DIY Chalkboard Paint: Make Your Own Unique Party Supplies

POPSUGAR Photography | Sarah Lipoff
POPSUGAR Photography | Sarah Lipoff

Pick up plastic platters, bowls, or even wineglasses from the dollar store, and transform them into chic party supplies with the help of homemade chalkboard paint. For less than $5, you've got the ingredients needed to mix together enough paint for upscaling dishes, turning them into seriously cool party provisions. Once the dishes are dry, write the names of snacks and appetizers on plates and bowls to let guests know what they're digging in to. And you can even coat the bases of wineglasses for guests to write their names, ensuring no one loses a drink.

What You'll Need:

  • Plastic trays, bowls, and glasses
  • Painter's tape
  • Black latex paint
  • Nonsanded grout
  • Small container
  • Paintbrush

Directions:

  1. Gather your materials, and plan which parts of bowls, platters, or glasses will be coated with the chalkboard paint. Think about creating rectangles or making bands around glasses or bowls.
POPSUGAR Photography | Sarah Lipoff
  1. Tear lengths of painter's tape and press around edges of the party platters and around bowls or glasses, designating where to paint the chalkboard paint.
POPSUGAR Photography | Sarah Lipoff
  1. Mix together one part nonsanded grout, which you can find any any home-goods store, with two parts latex paint. You can use any color of paint you'd like, making this homemade chalkboard paint even cooler.
POPSUGAR Photography | Sarah Lipoff
  1. Coat the platters, bowls, or glasses with a layer of chalkboard paint, working in one direction. Once an even coat has been applied, allow to dry for at least an hour.
POPSUGAR Photography | Sarah Lipoff
  1. Brush a second layer of chalkboard paint on the dishes, painting the opposite direction from the first coat. Remove tape once paint is dry, and get ready to party! Even though the paint is food-safe, place small squares of parchment paper under cheeses so when cut with a knife, the trays won't be harmed. And the chalkboard party supplies can be gently hand-washed and reused at your next festive gathering.