Building your own homemade magnetic chalk board is a fun way to get you and your child excited about learning at home.  If Dad is feeling a little left out of the homeschooling process building a magnetic board would be a great project for him to try. Magnetic chalk boards can be used for art, math, spelling, writing, learning fun with magnets, and promote self expression and creativity.

Materials Need:

A blackboard can either be mounted to the wall or painted directly onto the wall.  Whichever method you choose the surface must be smooth. If attempting the mounted method you will need a piece of plywood that is smooth or you will need to sand down a piece of plywood that has rough spots. We chose to use plywood to mount the chalk board because we are renting and wanted to be able to take it with us and minimize clean-up if we ever move.

1. Magnetic Primer: available in home improvement stores found in the spray paint section. At least 2-3 coats will be needed. More coats will yield a stronger magnetic surface.
2. Chalk board Paint: also available in home improvement stores in the spray paint section. 2 coats are needed. Chalkboard paint is available in black, green or tintable which can be tinted any color.
   
3. Plywood: if you decide to mount the chalkboard to the wall rather than paint directly.
4. Paint roller: Either a nap roller at a density of 1/4-3/8 Nap or a Foam roller designed for smooth finish.
   
5. Paint Pan
6. Drop Cloth
7. Painter's Tape: needed for borders if painting directly on the wall.
   

1. Surface to be painted should be clean, free of debris, and sanded.
2. If painting directly onto the wall use painter's tape to define your borders, set drop cloth.
3. Prepare the primer by following the directions on the magnetic primer can for stirring. It must be stirred well for time specified.
4. Apply the magnetic primer using the paint roller in even strokes.
   
5. Allow primer to dry 30 minutes then apply second coat, repeat if third coat is desired.
6. After last primer coat has been applied allow to dry at least 4 hours.
7. Apply chalk board paint in an even fashion, avoiding excessive brushing or rolling. Even though it will be dry to touch in 30 minutes you have to wait 4 hours before applying second coat.
8. Apply the second coat.
9. In between coats if you notice the surface has become rough it is OK to sand lightly.
   
10. After last coat has been applied you must wait 3 days before conditioning.
11. To condition the chalkboard before using take a piece of chalk on its side and rub over the entire surface and then erase. This leaves a coat of chalk dust that makes it easier to erase.
12. Chalkboard can be cleaned with a damp cloth but do not wipe down your chalk board until seven days has passed.
13. If mounting to the wall you can choose to hang it like a picture or secure to the wall using screws screwing them into the studs in the wall. For best results use a stud finder.
14. Have fun and enjoy!