Chalkboard paint? Yes or no?

Question

I'm thinking of doing part of a wall in chalkboard paint to use as my shopping list area. Here's the thing: I remember the old days when the blackboards (and sometimes green boards) were in all the school rooms. The chalk  that was used to write on them made a HUGE mess! Occasionally the teachers got some 'dustless' chalk but if they didn't, it created chalk mess everywhere.   Is there a solution to the chalk dust? Is there new 'dust free' chalk on the market?  I see all these great chalkboard walls and all I can think is 'How do they contain the dust?' ;-)  Ideas?  (This is what I remember....cursive writing on a blackboard. Boy that dates me!)

Shari · Answer

Chalk pens are the solution to chalk dust. They are sort of like a paint pen or dry erase board marker but use liquid chalk instead. They come in colors or white and can be found at most craft stores, Amazon etc.

Z · Answer

@CK I had my hubby paint the flat area of the panels of our pantry door with chalkboard paint almost thirteen years ago. The lower panels were for future grandchildren, which we have now, and the top was for notes and grocery list. I've never had the dust problem teachers do, but then I don't use it near as much. I doubt you will either. Every now and then I use a damp cloth to wipe it down, letting it dry before I use it again. 
 Below is an old picture where you can see part of our sunroom and kitchen with the pantry door in the middle. I'm slowly changing to more modern furniture.

Maqaz · Answer

Yes it's a great idea.

Stephanie Fudge · Answer

Con-Tact makes a black chalkboard shelf liner you could put on your wall. That way if it creates more dust than you want, your not having to paint over it, you just peel it off. Just a thought.

Jacqueline · Answer

I painted the doors on my refrigerator with chalkboard paint.  I bought both chalk and chalk pens, the chalk is inevitably dusty, however the chalk pens do NOT wipe off easily on porous surfaces. It does say on the pen non-porous surfaces only.. I thought my fridge was non-porous...I had to paint over it with more chalkboard paint. So keep that in mind... I would say if you want a more permanent chalk art on your wall the pen is perfect, but if you plan on erasing and changing use chalk and deal with the dust. :/ good luck!

Becky Schaar · Answer

Great idea...I'm wondering if there is a 'dry erase board that has the look of chalk board? But easily wipes off. I couldn't actually find that but I did come across these: http://www.amazon.com/Fancy-fix-Dust-free-Chalkboard-Chalk-pack-Chalks/dp/B00UOGBCZC/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1440683807&sr=8-4&keywords=dust+free+chalk

HouseLogic.com · Answer

Hello Connie, When it comes to chalk dust, I think the type of chalkboard paint you pick makes a difference too. Check out the chalkboard countertop created by this HomeTalk user: http://goo.gl/Ut7hL5 She used eco-friendly chalk paint, which I believe cut down on the amount of chalk dust that would flake off the surface.

Ren · Answer

I often use a sponge to clean off my chalkboard. The erasers just make a mess and when you clean them it's worst.

Gwen · Answer

I ordered from Amazon the BEST Stardom Crafts chalk less chalk markers. The marker tips can turn over to give a broader or slimmer line. Today for Amazon Prime Members the markers are 18 markers for $24.95/free shipping. They removed with a damp rag. If a bit remained I went over again with a bit more water on damp rag. No marker left behind. I did season my board ( rob the board with regular white or yellow chalk lying on its side). I bought another brand and it never erased!!! I also bought a can of Rustoleum Black Chalkboard paint. Better than any other brand so I can roll and refresh my board. The Mr Clean white cleaners dampened also work to remove some stubborn color but rub lightly. Since the markers are chalk I did not have to re-season.

Carolyn · Answer

I used rustoleum chalkboard paint and don't have all that chalk dust; but occasionally wipe off with wet paper towel

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