The modern market for paints and varnishes is so wide that the average person is simply lost with the choice of a suitable material. For those who keep up with fashion, a relatively recent invention - slate wall paint - can be an excellent choice. This coating allows you to give surfaces an unusual look, similar to a blackboard. This article will tell you in more detail about the advantages and disadvantages of the material and the features of its application.

Slate paint for walls: cheerful notes in a modern interior

You can write, draw and take notes on the slate wall

Slate effect paint: basic characteristics

Slate paint or slate-type paint is a relatively new material on the market of finishing materials. It is distinguished by its versatility and at the same time originality. They can cover walls in any room - be it a kitchen, an entrance hall, a children's room or a living room. The uniqueness lies in the fact that it is a paint on which you can draw and write, and then, if unnecessary, inscriptions and drawings can be simply erased with an ordinary sponge.

Chalk writing can be easily wiped off the slate surface with a damp sponge

Chalk writing can be easily wiped off the slate surface with a damp sponge

Thanks to this feature, the paint and varnish product is popularly called "chalk". In texture, it is matte and rough to the touch. The slate coating after application is characterized by a strong hold. The history of the appearance of paint with a slate effect is directly related to the school, or rather, to the blackboard - the material was created in order to restore its coating. Sophisticated designers quickly found use in the interiors of residential apartments for slate LMK.

Using this type of paint, you can radically change the decor in the room, making it unusual and stylish. Graphite wall paint plays both a decorative and a practical role indoors. Besides decoration, it can be used to entertain and educate children.

The addition of magnetic powder to the material in accordance with special proportions creates a surface on which magnets and metal objects adhere well. The powder can be replaced with a magnetic primer, which is applied after the paint has dried. Walls do not require special preparation for applying a slate coating. It can be applied both to an empty surface and to wallpaper for painting.Thus, an ordinary wall will become a great place for art and play, with the ability to easily and quickly change its design.

It is interesting! Covering the walls with slate paint opens up opportunities for children's creativity. Parents do not have to worry that children will ruin expensive wallpapers, using them as a basis for their fine art skills. A graphite surface is a wall that you can paint on.

The addition of magnetic powder to the paint formulation creates a magnetic surface on which metal objects can be placed

The addition of magnetic powder to the paint formulation creates a magnetic surface on which metal objects can be placed

Slate paint: features of the composition of the product

The slate paint is based on latex. This product is highly soluble in water, while it does not contain harmful substances that can pose a threat to health. The uniqueness of the appearance of this paint and varnish and, as a result, the texture of the slate board, lies in the fact that the composition contains the smallest iron elements, which turn the surface after drying into a real magnetic board.

Components such as cement, gypsum, acrylic-based resin, marble chips, modifiers and dolomite impart a matte texture to the coating. All this together creates the effect of a blackboard. Photos of a wall covered with such a material clearly demonstrate this. The difference is that the blackboard paint is green, and the wall in the room can be painted with any color.

You can cover completely different surfaces with slate paint. The main base is concrete walls. However, they must first be coated with plaster, putty and primer. Graphite LMK also fits well on the following bases:

  • drywall;
  • metal;
  • wallpaper;
  • glass;
  • ceramics;
  • wood and all surfaces based on pressed wood (fiberboard, chipboard, OSB).
Latex compositions of graphite paints are absolutely safe for human health

Latex compositions of graphite paints are absolutely safe for human health

Slate paint for walls: species diversity and various forms of release

Taking into account the color spectrum, you can find the following slate-colored paints on sale:

  • black;
  • graphite;
  • brown;
  • purple;
  • blue;
  • green;
  • white.

They can be used both independently and in the process of coloring, that is, mixing different colors. The addition of white paint produces different shades.

The tool is also classified according to the form of material release. It can be:

  • aerosol sprays;
  • ordinary paint cans of different packaging.

Aerosols are applied by simple spraying, and cans are applied using a brush or roller. If a surface with a large area is to be covered with paint, then it is necessary to stock up in advance with a magnetic slate set of paints and a variety of painting accessories. In hard-to-reach areas for painting, it is better to use paint in cylinders. Similarly, it is better to paint small areas and individual interior items.

