Okay Maron, this one’s for you… and all you other fabulous women who have purchased or made a chalkboard and would like to know:
How Do I Season My New Chalkboard?
Seasoning your home-made chalkboard is crucial. Why? If you write on your chalkboard without seasoning it first, you will NEVER be able to completely erase what you have just written. A faint image will eternally remain due to the chalkboards porous surface. This is called ghosting or shadowing.
To ensure ghosting doesn’t happen, a few simple steps are required. Seasoning your board or creating a chalk “foundation” will alieviate any problems. It’s super easy and it takes no time at all.
Here’s how~
1. After your chalkboard has dried and cured for the appropriate amount of time instructed on your chalkboard paint, take a piece of chalk (use it’s side rather than the tip) and rub the entire surface vertically ensuring the board is covered.
2. Once again, using the side of your chalk, rub the entire surface horizontally making sure the entire board is covered.
3. Wipe with a soft rag, cloth or chalkboard brush and blow off any excess chalk dust. Voilà…. it’s seasoned and ready to use.
So easy!
Maron, I hope your sister likes the chalkboard you picked for her special day.
In regards to making a chalkboard, as discussed, if I can do it, you can do it!
Here’s an easy tutorial on how to create your own beautiful chalkboard for re-sale or for your own home décor. It was a pleasure meeting you and good luck!
To all my other friends, if you have any questions about seasoning your board, feel free to leave me a comment below.
I love hearing from you!
Hello again... I'm so happy you dropped by! Let's keep in touch! Follow me on social media or sign up for a dose of furniture painting inspiration and diy tutorials. :) 
One of the most frequently misused writing surfaces is the chalkboard. Due to daily use, they frequently become scratched, and if you notice, chalk does not mark the board as quickly as it once did.
Thank you for all of this great info! Do you have any experience with (or has anyone else tried) using climbing chalk (Magnesium carbonate) in powder form to season a chalkboard-painted wall? We are painting multiple walls and looking for a way to cover large areas more efficiently (though it sounds from all the posts like there are no shortcuts in this process that end up working out…ha ha!). Your thoughts are appreciated!
Hi there! My classroom has these pale blue chalkboards. They’re hideous and I tried using chalk markers to make a sign on one and it almost eats the color up. After it dried it’s super light and hard to see. Any ideas? Do you think I need to try seasoning them before creating the sign?
Yes, I would season them. 🙂
Can I stencil with craft paint on a seasoned chalkboard?
Want a permanent heading that will not erase.
Yes, for sure!
This was published several years ago so I don’t know if you’ll see this to respond, but I just seasoned my chalkboard and it did not go well. I waited five days after painting it (Rustoleum, 3 coats), and then used the side of a piece of white chalk and covered it vertically and horizontally. I took a damp, not wet, rag and gently wiped it off. Now I can see every seasoning mark. It looks like a plaid mess. As I was trying to figure out what I did wrong, I realized the chalk I purchased is “dust-free.” and I assume that is the problem. but what can I do to fix it? Do I re-season it? And if so, how? Prime it and paint it again – i.e., start all over? And lastly, how do I find chalk-with-dust? Seems like every box of chalk says “dust-free”. Do I need to use kid’s sidewalk chalk? HELP.
Hi Anaya! Yes, plain old chalky chalk is what you want to use. I would try using original formula chalk and re-season before repainting. If seasoning doesn’t work with the powdery chalk, then lightly sand and put one more coat of Rustoleum on. Wait until dry. Then season with an old school chalky chalk. Hope this helps. 🙂
I just had this same problems as she listed above. Lightly sand with what grit paper? I am guessing sand all over? Then one coat over the top of that and it should cover the marks (I call them scratch marks) thank you for your help!
When I rub the excess dust off, black rubs off onto my rag. What does this mean/Is this normal?
Hello Denise. I’m having a problem with a new board I’ve bought. It’s black, and I’m using dustless chalk, idk if the problem is the chalk or the board, but when I try to write on it the image is faded, as if the chunk isn’t “fixing” on the board. Do you have any hints?
