll get an even better experience.

It doesn’t matter whether you want to apply it over metal, concrete, masonry, wood, glass, plaster, or even ceramic – it sticks to everything firmly. And you’ll get fantastic value for its cost.

Highlighted Features

• Up to 7 square feet of coverage
• Acrylic formula sticks to any surface
• Leaves a smooth & erasable result
• Tough & resilient composition
• Easy-to-apply spray bottle

5. FolkArt Chalkboard Paint

Painting a chalkboard wall shouldn’t be a tedious endeavor. That’s why FolkArt make it a much more entertaining deed.

Why? Easy – they make acrylic paint a lot more beautiful and creamy. You get a more enticing result and won’t need to waste more than just a few minutes to apply it.

Another advantage of this paint is the color options. You can choose the Red, Blue, Black, Slate Gray, Pink, Purple, and the standard White. Whatever you pick – you’ll get an amazingly attractive result.

It doesn’t matter what you want to paint either. The quality of the paint is so fantastic that you can use it over a wide array of surfaces.

This goes well with the 8-ounce jar. You’ll receive enough to paint an entire wall in minutes. And with its brush-on composition, you’ll have no problem applying it. Add the final wide-mouth design of the container, and using this paint will become a total pleasure.

There are tons of different things you can do with this paint, and that’s enough to say it’s totally worth the investment. And when you consider how affordable it is – then it becomes a go-to choice for sure.

Highlighted Features

• Convenient wide-mouth container
• Available in 6 colors
• Creamy composition for easy application
• Acrylic yet water-based formula for safety
• Sticks well to any surface

6. Rust-Oleum 285140 Ultra Matte Interior Chalked Paint

We can’t say enough good things about Rust-Oleum – but we can bring some of its products to the list. The Ultra-Matte chalkboard paint is a perfect reason to do so.

This paint sticks to any surface you want – be it canvas, ceramic, metal, wood, or even glass. And what’s even better, it gives a vintage look to the surface, making it possible to draw over a more enticing piece.

The paint also adheres amazingly fast. In just 30 minutes, you can cover up to 150 square feet without problems. Because you don’t have to prepare it and because it applies smoothly, the paint offers a fantastic experience overall.

One significant advantage is the creamy finish it leaves. No matter the color you choose between 12 different tones, it will still provide an ultra-matte and beautiful surface to enjoy.

Despite all that, the paint still lasts a long time, offers top-notch resilience, and it’s easily washable with soap and water.

For those who want an excellent chalkboard paint to make surfaces look amazing and still draw/write over them – the Rust-Oleum Ultra-Matte will not let them down.

Highlighted Features

• Delivers a chalky finish
• Large & practical metal tin container
• Dries up in only 30 minutes
• Covers up to 150 square feet per unit
• Available in 12 colors

7. Rainbow Chalk Markers Ltd Chalkboard Blackboard Paint

Are you looking for outdoor chalkboard paint? Then you’ll find no better choice than the Rainbow Chalk Blackboard Paint.

As good as it sounds, this paint offers the chance to cover entire indoor and outdoor surfaces for a chalky result. The paint ends up totally smooth and non-reflective while still offering the opportunity to chalk over without a single issue.

The paint adheres strongly to a wide array of surfaces as well. From wood to glass, metal, and even plaster – everything works well with this paint.

The main advantage, however, is how fast it dries. At only 15-minute drying time, you can enjoy this paint amazingly quickly. No other paint on the list offers this advantage. And after less than 24 hours you’ll be able to write and draw over it, and still erase if needed without drawbacks.

On top of all that, the paint comes in a wide array of colors. You get the standard Black, Red, Yellow, and even Orange. There’s a color for any type of need.

With such an easy application, fast drying times, and excellent color options – it becomes a go-to choice for most.

