Since the space under our kitchen bar counter takes heaps of abuse, I decided to paint it with chalkboard paint.
It definitely wasn’t the easy afternoon project I had envisioned, but I really like the way it turned out. But, for those of you considering this, here’s the good, bad and the ugly details of using chalkboard paint under your counter. . .
First off, ignore the mess on the counter. I know you’re looking at that first, so I thought I would just go ahead and say it :)
I started by using painter’s tape to tape off the trim on both sides and the floor.

I was planning on slopping on one coat and going about my business, but that didn’t work out. Here’s the right side with one coat, and the left side after two coats:
I found the best method for touch-ups was just to take a regular brush and “glob” in places that needed thicker paint to cover.
So, here’s my take on this project. I like the way it looks and the texture it brings into our semi-uninteresting kitchen. Some of you had mentioned earlier that you wouldn’t want all of the chalk dust that would come along with it. Honestly? I would welcome chalk dust anyday over some of the other nasty stuff I find on our floor (day-old nuggets, chewed-up grapes, smashed cheese. . . the list goes on). Dust is least of my worries.
And, what do the kids think? They thought it was novel for the first week or so, and as with most playthings, are pretty much over it now. I’m still glad I did it, even if it’s just for the way it looks.
Very cute…Love the pic of all of them creating their art!!
I think it looks great. Gave you kitchen some personality!
Definitely adds to the space! I agree…what is a little chalk dust when there is more questionable stuff that hits those floors!
Have a great Monday!
What a cool idea! And I’m sure the kids love it! That could probably keep my kids busy for hours (well, minutes at least). :)
Jen
Scissors & Spatulas
What a great idea…especially for the little ones.
Rashon aka Mr. Goodwill Hunting
Love how it turned out! Adds so much interest :D
I like it Emily…it is just another element of layering…..
The black really makes the white dishes on the opposite side of the room pop.
When I had my dining room painted black the painter said it was best to let the first coat dry for 24 hours to avoid peeling. That’s what we did, not sure if that applies to chalkboard paint but I thought it was worth mentioning.
how fun! it looks great and your kids are going to love it :) xoxo jillian:: cornflake dreams
Love it! It adds so much character to the space. Glad that the kiddos liked it!
I love it! And it looks like the kids do, too! :-)
Emily Hewett
A Well Dressed Home
awelldressedhome.com/blog
Love the eat your vegetables! Is it helping?! Looks really great! Janell
very cute! i think that I’m going to be painting my under-bar wall too!
I read that you can buy dustless chalk.
Fondly,
Glenda
love it! and I bet the kids love it even more! makes me wish I had an island w/ stools so I could do that!
The painted space looks great. I love the picture with the kids scribbling on the chalkboard area.
Jessie
http://www.mixandchic.com
It looks great!! And, I had the same issue with Frog Tape this weekend too… the paint peeled off my freshly-painted front door. Boo!
I love blackboard paint! i need to get some NOW! The before and after are so cool. Thanks for sharing!
http://jennaleelac.blogspot.com/
I think doing the chalkboard wall there was a great idea! I’m so identifying with you about the food on the floor- we have smashed bananas, grapes, pancakes- you name it. I bought a splat mat for under the highchair but I’m forever finding food on the floor. And we only have one kid!
It looks wonderful! I’m glad you posted this… I’m doing this to my pantry doors in just a few weeks. Thanks for the tips! =)
Looks great! Thanks for sharing!
http://www.ashleyfalkenburginteriors.blogspot.com
The simplest projects are never simple are they? It looks great even if the kids have already moved on.
I think it looks great, and worth it if even just for the design. Have you heard of idea paint? Similar concept but it’s like a white board rather than a chalk board, so no dust. All the rage in NYC right now :)
I think it looks really great against your light colored tile. I’ll bet if you had the primer tinted it wouldn’t have taken as many coats. The chalkboard in my kitchen is pretty much the same for my kids – old news. However, my son likes to do his spelling pre-test on the chalkboard so it’s still useful :)
it turned out great!
my daughter has a large dry erase board in our den..she takes to drawing on it in spells…but one thing she loves to do is to draw a picture or “announcement” for every holiday or event…”Happy Easter”…has quickly been replaced with “Happy Mother’s Day!!”…maybe get the kids some colored chalk to spice it up a bit??! :)…we play hangman a lot on our board too!
xo
I still love it! What a fun idea. Thanks for sharing!
Love the chalkboard wall…as you may know, we did one too the hallway coat rack area that leads from the kitchen to my art studio and then onto the back patio. It’s a high traffic area and gets a lot of use. Grocery wish list, scripture for the week, messages and love notes and art by the kids. Such fun…messy but fun!
Here’s a link to our chalkboard wall http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=6106592473454802238&postID=2414247470388310258 and again here for sight word practice. http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=6106592473454802238&postID=1957073207166870280
What a great idea! I love this!:)
What a great idea Emily! I bet the kids are loving it:)
I love the look! It really grounds the space and I’m sure your kids LOVE it. Thanks for sharing!
Such a great idea! I love it. Since it’s banged up down there anyways, what a great way to cover it! (:
Genius!!! Such a fabulous idea!!
What a fun idea! So whimsical for the kiddos!
Wow, that amazingly gorgeous I’m loving the idea of a that new look! The kitchen seemed a little livelier with even in black. Wonderful! buy aion accounts
What a great idea…looks wonderful and a hit with the kid…double bonus!!
It looks great! I love your honesty with the work that went into the project.
It looks great! I love your honesty with the work that went into the project.
Hi! Just a quick note about the chalk… you can buy “dustless” chalk if the regular stuff is too messy. I love the chalk board under there – it looks great! Especially love the vegy message…
It looks so great!!! It looks like the kids loved it too :)
Amazing idea!!!! So fun for kids or to write menus! Thanks so much for the step by step tips!!!!
xo Allison
Spicer + Bank – http://www.spicerandbank.blogspot.com
Fabulous spot for chalkboard paint! I really love it.
I love the chalkboard paint! I also love the plates on your wall. Do you have any suggestions on decorating with plates?
You can purchase dustless chalk!
I love it!!! Thanks for sharing.
It really adds a nice, personal touch to the space.
Ana, http://www.ournewcasa.com
I absolutely LOVE your chalkboard space! I think it is great that you put it in a space that the kids can enjoy. I featured you today on my blog as the inspiration behind my new kitchen chalkboard wall. I would love for you to stop by sometime!
http://jroxdesigns.wordpress.com/2012/08/29/bringing-chalkboards-out-of-the-classroom-and-into-the-home-inspiration-wednesday/
– Amber @ jRoxDesigns