Hmmm, my guess is the chalk. I would try a traditional ‘dusty’ chalk and see if that works any better for you. Also, seasoning the board prior to use is helpful.
I had someone local to me make me a custom blackboard for a wedding present for my brother. She’s telling to only use regular, old school chalk on it. I was going to buy them these (Wonder Stix) https://www.amazon.ca/Wonder-Stix-24-Color-Set/dp/B07514Q6K8. They aren’t chalk pens. Do you think they would be okay to use?
Hi Heather! No, I would stick with old-school chalk as she suggested. On the package of the Wonder Stix, it states washable for “non-porous surfaces… and custom/diy blackboards are porous. Hope this helps.
Hi! I’m trying to prep my board for liquid chalk markers. I found out that I should spray sealer on it to create a more non-porous surface. But I sprayed on chalkboard paint on the surface just in case. Should I prime it then put another coat of chalkboard paint, then seal it? Or should I just prime then seal? Or seal then prime? The chalkboard came painted on cardboard. And the instructions said not to use liquid chalk markers on it, but I really think it the board will look better with markers. I’m very confused on what I should do next.
Hi – I never knew about needing to season my chalkboard I painted in my enclosed cargo trailer which I use to sell my lularoe products. It’s like a store inside – so I painted challbord paint on the entrance door inside (on wood) so I could write notes, specials, to communicate with other people and to play games on as well.
I used it with my chalkboard markers and it wouldn’t come off. I decided to paint over it all over again with chalkboard paint, came across this article about seasoning it. So I just seasoned it all over with chalk.
How long should I leave it seasoned and then I’ll wipe it with damp rag. Would I be able to use my chalk markers on it? I’m afraid it would get stuck again, any suggestions before I even try?
Thanks in advance!!
Hi Rachie! Once you season it with chalk, you can wipe it off right away. Also, if your chalk markers didn’t rub off the first time, I’m guessing you may have some difficulty with them even if the board has been seasoned. I would stick to using regular chalk and/or test your chalk marker in a small corner before using it all over. Hope this helps. 🙂
Ok what did I do wrong. I painted the walls with magnetic primer and chalk paint. Let it sit for the appropriate amount of time. I seasoned the wall and whenever I write with chalk the chalk won’t really erase. Magnets stick! But why won’t the chalk erase?
My sister had this same problem and she sprayed a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a lint free cotton cloth and rubbed the ghosting chalk right off. Then she seasoned her chalk board again. Maybe try this on a small area first and see if it works for you. 🙂
There is a difference between chalk paint and chalkboard paint. I found this out the hard way. Is it possible that is what you did?
Hello! I’m priming a huge chalkboard. Can I use white pastels instead of chalk? They have more pigment and no scratchy flecks of limestone that scratch the board. I’m concerned though that the pastels would be too hard to wipe off the board. Thanks so much.
Pastels have oil in them and will NOT be easy to wipe off Kim.
Do you mean oil pastels, perhaps? Pastels, also known as chalk pastels, are just very pigmented chalk?
Hi! We painted a large wall with chalkboard paint in our playroom. We let it cure for almost a month. Well, tonight my husband and I conditioned it and there are scratch marks on the entire wall! I’m so upset. What did we do wrong? Should we just sand and paint over it again? I’m worried it’s just going look scratched again. Help!
I have liquid chalk markers and a new chalkboard. Do I need to season the board? The board finish seems very plastic like???
Thank you!
After seasoning my board, I also found I could not get rid of the grey. After trying a dry cloth and followed with a damp cloth, I still was disappointed. Somewhere online I had read about using “Coca Cola” as a cleaning agent for chalkboards. And Guess WHAT??? It really works. I use a generous amount on a clean, soft rag. No rinsing. let dry thoroughly and you are ready to go forward . . . and CREATE.