Highlighted Features

• The super-resilient formula works in exteriors
• Dries up in only 15 minutes
• Adheres well to any surface
• Up to 4 color options to pick from
• Available in 32-ounce version

8. FolkArt Multi-Surface Chalkboard Paint

FolkArt is a top-notch brand that delivers no less than fantastic results. And when it comes to its multi-surface chalkboard paint – you get all that and more.

While its primary use is to decorate all kinds of stuff from furniture to walls, the paint offers a final result you can draw or write over. That’s why it is such an exciting option because you can use it on practically any object and still get its chalkboard advantage.

It comes mainly in black color, which makes it even better. You won’t have any issue painting over glass, ceramic, terra cotta, wood, metal, or fabric. And with such an exciting color, it looks fantastic.

Another interesting part to consider is how easy it is to apply. With a brush-on composition, you can use it with a brush in seconds. No need to stir too much or struggle – it will stick well and stay on for years.

What’s even better, the paint also comes in 4 different sizes – 2 ounces, 4 ounces, 8 ounces, and 16 ounces – so you can get as much as you need.

Considering how easy it is to apply, the beautiful black color it comes with, and the different sizes available – there’s no doubt this is a top-notch choice to go for.

Highlighted Features

• Available in four different sizes
• Comes in a deep & intense black
• Works well in a wide array of materials
• Totally erasable & washable
• The durable formula doesn’t wear off easily

9. DecoArt Americana Chalkboard Paint

It doesn’t matter what you want to cover – this chalkboard paint from DecoArt won’t let you down.

Even the smoothest surface like glass or ceramic can be covered in this paint so you can enjoy a good-looking and writable/erasable surface. Whether you want it for writing, drawing, or whatever – this paint will be your best bet.

It comes in black color and totally non-toxic formula. That means you’ll have no problem using it and will leave a visible mark wherever it dries up.

You won’t have to struggle to apply it either. Thanks to an excellent composition, you just need to brush the surface lightly, and that’s it. After 30 to 60 minutes, it dries up completely so you can start using it.

Another interesting aspect is the durability it offers. You can write and erase as many times as you need, and it will stay put on the surface. Not a single pigment will come off. Mainly if you use it to reinforce an old chalkboard, this will come like an excellent choice.

Last but not least, you can get its 2-ounce or its 4-ounce versions. You get 5 square feet of total coverage with the former and over 10 square feet of coverage with the latter. Whatever you go for – it will undoubtedly surpass your expectations.

Highlighted Features

• Covers up to 2.5 square feet per ounce
• Dries up in just 30 minutes
• Available in excellent Black
• Easy-to-apply bottle
• Boasts a non-toxic water-based formula

10.Martha Stewart Crafts Multi-Surface Chalkboard

To finish our list of chalkboard paints, we needed to bring the Multi-Surface Paint from Martha Stewart Crafts products.

As you should know, this is one of the most prestigious and popular brands in the market. And it is not a secret why – every paint, brush, or stencil from this brand surpasses even the highest standards. This paint is not an exception.

You get the chance to apply it over metal, glass, wood, fabric, terra cotta, and much more. Still, it leaves a super smooth and paintable surface that your chalk will love.

The acrylic paint is also resilient. It lasts several years without issues. And its application requires little to no effort. For the best results, however, you’ll have to apply at least 2 coats and leave it dry for at least one hour.

On top of all that, the chalkboard paint is still water-based, which means you won’t have to worry about anything when using it. And with its 6-ounce bottle, you can cover over 18 square feet with ease – that’s enough to make several chalkboards.

If you’re being serious about quality and results, then this Multi-Surface Chalkboard Paint from Martha Stewart Crafts will be your go-to option.

Highlighted Features

• Totally non-toxic water-based formula
• Delivers long-lasting chalk surfaces
• A piece of cake to apply
• Quality & prestigious brand
• Resilient and intense black color

What To Look For While Buying Chalkboard Paints?

As you can see, getting the best chalkboard paint won’t be easy. There are many different models to consider, so you’ll have to be sure of what meets your standards.

With the following guide, we’ll explain some of the most important factors to consider so you can make your best choice possible.

