Gary Simmons
Gary Simmons is an American artist known for drawing on chalkboard-like painted grounds and then smearing or erasing the image so memory, absence, and physical gesture become part of the work.
Paint Type
Chalkboard Paint
Chalkboard paint is a functional coating that creates a writable, erasable chalk surface and is distinct from decorative chalk paint used on furniture and décor.
Chalkboard paint surface compatibility
Chalkboard paint can create a writable surface on several prepared materials, but primer, curing, and initial chalk conditioning should follow the product directions.
| Surface | Compatibility | Preparation | Primer or ground | Finish | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wood | Excellent with suitable preparation | Clean, dry, and smooth the wood; remove loose coating and address defects before painting. | Prime bare or porous wood when directed by the selected chalkboard-paint system. | Allow the coating to cure fully, then condition the surface with chalk if the product requires it. | — |
| Drywall | Excellent for indoor chalkboard walls and panels | Repair defects, sand smooth, remove dust, and make sure the wall is clean and dry. | Prime bare or repaired drywall as required for a smooth, uniform base. | Use only after the stated cure and any required chalk conditioning. | — |
| Metal | Good with metal-specific preparation | Remove rust and loose coating, then clean, degrease, and dry thoroughly. | Prime bare metal when required by the chalkboard-paint system. | Allow full cure before writing, erasing, or cleaning the surface. | — |
| Plaster | Good on sound, fully cured plaster | Make sure the plaster is cured, dry, smooth, and free of dust or loose material. | Prime porous or repaired plaster when required for an even base. | Condition with chalk after curing when the product directs it. | — |
| Glass | Good when the selected product approves glass | Clean and degrease thoroughly and keep the prepared surface free of fingerprints. | Use the bonding or primer step specified for smooth glass when required. | Allow the exact cure before chalk use; durability on slick glass is product-specific. | — |
| Concrete | Good on sound indoor concrete | Make sure the concrete is cured, dry, clean, and free of loose material, efflorescence, or moisture problems. | Prime or seal porous concrete only as directed by the selected chalkboard-paint system. | Observe the full cure and any conditioning step before regular chalk use. | — |
| Unglazed Ceramic | Good when the product expressly approves unglazed ceramic | Remove dust and residue and make sure the ceramic is clean and completely dry. | Usually product-specific; porous ceramic may need a compatible base coat. | Allow the coating to cure and condition it with chalk when directed before regular use. | — |
Sources: Rust-Oleum Chalkboard Paint, Rust-Oleum Magnetic Primer, and Krylon Chalkboard Paint.
Painters who used chalkboard paint
Browse PaintZeal painter profiles featuring artists who used blackboard or chalkboard paint, including examples of prepared grounds, drawing, and erasure.
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