Hi 🙂
I’ve done all the steps yesterday. Now should I go over my wall with a damp cloth so I gey it clean and black looking? As opposed to the whitey gray it is now
Thanks
Hi Chris! I like the clean blackest black chalkboard look too, however keeping a light layer of chalk on the board will prevent ghosting. I would suggest taking an undamp cloth, and wiping the excess dust off. 🙂
Please Help! I made chalkboards on wood, I applied three coats and waited 24 hours between each coat. And then another 48 hours before trying to season them but the chalk is scratching them all up! Is there another way to season them? If I just rub chalk dust all over them and then wipe it off with that work to prevent ghosting?
Hi Julie! Yes, you can try rubbing chalk dust into them rather than rubbing the actual chalk but my concern would be that it may scratch when you try to write on it after it’s seasoned. It sounds to me that your application process was perfect but the wood itself may be the issue. My guess is that the wood is somewhat textured (not perfectly smooth) and therefore trying to season or write on it, the chalk is catching and causing scratches.
Thanks Denise. I sanded it really really well and put on 2 coats of primer first…. Is there something else I could be missing?
The only other thing I can think of is maybe the chalkboard paint has not totally cured. If the environment is not optimal (ie maybe humid or cold etc) the paint takes longer to cure. Other than that, I’m a little stumped.
In the future I would try a different chalk. I have found some chalks to be softer than others where as some left scratches and the soft did not.
Hi I recently just painted a wall in my sons nursery with blue chalkboard paint from Menards! I unfortunately did not read the directions and wrote on the wall about 36 hr after painting the last coat. I tried to use a dry cloth to wipe it off and it does basically nothing! That’s when I read the can and realized that I was suppose to wait 3 days and season the wall first! What do I do now? Do I need to do another coat? Should I clean it with a damp cloth now? Wait the 3 days and season over it! I’m scared I ruined the wall :(!
Hi Nikki! First I would try seasoning the chalkboard following the steps above – right over the writing/ghosting. This may not get all the ghosting to disappear, but a good portion may come off. If that doesn’t work, a light sanding and another coat may be required.
Just made my first chalkboard, but didn’t know how to season it…thanks for the info!
Hi
I painted my fridges black – looks great
Thanks for the seasoning tip – will get rubbing
Do I need to seal them with something beforehand or isn’t it necessary
I’m just worried about the oily hands factor if its not sealed
What can i use to seal it with
Hi there Heidi! If you’ve painted your fridge with black chalkboard paint and intend on using it as a chalkboard, no sealer is required. If sealed, you won’t be able to write/draw on it. However, this does somewhat leave the door open for the dirty hands factor. A damp sponge would work well for clean-up.
Ok, thank you. That makes sense… kind of assumed it would be standard issue these days, to avoid all that chalk dust(!!) but I can see it probably isn’t as functional as it sounds. Think i’ll stick to the regular stuff. thanks heaps for all your advice. I too have a new board (my laundry door actually) that isn’t working as well as I’d hoped because I didn’t know i had to season it first. I’ll have to repaint it but at least now I know why its so cloudy!!
thankyou!
Hi there – do you have an opinion on dustless chalk?? I assumed this would be normal these days as regular / old fashioned chalk produces so much dust(!) but I now wonder if its actually not so good and perhaps harder to wipe off the blackboard? I can only buy it in packets of 100 anyway so haven’t yet ordered it… Thanks so much
I believe they make dustless chalk with wax in it Celia. I’ve never tried it however I don’t recommend using it to season a new chalk board. The ol’fashion kind does the job perfectly. 🙂
Do you have to season the board, in my case wall, after every time you wipe it with a damp rag?
If it’s being wiped with a slightly damp rag it should be just fine Jess.
Thank you for your response. I sanded the board and repainted. I will wait several days before the second coat and then wait a week or so before chalking. Now….can you recommend a chalk that is not as hard as the one I used previously. They are all different. I’m thinking that a softer chalk would be better. Any suggestions? Thank you.
Joan, I usually buy the 12 pack of Crayola Nontoxic White Chalk (affiliate link). I find they work perfect on the chalkboards I’ve made because they don’t seem to be as waxy as some other chalks I’ve used.
