Blackboard film and chalkboard paint

What is the difference between chalkboard paint and chalkboard varnish?

The two labels ‘chalkboard paint’ and ‘chalkboard varnish’ (also known as blackboard lacquer) essentially suggest two products with different properties. In reality, many manufacturers use the two terms interchangeably. We therefore recommend that you pay close attention to the manufacturer’s information when purchasing chalkboard paint / chalkboard varnish. This way you can be sure that the paint is in fact suitable for the surface of your choice.

Is blackboard film magnetic?

Colloquially, people often talk of magnetic blackboard film. This is not entirely correct because the film itself is not magnetic but rather has ferromagnetic characteristics. As a result, it provides an optimal surface for magnets.

Surfaces on which you can use blackboard film and chalkboard paint

There are many different surfaces on which blackboard film / chalkboard sheet and chalkboard paint can be used. For example:

• walls
• room doors and wardrobe doors
• kitchen cabinets
• kitchen tiles
• flower pots
• glassware
• storage containers
• picture frames

Inspiration for using blackboard film and chalkboard paint

• Children’s room: Apply chalkboard paint on top of 3–4 coats of magnetic paint. Now your children can use the wall to express their ideas, let their imagination run wild and also attach different things with magnets. The big advantage is that the works of art can be removed at any time since the blackboard paint is easily wiped clean. This project could also be completed using whiteboard paint as the top coat.
• Kitchen: Note recipes or menu plans. Shopping lists too can be easily written down on the chalkboard. The blackboard film is also perfect to create custom labels for storage jars. Cut out small pieces of magnetic chalkboard sheet and stick them on the storage jar.
• Hallway: You can attach appointments, invitations, pictures, etc. to a magnetic chalkboard. Or use a chalk pen to write funny messages for your family, your partner or your flatmates.
• Food service industry: In restaurants, bars or cafés you can announce changing daily menus or special offers by writing them in chalk on blackboard film or chalkboard paint. As soon as they are no longer current, simply wipe clean and update.
• Office/meeting rooms: Use the chalkboard for brainstorming sessions, mind maps, to-do lists and more.

Installing self-adhesive blackboard film – what you need to keep in mind

What applies for other wall films (for example whiteboard sheet) also applies to chalkboard adhesive sheets: The surface must be as smooth as possible as well as clean and dry. Smooth because highly textured surfaces will show underneath the blackboard film. If you want to attach a large chalkboard sheet on a wall or other surface, it is advisable to install it with two people. Once you have found the right place for the blackboard film, you can temporarily attach the film with a few strips of painter's tape and correct the positioning if necessary. For this, a folding ruler and level are useful.

Once the peel and stick chalkboard sheet is in the correct position, you can start glueing it down. To do this, remove some of the protective film on the back and then stick the self-adhesive blackboard film to the surface. A plastic squeegee will be useful to prevent bubbles from forming underneath the sheet. Then pull off a bit more of the protective backing and press the chalkboard film firmly onto the surface. Keep going until the entire blackboard sheet has been installed.