Chalkboard Kitchen Canisters

Glass canisters are practical, inexpensive and readily available, but can be a bit boring. Chalkboard paint and an easy-to-apply stenciled detail will transform them into a unique accessory for any kitchen.

Glass canister with rolled oats, kitchen utensils and plate of eggs.

Transform a Glass Canister With Chalkboard Paint, Stencils, and Imagination

This glass canister is filled with rolled oats as the finished product of HGTV's project to create a canister using stencils and chalkboard paint. This attractive piece is set next to a plate of eggs and a container of kitchen utensils.

By: Marian Parsons

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Materials Needed:

glass canister(s)
flexible measuring tape
painters' tape
glass-etching cream
1" paint brush

chalkboard spray paint
square or rectangular stencil that fits canister
2" foam brush
latex or acrylic craft paint

Clean Canister

Clean each glass canister with soap and water then thoroughly dry with a clean cloth or towel.

Measure and Tape

Using painters' tape, make a square on the outside of the canister to the dimensions of the stencil. Make sure the taped-off area is level and centered on the canister. Tip: A flexible measuring tape used for sewing will be easier to use on the curved surface of the canister than a metal measuring tape.

Measuring Glass Canister for the Correct Placement of Stencil

Chalkboard Kitchen Canisters: Measuring the Glass for the Stencil

The first step in creating a canister using chalkboard paint and a stencil is to measure the outside of the canister for the stencil. Using painters' tape, make a square on the outside of the canister to the dimensions of the stencil. Make sure the taped-off area is level and centered on the canister. Tip: A flexible measuring tape used for sewing will be easier to use on the curved surface of the canister than a metal measuring tape.

Apply Etching Cream

Brush on a thick coat of etching cream inside the taped area using a one-inch wide paint brush. Etched glass will provide tooth for better paint adhesion. Follow manufacturer's directions for activation time and etching cream removal procedure. Remove painters' tape after rinsing the etching cream. Thoroughly dry canister with a clean towel. Tip: Make sure to use etching cream, not a product that frosts glass or only simulates etching.

Applying etching cream with a brush to prepare for chalkboard paint.

Chalkboard Kitchen Canister: Applying Etching Cream to a Glass Surface

Step 2 in creating a kitchen canister using chalkboard paint and a stencil is to prepare the surface of the glass for paint. Brush on a thick coat of etching cream inside the taped area using a one-inch wide paint brush. Etched glass will provide tooth for better paint adhesion. Follow manufacturer's directions for activation time and the etching cream removal procedure. Remove painters' tape after rinsing the etching cream. Thoroughly dry canister with a clean towel. Tip: Make sure to use etching cream, not a product that frosts glass or only simulates etching.

Spray Chalkboard Paint

Apply clean painters' tape surrounding the etched area and cover the rest of the canister in newspaper to protect it from overspray. Using long, steady strokes, apply the chalkboard spray paint in a thin coat to prevent drips. Allow ample drying time, then apply a second coat in the same manner as the first and repeat a third time if needed for full coverage. Carefully remove paper and painters' tape before the last coat is dry.

Spraying chalkboard paint onto glass, on a marked-off surface.

Chalkboard Kitchen Canister: Spraying Chalkboard Paint Onto a Taped, Glass Surface

Step 3 in creating a decorative canister is to apply clean painters' tape surrounding the etched area and cover the rest of the canister in newspaper to protect it from over spray. Using long, steady strokes, apply the chalkboard spray paint in a thin coat to prevent drips. Allow ample drying time, then apply a second coat in the same manner as the first and repeat a third time if needed for full coverage. Carefully remove paper and painters' tape before the last coat is dry.

Season Chalkboard

When the chalkboard paint has fully dried, rub a piece of chalk over the entire painted surface to season the chalkboard. This step will prevent writing from being burned into the surface. Clean chalkboard with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly.

Seasoning a Chalkboard Label

Before you write on your newly painted chalkboard surface, season it to keep writing from being "burned" into the surface. Rub a piece of chalk over the entire surface, then clean the board with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly. Now it's ready to use.

Photo by: Marian Parsons

Marian Parsons

Paint Decorative Border

Tape stencil into place. Dip a two-inch foam brush into acrylic or latex paint and remove excess on a paper towel, leaving just a small amount on the sponge. Using this dry-brush technique will reduce the risk of paint bleeding under the stencil. Apply paint perpendicular to the stencil surface in a pouncing motion. Carefully remove the stencil, lifting it directly off the canister, so paint doesn't smear. Tip: When using a stencil multiple times, rinse between uses. Allow time for paint to fully dry, then fill canister with kitchen staples and use chalk to label jar's contents.

Applying paint with a foam brush to a stencil against glass

Making a Chalkboard Kitchen Canister: Applying Paint to the Stencil

Step 5 in creating a chalkboard kitchen canister is to tape the stencil into place. Dip a two-inch foam brush into acrylic or latex paint and remove excess on a paper towel, leaving just a small amount on the sponge. Using this dry-brush technique will reduce the risk of paint bleeding under the stencil. Apply paint perpendicular to the stencil surface in a pouncing motion. Carefully remove the stencil, lifting it directly off the canister, so paint doesn't smear. Tip: When using a stencil multiple times, rinse between uses. Allow time for paint to fully dry, then fill canister with kitchen staples and use chalk to label jar's contents.