I have just finished rubbing chalk across my board which I had painted twice…letting it dry overnight each time. After rubbing chalk to season I wiped it off with a soft cloth and now I can see what looks like lines or scratch marks across the board from rubbing with chalk. I don’t know what to do. Should I repaint the board and start over?
Joan, it sounds as if the chalkboard was not 100% dry/cured. Humidity or other environment factors could be the reason. You could try giving your board a light sanding (to smooth out any scratches on the surface) and then recoat and wait until complete dry before seasoning.
The white chalk I bought at wal mart is scratching my new chalkboard. Is there a difference in chalks? I now have lines going through my whole large chalkboard
Ohhh no! There are numerous brands and types of drawing chalk. Some brands are softer, some harder, and others have a slightly more waxy feel. Having said this, if the chalkboard paint is adhered 100%, it shouldn’t make a big difference in what type of chalk is used. I would try another brand and see if that makes a difference. Best x
How soon after you rub the chalk all over chalkboard, can you wipe down with a damp rag? After I rubbed chalk all over mine I can’t get all the chalk off by just erasing. Your chalkboards look so black and good, how do you get them that way? Also is it ok to make a mirror into a chalkboard?
Yes, a mirror can be turned into a chalkboard. Once you’ve seasoned your new chalkboard, it won’t look quite as stark black as before Tonya. Reason is the chalk remains in the little divots and slightly layers the board. This is what ensures no shadowing and easy wipe down.
We just had a 12×6 foot chalkboard wall done for our daughter. I waited over 24 hours before I seasoned it. I started wiping it off with an erasure but all it did was smear it. So I took a cloth and wet it and wrong it out and started wiping it off. It just smeared the chalk and the whole wall is smeared white. What can I do to fix this?
Heather sorry to hear this. It’s possible your chalkboard was not totally cured before you seasoned it. Here’s an article explaining dry & cure time. If that’s the case, painting another coat may possibly be required. But first, check out the comment above dated March 7/15 in reply to Oksana. The products I listed may help fix the smeared wall!
I bought a chalkboard from the store and it has a waxy feel to it and the chalk won’t write on it very well. What do I do?
Hi there Oksana! First I would try wiping it down with a soft clothe and damp water. (never write on a wet chalkboard though… wait until it is fully dry!) If that doesn’t work, you can try adding a few drops of a mild soap or water and vinegar. There are also ‘special’ chalkboard cleaners sold at teacher supply stores. Amrep Misty or Zig Chalkboard Cleaner may help if the DIY versions don’t.
Chalk markers look like big felt tip markers the teacher used on the those big writing pads. I think they are called lecture pads. Sorry it’s been a longtime since I’ve been in school. Only they are a liquid marker with a spongy tip and come in vibrant pastel and neon colors. They are very expensive but really stand out. They also have them for whiteboards.
Hi, hope you can help me! We painted part of the wall with chalk paint, didn’t do the ”seasoning’ well enough. Now there’s a ghostly pictures all the board! How do we fix it? Thanks so much!
You may not be able to remove 100% of the ghosting Thy, but here’s a great way to get rid of 80-90% of it. Simply RE-SEASON your chalkboard (by rubbing and covering your entire board with chalk again) and then clean with a soft damp rag. This should help. 🙂
So I have a chalkboard wall that I’ve been using for almost a year before I read about seasoning. I’m wondering if it would help to season it now or if it is too late. I really appreciate your thoughts.
It’s not necessary to season it now Natalie. If no ghosting has appeared in a year of using it… you’re just fine. 🙂
Denise, have you ever used MINWAX Finishing Wax for Chalk Paint pieces in the Natural? I know CeCe has a good clear wax besides Annie Sloan, but just wondering. THANKS!
Yes…many times! Minwax Natural Furniture Wax works great. I’m careful not to put the Minwax on white pieces though… it has an orangey hue which can show up on white/light paint.
Thank you so much for your article!! My question is about the liquid chalk markers – I’m planning a chalk wall at the entrance of my small business and have purchased the chalk “markers” to use on it. Do you have any experience using these??