Here’s what you should think about before buying chalkboard paint:

Types of Paint

Even though they all seem the same, chalkboard paints actually offer several types to consider. Among them, you’ll find acrylic and latex. These are the most common. Here’s what you need to know about each:

Acrylic

Acrylic is a chemical-based paint. It is the most common formula for chalkboard paints due to its density and durability. At the same time, it tends to spread quickly and offers an excellent final result.

It is an excellent choice for both interior and exteriors. Yet, because it is chemical-based, it tends to be somewhat dangerous and takes a lot of care to apply correctly.

Acrylic usually sticks to any surface. For permanent chalkboard, acrylic is almost always the way to go.

Latex

Latex is a less durable alternative to acrylic, yet it is way safer. Most latex formulas are actually water-based, meaning they are non-toxic and cause little to no harm.

Similarly, latex takes little to no time to dry up and spreads well enough every time. But because it tends to be thin, it requires at least 2 or 3 coats to deliver a dense enough surface. It also works mainly on interiors.

Latex sticks better to woods and concrete than smooth surfaces. For those who want a temporary chalkboard at home, latex is the way to go.

Durability & Resilience

The quality of the paint also affects its durability and resilience. Here, of course, you will find that acrylic paints are a little more resistant and durable than latex. Acrylic paints tend to last not only longer but also tend to offer the chance to apply in exteriors as well as interiors.

Latex paints are not as durable or resilient as acrylic. Still, most of them are scratch-resistant, perfect for interiors, and tend to last a long time nonetheless. Sure enough, you won’t be able to apply latex chalkboard paints outside. But that’s not much of a problem.

Overall, just make sure that whatever you pick is durable enough. Even if it says acrylic paint, you may end up getting a fragile paint. And that’s not something you’ll like.

Drying Time

Another essential factor to think about would be the time it takes for the paint to dry completely. Several other factors like consistency and thickness have a say here. For example, the thicker and denser the paint, the more likely it will take a long time to dry up. And if it is thin, then it will take just a few minutes.

That’s why it’s common to find thick acrylic paint drying up in 30 to 60 minutes. Sometimes they need up to 24 hours to cure completely before using it.

With latex, you’ll have to wait between 20 to 60 minutes. And most of the time, you can start using them almost instantly after they’re dry.

Colors

There are many colors a chalkboard may come with. But the most common is always black. However, you may find any color going from Blue to Green, Orange, Red, and even Clear/White.

There’s a color for any purpose you want. You can use them for drawing/writing over as well as just giving a new look to a surface or piece of furniture. And you can pick the perfect color accordingly.

Container & Application

Lastly, make sure you get enough paint for your needs. Most paints are measured in ounces. That means you’ll have to think about how much you may need for your purpose.

Most containers are between 6 to 12 ounces in total. But you may find some going as low as 2 ounces and up to 20 ounces or more.

The application will either be brush-on or spray. For the brush-on, you’ll need a brush or utensil to apply. And for spray, you’ll need nothing.

Capacity

As for capacity, you’ll have to consider how much space the paint can cover per container. A bottle of latex paint of about 4 ounces may cover anywhere from 10 square feet. If you go for an 8-ounce container, you may get up to 20 square feet of total coverage.

It’s important to consider that aerosol paint in spray tends to empty out faster than brush-on paint. This happens because you won’t be able to spread it as much.

So make sure you’re going for the right type accordingly. Otherwise, you may get too much or what’s even worse, too little for your needs.

How to Use Chalkboard Paint? 

Want to know about the best way to apply chalkboard paint? Then read this brief and complete guide. You’ll learn how to do it like a pro:

Measure the Paint

Remember we told you about the capacity of the paint? Well, you can always measure how much you’ll need accordingly.

Most paint bottles/containers will tell you how much space a single ounce can cover. You can follow this measurement to calculate how much you may end up needing.

