Can I paint blackboards to make them reflect?

That sounds really cool! Even painting them a light color will reflect light around the room. A high-gloss paint would also help reflect light around the room without actually creating a mirror.

TY! I'd kinda like a "little" reflection, but I know NOTHING about mirror paint!

If they are slate, they can be oiled, and will come out looking like granite! My friends bought blackboards at an old school and turned them into kitchen counters. Beyond beautiful! I think they used several layers of mineral or tung oil, buffing with an electric sander fitted with a buffing pad after each application dried. Maybe try it on a small section first?

If it's actually a painted surface and not slate, many paont manufactures make a clear coat you can spray or paint, with varring sheen-ask for help at your paint or big box hardware store.

If you want to paint it a different color depends on the type of paint used, old enamel paint is harder to cover with anything other than enamel paint. You will have to sand it for sure and possibly paint with primer.

I suggest getting several professional estimates, make the tell you what they believe will do the trick. (Some folks operate a business with out really knowing what to do in different circumstances, and get referrals also- tip if they are busy, it's likely they do good work.)

Point is even if your planning on doing it your self, you need a expert to see the situation, it's not like you can bring the wall into the paint store.

If you feel bad asking a pro when you plan to do it yourself go to a paint store that also offers paint services. That way your still giving me them your business.

Hello! I love that you live in an old school building......That is my dream! Please DO NOT BUY THE MIRROR PAINT for this project! I've used it 100 times and it's for the inside of a clear glass or plexiglass surfaces, not an outside surface. You can do several things. Paint the chalkboards in a good metallic spray paint...I find Rustoleum to be the best and shiniest. You could cover them in glass or plexi and then coat the backside with the mirror paint and apply them over the existing surface. Last, I would try silver or gold leafing them to get the reflective feel without the mirror. That's all I have for you.

1) Are you wanting to continue using it as a blackboard, 2) are you looking for a reflective surface or just to lighten up the room....what exactly are you looking to have as an end result?

See? This is an example of how to post. I "could" have been nasty like you were on my project, but instead kept my "opinion" of your potential project to myself. Bless your heart.