I had an interesting challenge last week- to paint some signage and quotes on new chalkboards for the local restaurant Toasted Oak and have it look like it was done in chalk. Doesn’t sound too difficult, does it? Did I mention that the chalkboards were 5 to 7 feet wide and 10 feet off the floor? In a busy hotel and restaurant shop?
I felt up to the challenge, and made my plan of action.  The wording could be stenciled for a cohesive look and accuracy if I used the right painting technique, so I had some really big stencils made to order by a local sign shop. They did a great job, and the extra expense was worth it!

The stencils (paint masks, really)  must be carefully applied to the surface, and after making sure they were level and centered, I burnished the paint mask down. I used several colors of paint to create the ‘chalk’ look I was going for. After several hours and countless trips up and down the ladder (I used my new Little Giant Synergy ladder) the  Toasted Oak signs were done!