I’ve never tried using a chalk marker Abby… actually this is the first time I’ve heard of a chalk marker!
The chalk markers are for non-porous surfaces. Unfortunately, on walls painted with chalkboard paint, it will leave ghosting.
hi yes thats right – in my experience the chalk markers are actually more like paint – they’re designed to LOOK LIKE chalk but on a real chalkboard they will actually be permanent so be careful!!
I would just like to make sure about the seasoning…after seasoning my chalkboard wall I have painted in my kitchen can I wipe the chalk away with a damp or wet soft cloth or must the cloth be dry?
Thanx
Thelma, a dry cloth is best because it leaves a layer of chalk on the board for protection against ghosting. Having said that, many people don’t like the “dusty” chalkboard look and use a slightly damp cloth after the initial seasoning. I wouldn’t recommend using a wet cloth.
So, is it necessary to wait a full week after “chalk painting” if that is what the direcctions on the can say? I got the Mickey brand from Wal Mart and did the front of my fridge and a place on my sons door. I can’t wait to play! hehe I am glad that I found your page and I am glad I did because I didn’t realize I should season the boards. I hope this turns out as cute as the pics on Pintrest. haha
Oh, you sound just as impatient as me April…lol! If the directions on your can says wait a full week, I highly recommend you do so. It’s disappointing to work on something and then screw it up because you didn’t wait long enough for it to cure/set etc. And believe me…I speak from experience! 🙂 https://salvagedinspirations.com/paint-dry-and-paint-cure/
Just finished painting a chalkboard black with 6 coats of chalk paint. I painted 6 coats because the paint never dried evenly with an over all smooth finish. It still has areas that look rougher that other areas. I used to different types of paint rollers when applying the paint but it never made a difference. I finally gave up and am ready to season the surface but I’m concerned that the chalk with stay in the more in the porous looking areas versus the smoother areas. Will that happen? Also how long should you wait after painting to season the chalkboard?
Thanks,
Marie
The only difference between seasoning a porous blackboard compared to a smoother blackboard is it will look more chalky-grey (rather than black) after you wipe it down. This is simply because it’s a rougher surface and the chalk will remain in the pores. 24hrs is usually sufficient before seasoning, however with 6 layers of paint, you may want to wait a few days to be sure it’s fully dry Marie.
Hi, I just finished painting one wall in my kitchen chalkboard (black). I scoured the internet for seasoning tips & came across your website. Thank you soooo much for adding this! Thanks too all the questions asked also they answered pretty much all my questions! Just one, a follow up from a previous one, I just painted a week ago, waited an entire week before seasoning, now it’s grey, can I go ahead & use a slightly damp cloth/rag to get the extra dust off or should I just leave it? Thanks again for the info!!
Jami, I want to thank YOU and everyone else who shares these fabulous questions and comments…It’s such a great way to learn from each-other! Yes, you can either leave it “chalky-grey” or give it a wipe down with either a soft dry rag or slightly damp rag if you prefer it black. Depending on how porous the wall and chalk paint applied to the wall, will depend on how “black” it will be once wiped down. The smoother the surface, the less chalk is left on the board after seasoning/wiping.
I had a nice black chalkboard wall, then tried seasoning it per your instructions. Now I have a cloudy grey dusty looking board, much like your 2nd to last photo above. Does the board ever look like a solid blackboard again (like your last picture)? If so, how? It seems like a step is missing. For now, it doesn’t look like it should and I’d hate to have to repaint it! Thanks for any advice.
Giving it a light wipe down with a damp cloth will bring your chalkboard wall back to a “black” board John. However, it will not look as stark-black as your original paint job did; unseasoned or prior to writing on it. Chalkboard paint is porous and a little chalk will remain.
I bought a chalkboard from cost plus and wrote on it once (I hadn’t seen your article on seasoning it, so I didn’t do that)… then today I used a damp paper towel to clean it. Now it’s resisting chalk. Did I ruin it? Is there anything I can do to fix it?
