How to Make a DIY Kids Chalkboard (With Homemade Chalkboard Paint)
A DIY kids chalkboard has got to be one of the best things to make for a toddler or preschooler! It gives them a giant space to draw, scribble, practise letters and play, and you can make it any size you like. You don’t even need store-bought chalkboard paint, as this homemade version uses regular paint and a little tile grout from the hardware store.
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Best for: ages 2–7 (an adult does the painting)
Time: 30 minutes, plus drying time
What You Need for a DIY Kids Chalkboard
- A board to paint on, such as plywood, MDF or an old cupboard door
- Latex (water-based) paint in any colour; black or dark green works best
- Unsanded tile grout
- A mixing container and stirrer
- Fine grit sandpaper
- A paintbrush or small foam roller
- A dry cloth and chalk
Short on time?
Use ready-made chalkboard paint or a peel-and-stick chalkboard wall sticker instead.
How to Make a DIY Kids Chalkboard
- First, dust off your board and make sure it’s smooth. Give it a light sanding if needed.
- Next, mix the paint. Pour 1 cup of paint into a container and slowly stir in 2 tablespoons of unsanded tile grout, breaking up any lumps as you go.
- Then, paint the board generously while little helpers stay back (trust us, little handprints happen!).
- Once the paint is completely dry, smooth it with fine sandpaper and wipe off the dust. For best results, leave it overnight.
- Finally, prime the board. Rub the side of a piece of chalk over the whole surface, then rub it in with a dry cloth. Now it’s ready to draw on!
Why Kids Love It
- Pre-writing skills: drawing lines, circles and letters on a big surface builds the control needed for writing.
- Upper body strength: working on an upright surface strengthens shoulders and wrists, which OTs often recommend.
- Creativity: roads, trains, apple trees, games of noughts and crosses. Anything goes!
More Ways to Use Chalkboard Paint
- Paint storage tubs and label them with chalk
- A family calendar or message board
- Pantry labels and reminders
- Painted plant pots for the kids to decorate
Safety Tip
Mix the grout outdoors or with a window open and wear a dust mask, as grout powder shouldn’t be breathed in. Keep paint and grout out of reach of children.
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