Making a chalkboard wall is easy. You clean the wall, slap a few layers of chalkboard paint on it, let it dry, and you’re ready to go, right? WRONG! There is a final step that is vital to the long-term care of your wall. This same tip goes for chalkboards too. Before you start drawing on them, do yourself a huge favor and season them.

Good chalkboard art requires chalk dust so it’s important to introduce that dust in a gentle way. If you don’t season your board and start drawing, you’ll discover upon trying to erase that first design that it will leave behind a sort of stain, or “ghost image”. If you take a few minutes and a few pieces of chalk to just season your wall, you’ll be putting a protective layer of dust down to avoid any possible ghost images.

It’s super simple but does make a little bit of a mess so be ready to vacuum or sweep when you’re done. Additionally, whenever your wall needs a refresh, wipe it down with an old towel with a squirt bottle filled with water, like you’re cleaning a window (or whatever…you understand how cleaning works). After your board is clean and dry, re-season it.

Seasoning your board is fast, it’s easy, and it’s completely worth it. I know a lot of people like the look of a clean chalkboard wall but I’m telling you, your designs will have SO MUCH MORE dimension if you give it a good seasoning. As I lay a design down on this wall, I can add and remove chalk dust to add depth, shadows, layers, etc. which will really make it stand out and look like you know what you’re doing.

If you’re following along on this little chalkboard art wall series, either with a wall or with a chalkboard, post your wall or board on social media and tag me so I can see what you’re up to (@em.n.arts)!

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