If you’re using an aerosol/spray, then you may not be able to calculate easily. But if you’re covering a large wall or area, make sure the bottle is enough to cover it. Otherwise, you may end up with an inconsistent coverage and will probably need to buy a new bottle later.

Prepare the Area

Once you have measured how much paint you will need, then you need to start preparing the surface you want to cover.

If you’re applying chalkboard paint on a wall, for example, make sure the wall is utterly clean. Remove all the dust, debris, and bump you see. Follow the same process if you’re applying it on wood, concrete, or any similar surface. Glass and ceramics don’t usually require much preparation.

At the same time, you may need to cover any type of hole, crack, or crevice. Whatever may damage the paint application is something you will need to get rid of.

Whatever imperfection on the surface, that’s something you need to remove.

This will help you paint more easily and smoothly while ensuring you don’t waste any single drop of paint in the process. At the same time, this will make the whole surface easier to write/draw over and way faster to clean or remove as needed.

Protect the Surroundings

Even though you could easily place this step with the previous one, we need to give an entire section to it.

As you know, paint can be damaging to different surfaces. And in some cases, you may not be able to remove it from fabrics, woods, and other similar materials. So it is critical to apply it only where necessary and protect everything else.

That’s why we usually recommend protecting the whole work area and floor with newspapers, garbage bags, and painter’s tape. Whatever you can protect before starting to paint is always useful.

If you’re painting on a wall, for example, you can always use painter’s tape to create the figure you want to paint. This will not only help you make a more accurate shape as needed but also prevent the rest of the wall from getting painted.

Stir or Shake the Paint

Now that you’ve measured how much paint you need, prepared the work area and protected the objects around, you can proceed by pouring the paint in a bowl or tray. But before you pour it, stir the entire paint well enough, so its chemicals/components mix together well enough.

Remember chalkboard paint is just like any other paint that needs to be previously stirred to use. If you have a bottled spray paint, then you’ll have to shake instead. This will make sure the components blend, and you can use it without problems.

If you don’t stir/shake well, then you’re likely to get a broken-down paint that doesn’t stick correctly, drips away on the surface, or eventually looks awful. So don’t ever forget to do so.

Apply the Paint

After stirring or shaking the paint, you need to start applying it. Sure enough, you’ll have to do it carefully and with as much precision as necessary.

IF you’re applying on a wall and you have painter’s type to guide you – then follow the border. Try not to apply too much in the same area as chalkboard paint drips easily. Especially if you’re using latex paint in the aerosol version, it is critical to apply just as necessary.

Remember to spread the paint correctly as well. If it is a brush-on paint, you should strive to make it as smooth and even as possible on the surface.

Let it Dry

After applying the first layer/coat, then you’ll need to let it dry. Depending on what paint you chose, the process can go anywhere from 20 minutes to 5 hours. Some may take 24 hours or more to cure completely before you can use them.

Add a Second/Third Coat (Optional)

Not all paints will require a second or third coat, but it is always recommended to do so anyway.

You may need to wait 24 hours at least to apply the second coat. If the paint says that you can apply a second one after a specific amount of time, then follow the instructions.

Overall, the second and third coats usually go once the paint is dry so you can touch it without getting your fingers wet.

Condition the Chalkboard

Most chalkboard paints work well once they’ve been conditioned. This means rubbing chalk all over their surface once they’ve cured completely.

Whether you applied it on a wall, floor, or table – you may need to cover the entire surface with chalk and then erase it. Sometimes, the paint requires two or three conditionings so you can get the most out of it.

Then, writing and drawing over it will be a total pleasure. If you got this far, then you’ve successfully applied chalkboard paint on the desired surface.

Conclusion: 

Using the best chalkboard paint will change the way you see at chalkboards. You’ll learn how they are all possible. And you won’t stop looking for ways to use it.

So don’t waste your enthusiasm and start painting. You won’t regret covering your living room walls with one of these paints and start drawing all around.

With our buying guide and reviews, you’ll have no issue picking the right option. So choose now!