In addition to the standard black and green colors, blackboard paints are available in white and other shades.

In addition to the standard black and green colors, blackboard paints are available in white and other shades.

Taking into account the properties and content, slate paints are divided into the following subspecies:

  • classic chalk paint for walls;
  • marker paint, which is used as a basis for drawing not with chalk, but with special markers for the slate board;
  • magnetic paint with a blackboard effect with iron additives that
  • provides the coating with magnetic properties.

Note! In order to obtain a durable coating, two or three coats of paint should be applied. This condition is mandatory if the wall is used as a magnetic board. Insufficient density of magnetic blackboard paint will result in metal objects not sticking to the coating.

Slate-magnetic paint: material advantages

Slate-type paints and varnishes have a number of advantages, the main ones being:

  • form on the surface of the walls a rather hard and durable coating that can last for many years, since it is not afraid of abrasion, wear and tear and mechanical stress;
Slate paint can cover not only walls, but also doors and pieces of furniture

Slate paint can cover not only walls, but also doors and pieces of furniture

  • the material has excellent adhesion, that is, it adheres well to various surfaces, including smooth ones, for example, glass, ceramics, which prolongs the life of the surface in use;
  • paint for drawing with chalk, when covering the wall, forms a matte surface that does not give shine, which makes it possible to paint calmly and conveniently, and then wipe the inscriptions with the same ease or simply wash the surface with water using various detergents;
  • slate paint is fire- and explosion-proof, does not ignite when exposed to fire;
  • the material is environmentally friendly, therefore it is suitable for painting walls in children's rooms;
  • slate paint with the effect of a blackboard dries quickly after application, while not emitting a toxic pungent odor;
  • applying the material is quite simple, you can do it yourself, without the involvement of specialists;
  • a certain type of paint contains antiseptics, which makes it possible to use the material in conditions of high humidity;
  • the tool can be used in certain areas as decoration, creating original drawings, that is, it is not necessary to paint the entire wall completely;
  • the coating with slate paint creates excellent opportunities for the development of children's creativity;
  • Graphite wall paint can be used to decorate various parts of the room, for example, create a reminder board in the hallway, equip a kitchen apron, decorate doors or renew old pieces of furniture.
Slate compositions can only be used indoors, they are not intended for outdoor use

Slate compositions can only be used indoors, they are not intended for outdoor use

Disadvantages of Magnetic Slate Wall Paint

One of the main disadvantages of slate paint is its high sensitivity to low temperatures, at which it breaks down, so it can only be used for indoor decoration.

A wall covered with this type of paintwork requires regular cleaning in order to prevent the formation of stains and streaks that create a messy appearance and the surface loses its attractiveness and aesthetics.

Among other disadvantages, it should be noted that the slate paint for the board can quickly get tired and bored, and soon it will be necessary to make new repairs. In addition, the dark color, which is predominantly of this type of paint and varnish material, creates a gloomy appearance in the room. For this reason, the paint is not suitable for covering walls in small rooms, as it helps to visually reduce its area.

Interesting to know! One of the properties of magnetic slate ink has both positive and negative sides. The peculiarity lies in the fact that magnetic microparticles in the composition of the material on the walls muffle the effect of electromagnetic waves from electronics and household appliances. The plus is that the negative impact on the human body is reduced, the minus is that the quality of the Wi-Fi signal decreases.

You can draw and write on the marker cover with special markers

You can draw and write on the marker cover with special markers

Slate walls are not suitable for certain styles. For example, they are inappropriate in rooms with classic elements, but they look great in interiors stylized as loft or minimalism.

Chalkboard paint is suitable for application only on a flat surface, otherwise the intended effect will be lost. Therefore, in order to achieve the appearance of a chalkboard, it will be necessary to carefully align the base beforehand.

Rules for using graphite paint: preparation and painting

The main feature of working with graphite paint is the ease and simplicity of application.No special knowledge, experience or special professional tools are required. It is enough to purchase a regular set of painters, which includes:

  • paint tray;
  • brushes of different types;
  • construction roller.

Before starting work, surfaces that cannot be painted should be thoroughly covered with cellophane film, since even with all the caution of application, drops can fall on the floor, which are very difficult to remove. Cover window sills, window frames and doors with paper tape to prevent paint splashes.

