Paint Techniques: Creative Paint Finished

Finishing walls is becoming more than just applying color. Walls, now, have the ability to talk back to us. Rather than buying a chalkboard, dry erase board, or magnetic board you can simply paint the material directly onto a wall. While many aren't the most sustainable, they do often have low VOC levels.

Chalkboard Paint

Most of the major paint suppliers have their own version of Chalkboard paint (latex style). Martha Stewart, The Home Depot, Lowes, Benjamin Moore, etc all produce their own chalkboard material. Chalkboard paint requires 2 or more coats and dries relatively quickly. The finished product functions in the same fashion as other black boards. They can be drawn on and written on and wiped clean. Often for indoor use.

Dry Erase Paint

This paint is relatively oder less and functions the same way a dry-erase board does. Made of water-based latex formulas - it can be wiped clean as long at dry-erase markers are used. For indoor use. Wink and IdeaPaint have been leading the market in dry erase finishes. 

Magnetic Paint

A water-based grey coat used on wood, papier-mache, tin, terra cotta, and canvas. This finish magnetizes through metallic qualities mixed into the finish allowing for magnets to be applied, etc. The surfaces are not washable. Can be used outdoors, but must be protected. This is a paint finish and can be used on top of any type of paint, but it is important to know that once applied the surface is not washable. It is, however, not ecofriendly. 

-Hayden