How to Make Chalkboard Paint with Grout: Easy DIY Steps

Make low cost, durable chalkboard paint in any color with this easy 2-step DIY recipe. Here’s how to make chalkboard paint with grout!

How to Make Chalkboard Paint with Grout

Chalkboard paint has so many great uses. You can use this DIY chalkboard paint recipe to turn a tabletop or a wall into a chalkboard for kids.

You can paint over an old mirror with chalkboard paint to make a pretty and handy sign for keeping track of lists, groceries, or family activities.

Or you can use chalkboard paint to make a weekly menu board for your house. I love those! They make keeping track of meals and which groceries you need easier in a busy house.

AND, homemade chalkboard paint works just as well as the store-bought stuff. BUT, you can make it in any color you want.

I followed this recipe to make chalkboard paint with grout 5 years ago to make a grey chalkboard paint. I used that chalkboard paint on the cabinet doors in my garage.

That made organizing and labeling the cabinets easier. And, I had a new spot for writing a to-do list. And, that homemade chalkboard paint has held up, even in a busy garage.

OK, let’s get to How to Make Chalkboard Paint with Grout!

Answers to Common Questions

How much Grout do I need for Chalkboard Paint?

You need 2 tablespoons of non-sanded grout for each cup of latex or acrylic wall paint.

Just be sure to follow the steps below for mixing it, applying it, and prepping it for use as a chalkboard.

Can you use Sanded Grout for Chalkboard Paint

No, not really. You can’t use sanded grout for chalkboard paint. It would make a sand-textured, very gritty and rough textured paint.

Can you Make any Paint into Chalkboard Paint?

You can use latex or acrylic paint to make chalkboard paint. You can probably even use craft acrylic paints with this recipe for chalkboard paint.

If you are using latex or acrylic paint, use a paint with a low sheen. Flat, Satin, and Eggshell work best. Higher sheens seem to be harder for the chalk to write on.

You can’t use oil-based paints or exterior stains to make chalkboard paint. Exterior latex and acrylic paints with low sheen should work fine.

I haven’t tested it yet, but you can probably even use store-bought chalk paint to make chalkboard paint too. Chalk paint is generally wall paint mixed with Plaster of Paris.

So, adding non-sanded grout would still make it work as a chalkboard. Just don’t use expensive chalk paint to make chalkboard paint. Save that for use as chalk paint.

What Kind of Chalk do you use on Chalkboard Paint?

Good news! You can use any type of chalk on chalkboard paint projects.

I prefer dustless chalks indoors. That way you don’t end up with a floor covered in dust that can get into grout, flooring or carpets.

You can also use those great chalkboard markers that make beautiful lettering and art. You do have to clean off chalkboard markers with a wet paper towel or rag. But that’s not hard. 🙂

Does DIY Chalkboard Paint Really Work?

Yes, DIY chalkboard paint works just like store-bought chalkboard paint.

I mentioned earlier how I used chalkboard paint on cabinet doors that has held up for 5 years.

I also used a dark blue wall paint to make chalkboard paint with grout. I used that to make a sign on old cabinet doors. That made a great spot in our Laundry Room for my husband’s to-do list.

How Do You Make Chalkboard Paint with Grout

How do you make homemade chalkboard paint? Here’s the easy to follow steps to make and use DIY Chalkboard paint.

Basic Steps

1. Prep the Grout
2. Add to Paint and Mix
3. Apply 2 to 3 Coats
4. Condition the Chalkboard

What you Need

• Water-Based Latex or Acrylic Wall Paint
• Non-Sanded Grout

Please Note: When you make chalkboard paint with grout, the color of the grout will slightly change the overall color of the chalkboard paint you are making.

Step One – Prep the Grout

Start with 2 tablespoons of non-sanded grout in a disposable cup or plastic container. Break up any balls or chunks of the grout into a fine powder.

Step Two – Add to Paint and Mix

Pour in one cup of latex or acrylic wall paint. Mix thoroughly with a plastic spoon or stir stick. You don’t want any lumps or spots of unmixed powder. This will thicken the paint a bit.

Step Three – Apply 2 to 3 Coats

Make sure your surface is clean, dry, and sanded before painting. Chalkboard paint will stick to most surfaces, even glass. Use a stain-blocking primer if you are painting knotty or oily woods.

Apply 2 to 3 coats of your homemade chalkboard paint with a good, synthetic brush to get a smooth finish. Let each coat dry for a few hours before applying the next coat.

Let the final coat of chalkboard paint cure (dry hard) for 2 to 3 days before using chalk on it.

If your dried chalkboard paint has any tiny bumps or imperfections, you can lightly sand it with a fine grit sanding sponge or even a brown paper bag to gently remove the nibs (bumps).

Step Four – Condition the Chalkboard

Here’s the last step, but it’s probably the most important step. You need to condition the chalkboard before using it.

Rub the side of a piece of white chalk across the entire chalkboard surface. Once it’s covered, you can wipe it off with a chalkboard eraser or a slightly damp paper towel or rag.

If you don’t condition your chalkboard before using it, it can permanently leave a bit of whatever you first write or draw on that chalkboard. You’d have to paint over that chalkboard to really get rid of that image.

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Well, that’s it. Now that you know How to Make Chalkboard Paint with Grout, have fun making your own. You can find an easy to print version of this post below.

Be sure to check out my picks for the 20 Best DIY Projects Using Chalkboard Paint for some really AWESOME ideas.

You might also like this post with 30+ step by step, beginner furniture painting tutorials, including layered and distressed paint looks. Or, if you’re new to painting furniture, check out my big printable guide – How to Paint Furniture for Beginners.

If you love furniture makeovers but prefer videos, check out these DIY Furniture Makeover videos here, on my YouTube channel. 🙂

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You might also like this DIY Chalk Paint Recipe from Plaster of Paris.

Or, how to get a smooth finish with chalk paint.

I love this pretty DIY White and Grey Distressed Chalk Paint Look.

Check out this crazy before and after in How to Clean Car Seats At Home.

You might also like this DIY tutorial to whiten your dingy grout – Does Grout Renew Work.

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That’s it for How to Make Chalkboard Paint with Grout. Let me know if you have questions. Don’t forget to sign up for the Abbotts At Home email newsletter to get DIY, Remodeling, and Crafty ideas in your inbox.