Graphite paint hardens very quickly, so it should be applied very carefully

Graphite paint hardens very quickly, so it should be applied very carefully

The wall to be painted must be carefully leveled:

  • remove old paint and wallpaper;
  • remove old peeled putty and apply a new layer;
  • cover the surface with a primer.

If the wall is old, it is best to completely remove the worn out putty and re-putty the surface, and then apply a primer that is suitable for this type of paint. Only after this procedure can you start painting.

Painting the surface itself is very simple. The main thing is that the base for application is clean, free of dust and dirt. The paint must first be thoroughly mixed, and then pour a little into a special tray or other container, as it quickly hardens. Further, picking up a small amount of the product with a roller or brush, it is distributed on the surface. After two hours a second layer is applied. You can draw and write on the slate board after three days.

The magnetic coating after the blackboard paint is applied in a day, if the iron-magnetic powder has not yet been added to the composition of the paint and varnish.

Three days after application, you can draw and take notes on the slate

Three days after application, you can draw and take notes on the slate surface

Using chalk paint in the interior

Slate paint is used very widely. Due to its safety, it can be used in children's educational institutions and not only for painting chalkboards on which you can draw with chalk. This type of paint is also used in cafes and offices for the purpose of taking notes. At home, the material can be applied to walls in different rooms. It is especially popular in the children's room and in the kitchen.

Helpful advice! Manufacturers of blackboard paints recommend washing the surface with exclusively clean water during the first month. Then you can use chemical detergents, but without aggressive additives.

The slate wall in the nursery is the ideal space for the child's learning and creative development. Children will not want to paint the walls in other rooms, having their own spacious "polygon" for creativity. Older children can use the wall to memorize various educational material, for example, formulas, rules, tables.

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In the kitchen and in the hallway, slate paint is usually used partially - to cover individual areas or interior items. A kitchen apron with such a coating is popular: here you can write down recipes, food lists and menus for the day. Some types of paint can change color when heated or exposed to hot temperatures. This should be taken into account when organizing repairs. Individual items decorated with slate paint look beautiful. For example, cabinet doors, a bar counter, or even boxes for storing bulk products or flower pots.

The most popular place for using blackboard paint in the interior is the children's room.

The most popular place for using blackboard paint in the interior is the children's room.

In the hallway, paint is usually applied to the area near the front door, in order to draw various notes and reminders to each other.

Blackboard paint: price and consumer reviews

According to customer reviews, the slate coating is particularly durable, it hardens quite quickly. Therefore, inappropriate drops that have fallen on surfaces that cannot be painted should be immediately removed before solidification. Otherwise, it will be very difficult to eliminate them. Defects will have to literally rip off, and if you try to paint over them with a different type of product, the graphite paint and varnish product will simply appear on the surface.

People with allergies should be careful about this type of interior design. It is not the product itself that is harmful, but the effect of dust from chalk, which is used to paint on a blackboard covered with slate paint. Consumer reviews recommend that you often wipe the coating and carry out wet cleaning, and it is best to use special hypoallergenic marker paints.

For better adhesion of smooth surfaces such as glass or aluminum with paint, experienced users recommend applying a special primer first.

People who are allergic to chalk can use marker surfaces in the room, on which they draw with markers rather than chalk.

People who are allergic to chalk can use marker surfaces in the room, on which they draw with markers rather than chalk

As for the price of graphite paint, it is quite high. The cost of some types of funds reaches 8 thousand rubles. for a 1 liter jar.

Helpful advice! Catering establishments' owners can successfully use slate paint and varnish materials in the design of their premises. Walls or special stands are covered with graphite paint, where it is convenient to place important information for visitors. For example, about discounts, promotions or new items in the menu.

DIY slate paint: recipes for making

Typically, slate paint is sold in cans or cylinders with a capacity of half a liter or a liter. Given the high cost of production, sometimes such volumes are simply unnecessary, for example, when it is necessary to paint individual interior items or areas on the wall. For this purpose, you can prepare the material with your own hands. There are two popular methods.

