|
|
 |
Spice Up Kids Decor
With Chalkboard Paint
|
Encourage creativity in kids with a giant chalkboard and
some educational decorating fun.
Kids decor can become an educational tool when combined with
chalkboard paint. Studies have shown that kids first
express themselves through painting, as they still lack
words to formulate their thoughts and feelings. chalkboard
paint can turn a whole wall into a canvas and so encourage
such creativity.
This creative kids decor idea is easy to
make, and with so many colorful chalks available on the
market, a chalkboard can be just as fun as crayons or
markers and just as educational. It's easy and cheap to paint a
chalkboard on the wall, and kids are sure to enjoy the fun
of decorating their own room, and changing the decor
whenever they feel like it.
Step #1. Prep
the Wall for Painting
Before you apply the chalkboard paint to the wall, you
should make sure the wall is clean and smooth. Using a
bucket of soapy water and a sponge, clean the wall and let
it dry. If the wall is rough, you can sand it first. If the
wall is bare drywall, or is made of wood, metal or plastic,
you will want to apply a
primer to the wall first.
Step #2. Tape Off the Surrounding Wall
Depending on your existing kids decor, decide how big an
area you wish to cover in chalkboard paint. You’ll want to
mark the wall with a pencil, but be sure to use a measuring
tape to get even results all around.
Just measure from the
floor for the bottom outline of the chalkboard, and from
the ceiling for the top, then connect the dots. Finally,
apply a wide strip of painter’s tape over the line, to
protect the wall beyond. Remember to fit the height of the
chalkboard to the kids who will be using it.
Step #3. Paint the Wall with Chalkboard Paint
With a brush or a roller apply the
chalkboard paint. Depending on your existing kids decor you can choose whether
to paint the chalkboard green or black. For extra
durability, apply a second coat of chalkboard paint after
four hours. Keep the room well ventilated as you work.
Step #4. Condition the Fresh Chalkboard Wall
Once the chalkboard paint is dry, condition the surface of
the chalkboard by rubbing a piece of chalk over the entire
painted surface, then erasing it. This will condition the
chalkboard, making it easier for kids to enjoy this new
addition to their room’s decor.
Step #5. Create a Fun Chalk Holder
Depending on your existing kids decor, choose a box for the
chalk holder and hang it on the wall at a comfortable height
for kids to reach. It’s best if the box has compartments for
keeping the colors separate.
Alternatively, you can use a
set of smaller boxes and hang them in a line, each with its
own colors. Just be sure to buy non-toxic chalk, like
Crayola chalk. And as for the eraser, to avoid having to
hunt for it all the time, buy a long spiral cord (like a
telephone cord) to attach the eraser permanently to the top
of the chalkboard. Kids will be able to pull on the cord
and use the eraser to reach all corners of the chalkboard.
Reference
Rust-Oleum Paint Ideas’ article,
The Writing Is
on the Wall.
Questions? Comments?
Drop me a line.
|
 |
Far-Out Kids Decorating with Glow-in-the-Dark-Stars |
 |
Bedroom Decor Ideas for Girls Who Like To Sew |
 |
How to Make Enchanting Decorative Pillows |
 |
Kids Decor with a Giant Magnetic Wall |
|
