Colors and composition of blackboard paints for drawing with chalk, top 6 of the best brands

Chalkboard paint can be used to create a chalkboard effect on any surface. The coating is abrasion resistant, withstands over 200 cycles of damage without shedding. Today, traditional slate panels are universally created using modern paints and varnishes made from natural raw materials. In addition, slate finishes have become widespread in the creation of projects for the interior design of living quarters.

Characteristics of slate paint

Slate paint belongs to the category of graphite paints and varnishes, the basis of which is natural mineral chips. Small iron particles make the texture of graphite compounds special, unlike usual paints.

Chalkboard paint creates a coating that looks like a chalkboard.The physical properties of the finish depend on the characteristics of the composition.

Reference! Chalkboard paints are used to paint school surfaces.

Composition and properties

The basic component of slate is latex. Auxiliary substances are added to it, which are responsible for density and consistency. As additional substances are:

• marble chips;
• dolomite;
• plastic polystyrene;
• acrylic resin;
• cement;
• pigment.

Most often, the slate composition is white, black or gray. When mixed with color schemes, various tones or halftones are obtained, which are widely used in the decoration of living quarters. In addition, the paint has magnetic slate properties. This means that after the coating has dried, magnets on a metal base, frames and paper clips can be attached to it.

The main effect and benefit of the finish is the ability to write on the surface with chalk or make chalk sketches. Designs are easily erased from the coating without causing damage.

Scope

In the beginning, blackboard paints were used to cover school blackboards. Regarding packaging, some manufacturers still indicate that the main type of application is wall decoration in schools, kindergartens or offices.

Recently, slate or chalk paints have been actively used for painting apartments, as well as modern cafes, pubs or restaurants. On the surfaces obtained after staining, you can write or draw with chalk without hindrance.

Drawing areas fit well into the interior of children's rooms, kitchens, cafes.

Chalkboards are the perfect surface for writing recipes, homework or creative sketches.

Slate compositions are appreciated by interior designers. They are prepared independently from scrap materials. With the help of such means, furniture is specially aged, the facades of kitchen sets are repainted.

Usually, when creating a special area for drawing, next to the allocated space, foam sponges are attached to erase the notes.

Look at Also

Composition and types of epoxy paints, rating of the best brands and calculation of consumption

Coating durability

The lead layer can withstand multiple draw and erase cycles. Floors or walls can be washed daily using alkaline soap solutions. Provided it is properly applied to the prepared surface, lead will serve homeowners for 5-7 years without loss of quality.

Most often, a two-layer application is practiced. If you take your time and allow the first coat to dry, you can count on creating a hard, durable finish of any chosen shade.

Advantages and disadvantages

Graphite-magnetic or chalk formulations have advantages and disadvantages. They are suitable for painting interiors, but are sometimes used for exteriors.

Experts see ease of application and ease of maintenance as clear advantages. Also, if there are chips or cracks on the surface, partial correction methods are practiced.

Variety of color

Manufacturers are experimenting with nuances. Black, white or transparent coatings are produced permanently.Any colors are added to them, they create a blue, red, green or yellow finish. Most often, bright colors are in demand for decorating children's playrooms or youth rooms.

Graphite is a traditional choice for coloring a blackboard or a menu area in a cafe or pub.

Best Chalkboard Paint Makers & Sets

Graphite compositions are produced at the factories of branded companies that produce traditional paints and varnishes. In addition, manufacturers with a narrow specialization are represented on the market. They are engaged only in the creation of slate or chalk products.

Benjamin Moore & Co.

An American company that produces graphite paints. Product catalogs are updated annually, Benjamin Moore & Co technologists develop new, modern formulations that meet quality standards.

Benefits:

• production of high quality products;
• 50 shades, 20 shades developing;
• production and supply of color schemes;
• control of the environmental safety of products.

Disadvantages:

• high price;
• the material is difficult to order and obtain without an intermediary.

Magnetic

A European brand that produces magnetic slate paint. Benefits:

• high quality products;
• the ability to choose pastel colors;
• durability of the created coating, durability.

Disadvantages:

• difficult to order;
• no catalog;
• high price.

Magnetic paint

Dutch company that develops and produces marker, magnetic and slate compositions. Benefits:

• train safety;
• the use of special technology for packaging, which extends the shelf life;
• the presence of a variety of colors;
• the possibility of consulting the product catalogues.

Disadvantages:

• high shipping costs.

Rust-Oleum

The recognized leader in the production of decorative graphite. Benefits:

• easy to order;
• there are directories;
• the presence of 65 shades, 20 colors;
• the presence of a special application where you can see the finish line in 3D.

Look at Also

Technical characteristics of Ceresit ST-19 Betonkontakt primer

Disadvantages:

• high shipping costs.

Siberia

A small company that produces paints in 20 shades. Benefits:

• high quality products;
• individual approach to clients;
• full purchase support.

Disadvantages:

• difficult to find contact details;
• no ads.

