Chalkboard paint on place mats are simple to make and super for kids. You can use these place mats any time of the year. During Thanksgiving you can have them draw pictures of what they are thankful for. It’s also a great way to keep them busy before dinner is on the table.
Things You’ll Need
- Vinyl place mats
- Sandpaper
- Damp sponge
- Chalkboard paint or Spray Chalk Paint
- Paint brush
- Chalk Eraser
- Lightly sand one side of the place mats with superfine-grit sandpaper. I used 120 for the first two layers and 200 for the last layer. This roughs up the surface so it will hold the paint better.
- Wipe off the place mats with a damp sponge after sanding. This removes any dust or dirt the paint might stick to. Let the mat dry for at least 30 minutes.
- If you use paint in a can, use a paint brush, paint an even coat of chalkboard paint onto the sanded side of the place mat. Allow it to dry completely, approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour. The longer it dries the better it is to work with.
- Sand the paint gently. Dust off the dust, wipe off with a damp sponge, let it dry completely.
- Apply a second coat. Allow it to dry, then sand, wipe and paint a third coat. This should be fairly smooth.
- When this layer is dry, cover the painted surface with chalk.
- Wipe off the chalk with a dry eraser and then with a wet sponge. This will condition the board and make it easier to write on and clean in the future.
Photo from BrightHorizons.com.