If you have any ghosting, unfortunately you will probably always see that faint outline but I wouldn’t think the entire board should be ruined by wiping it with a damp paper towel. Hmmm…have you tried seasoning it after you wiped it clean? If not, try putting a layer of chalk all over the board; wipe it with a dry cloth and see if that works Emily. 🙂
Hey! I was just wondering: are you allowed to wipe the board with water right after seasoning it? I have heard that you shouldn’t use water on it for a week. Just wondering about that?
Thank you!
Hope, it’s good practice to wait before wiping with water and I personally use a damp rag…never wet.
Hi, I’d like to do a chalkboard for my daughter’s bedroom, and ‘frame’ it with vintage or shabby/chic frames. I’m having a hard time finding some though. Just not sure where to start. Do you have any suggestions?
Hi Kelly! I’m budget concious and always have good luck finding “old” frames (which are easy to shabby-chic) at Thrift Stores/garage sales and flea markets. If that’s not your thing, you can always go to a store and buy wall art or a mirror with a frame you really like. Pop out the art and utilize the back board or glass to make your chalkboard. So many choices…have fun!
I’ve got a question. I made a bunch of framed chalkboards with glass picture frames for my wedding. I did 4 thin coats and let them dry completely between coats. When it put the glass back into the frames – my nails made a couple of small scratches in the paint. I did prime the glass before I pained and let dry overnight. Do you think that seasoning will cover the couple of tiny scratches or do I need to start all over again?
After you season a chalkboard, it doesn’t look jet black anymore… it has more of that authentic dusty blackboard look. So I guess it would depend on the size of the scratch Einet. If it were me, I would try seasoning 1 board and see if I’m happy with it (if it camouflages the tiny scratch) before I start all of them again. good luck!
In the old school days, chalkboard used to get washed once in a while to get rid of old chalk etc. If you wash this chalkboard, do you have to re-season?
Love your site!
Sylvia
Great questions Sylvia. I don’t recommend using water to “wash” your home-made chalk board. DIY chalkboard paint is very porous. Therefore, using water can lead to a thinning surface and/or ruin the backing by causing bubbling or an uneven surface. To clean your board, a slightly damp rag works beautifully. Then a quick re-seasoning of your chalkboard will ensure perfect erasing and long term use!
In my room, One of my entire walls is pink chalkboard. I actually have 2 questions on this, 1. Should i season the entire wall? and if I should, is there an easier way to do it quicker. 2. Last question, since its pink-colored chalkboard should I sand it with pink or white chalk. (it is hot pink)
Erika, I’m sure you’ve put plenty of work into painting this gorgeous wall and would like to keep it functional and looking good. Regardless of the colour or size of your chalkboard, it is important to season it before writing or drawing on it. Why? If you write on it without seasoning and then try to erase what you’ve written, you will end up with a “ghosting” shadow of what you just wrote which will never entirely go away. To answer your questions 1. YES, season the entire wall (the only way to make the process quicker is to find the biggest piece of chalk possible or recruit extra hands 😉 2. Season with WHITE chalk (you can technically use any colour but I always use white regardless of the colour of my board)
Hi my niece got an Crayola Easel for Christmas and her mom wet the chalkboard side and now it is difficult to write on it. Is there anyway to fix this?
Kelly, it sounds like it’s been used/wet prior to seasoning, but you can always try the seasoning process now and see if it’s easier to write on. Aside from giving it a nice layer of chalk as a foundation to write on, I’m not sure what else would help. If any of you readers have any suggestions, feel free to chime in and help Kelly out! 🙂
Hi, I painted a big area in my kitchen with chalk paint for a “coffee bar” area; about a year ago. Well I never seasoned it, but I also have not yet written on it what so ever. So I just have this random black square on my kitchen wall haha. I got busy with my new baby in the house and juat never got around to it. Well now I’d like to write on it. But I’m worried it won’t work out nicely. Is it too late to season and use it?
Definitely not to late. Season and have fun Ashley!
With regards to scratches: be sure never to use sidewalk chalk on your blackboard!
This is great. Thanks for sharing!!
My pleasure. Thanks for dropping by and taking the time to comment! 🙂