Tikkurila

The famous Finnish brand Tikkurila has been producing paints for over 100 years in a row. Benefits:

• the presence of 50 shades of slate colors;
• convenient packaging;
• ease of use of the goods.

Disadvantages:

• no magnetic slate inks.

Preparation for staining

To paint a surface, you need to prepare it properly. The durability of the created finish, its appearance, as well as the density of adhesion between layers depend on this.

Preparation involves several steps:

• Cleaning the coating from traces of old paint. The surface is cleaned with auxiliary tools. Traces of other coatings are removed with a knife, spatula or scraper. After that, the surface is washed with warm soapy water and left to dry completely.
• Priming, treatment. This stage includes a special primer with grouts or primers. Such treatment is applied to walls or panels with an uneven surface, chips, cracks or damage. The primer must dry thoroughly before proceeding to the next step.
• Anti-corrosion or anti-mold treatment. After cleaning, metal or concrete structures are additionally treated with special substances that improve the general condition of the surface.Most often, the treatment consists of spraying with special products, followed by natural drying after application.

Slate paint works best on concrete, fiberboard, wood, metal, glass, and ceramic. Before staining, you need to prepare auxiliary materials and tools:

• palette for painting;
• different types of brushes;
• rolls with a short nap.

Interior floors should be protected with aluminum foil or other covering to prevent splashing.

Application technology and number of coats

It is advisable to paint the wall with a roller. The brush is used to paint hard-to-reach places that are behind batteries, pipes or at the junction of rooms.

First, the area is covered with a roller in one layer. Then wait for it to dry and provide good adhesion to the surface. It takes 3-5 hours. Then a second layer is applied, which they try to do in the same direction as the first. This method will prevent you from creating streaks that stand out from the general background, which will be difficult to level with the surface without breaking the adhesion.

After the two-coat coat dries, it is determined whether another coat is needed. This is necessary if there are visible defects or errors. 3-step coverage is enough to cover common blemishes.

Attention! Experts advise not to do more than 3 applications with a slate, so as not to create a too heavy finish, susceptible to cracking under its own weight.

Drying time

It will take 1-1.5 days for the finish to dry completely. 3 days after coloring, they begin to write or draw with a stylus.

If you do not allow the coating to harden completely and begin to use it for its intended purpose, you can break the top layer and create the preconditions for the development of cracks throughout the thickness of the finish.

The use of special thermal construction guns helps to speed up the drying process. After staining, they are ignited inside, directing the thermal shock vector to the coating.

Look at Also

How to paint vinyl wallpaper - the choice of composition and method of application

It should be remembered that suitable conditions must be created for drying. Blackboard paint dries at an air temperature of +18 to +25 degrees with relative humidity not exceeding 75 percent.

Material consumption per 1 square meter

Graphite compounds are a special class of paints and varnishes. The composition has a unique formula that assumes the presence of lead or graphite. The crumb thickens the material, making it dense and insoluble.

To calculate the amount of slate paint needed to paint the selected surface, use a formula based on the statement that 0.18 kilograms of slate paint will be needed per square meter. This formula is correct if the coloring requires two coats.

Attention! Experienced repairers are advised to purchase a small amount of paint, which will be needed for more dense application to seams or corners.

How to make your own chalkboard paint

Blackboard paints from manufacturers specializing in this field are expensive. To make a simple do-it-yourself slate painting, you need an acrylic base and thickening powder.

The first method of cooking with a yield of 300 grams (if necessary, the amount of material is increased several times):

• In a special container, mix 50 grams of dry cement powder, 50 grams of marble chips, 250 grams of acrylic dye.
• Kneading is carried out using a construction mixer or the mixture is carefully interrupted with a powerful stick.
• A small amount of warm water is added to the thick mixture, mixed again with a construction mixer.

The prepared surface is covered with the resulting paint within 1-2 hours from the moment of preparation.

The second method involves the use of 75 grams of acrylic dye compound. The same amount of matte varnish is added to it, as well as 25 grams of putty and warm water. From the listed ingredients, the mixture is kneaded. If it turns out dense and thick, optionally add warm water.

In addition, blackboard paints are prepared on the basis of chalk, soda or cornstarch. Such compositions are traditionally used by designers to decorate furniture.

Reference! Using chalk paint, applied in two coats, they fashion a vintage chair from an ordinary stool with deliberate traces of antiquity.

Chemical precautions

Although painting slate can be prepared with your own hands, some rules must be observed when working:

• you cannot taste the constituent elements;
• do not approach the components too close to the nose to detect the smell;
• during kitchen work, use special safe containers and protective clothing.

When painting surfaces, hands, face and clothing are additionally protected with special items. It is recommended to work with protective gloves, which have an additional inner layer to increase durability. To prevent paint from getting into your eyes, you should protect yourself with construction plastic goggles.It is best to cover your hair with a protective scarf or cap. After repair work, all tools should be rinsed with clean warm water and dried naturally.