For the first paint option you will need:

  • 250 g acrylic paint;
  • 50 g of dry cement mixture powder.
Slate composition can be easily prepared by hand at home

Slate composition can be easily prepared with your own hands at home

The cooking process is simple and easy. It is enough to mix both components and add the desired color pigment. It should be noted that a cement-based product can be scratched quickly. Therefore, it is better to add a little marble chips to the mixture. True, this technique slightly complicates the cooking process.

For tinting, you can choose any shade, but bright colors look best, from deep purple to toxic green.

The second recipe for making paint assumes the presence of such components:

  • 75 g of already tinted acrylic-based paints and varnishes;
  • 25 g of acrylic varnish with a matte texture;
  • 25 g of cement putty;
  • 50 ml of water.

First, cement powder is poured into the dishes, then paint and varnish are gradually added. Mix everything thoroughly and finally dilute with water. The product is ready to be applied to any surface.

Before applying, you must carefully cover all surfaces from accidental paint

Before applying, it is necessary to carefully cover all surfaces from accidental paint

Tikkurila slate paint and products from other manufacturers

The construction market offers not a very wide selection of slate paints, different textures, packaging and, accordingly, prices and quality. There are less than a dozen manufacturers of this type of paints and varnishes, including the following:

  • Tikkurila;
  • Magnetico;
  • Siberia;
  • Rust-oleum;
  • MagPaint;
  • Benjamin Moore & Co;
  • Craft Premier.

Speaking about manufacturers, first of all it is worth mentioning the Finnish brand Tikkurila. This paint is characterized by high quality. It is produced in only two colors - black and white. Further, the consumer himself, at his discretion, can carry out tinting. After application, the surface acquires a matte structure, on which it is good to write with chalk. Another type of paintwork materials from this manufacturer is Tikkurila marker paint.It is available only in white, so you need to apply it in two layers. The result is an excellent magnetic surface.

Siberia slate paint is produced in Russia. This is a new production that specializes in the production of the latest types of paints and varnishes. The assortment of Siberia, in addition to slate, also includes magnetic and marker paints. They include an atiseptic, which increases the level of wear resistance of the surface covered with paintwork and its resistance to moisture. The range of products is also very wide, with the exception of the Siberia PRO series, which is produced exclusively in black and white.

The manufacturer Tikkurila offers customers black and white slate paint

The manufacturer Tikkurila offers customers black and white slate paint

Helpful advice! If you need a magnetic type paint, then it is best to use the products of the German company Magnetico. It is produced exclusively in gray tones. However, the main advantage is that, with excellent quality, the cost of materials is relatively lower than analogs from other manufacturers.

What is Oleum, Kraft Premium and Benjamin Moore & Co

The pioneer in this production sector is the American company Rust-oleum, which was the first to put slate inks into mass production. It is still the leader in the sale of similar products on the American continent. The company produces slate-type paint only in black and white. Such marker and magnetic mixes are most popular for room decoration.

Benjamin Moore & Co. also specializes in the production of graphite paints in the USA. Its products are among the premium materials, the range includes a variety of tinting. The surface, covered with material from Benjamin Moe, has maximum resistance to various external influences. In terms of price, this brand is considered the most expensive, nevertheless it has its own niche of consumers.

MagPaint is a manufacturer from the Netherlands that previously specialized exclusively in slate paints, although recently it has also begun to produce marker paints. Dutch materials from Magpaint are of high quality, which entails a high demand for the products of this brand.

Rust-Oleum Brand Magnetic Powder Graphite Paints

Rust-Oleum Brand Magnetic Powder Graphite Paints

Speaking about the production of slate paints and varnishes, the Russian brand Craft Premier should also be mentioned. Only environmentally friendly ingredients are used in production. Finished products are produced in small packages. The color is black or brown. Walls painted with GraftPremium can withstand more than 10,000 sponge scrubbing.

Slate-type paint has long been known as an excellent coating for chalkboards, but it has begun to be used in interior decoration relatively recently, having gained popularity very quickly as a new fashion trend. Slate paints and varnishes are characterized by ease of use, excellent adhesion and fast drying. An important feature is practicality, since you can write and draw on a graphite surface, and place objects on a magnetic one. Rooms decorated in this way look stylish, original and modern.