Do you need to sand before using chalkboard paint?

Clean & Sand.

Whether you’re painting a large or small area, you must clean the surface thoroughly before applying any paint. Use a damp rag to remove dirt and dust. It’s also very important to lightly sand the surface with a fine sandpaper, so that it’s smooth to the touch.

Do you have to rub chalk on chalkboard paint?

After all layers of the chalkboard paint have dried for at least 24 hours, you will need to condition the surface before use. Using the edge of a chalk stick, rub the entire surface lightly, and then rub chalk into the surface with a clean, dry cloth.