Have you ever make a drop cloth chalkboard project? You can literally use chalkboard paint on nearly anything. I’ve made a chalkboard bunting years ago, and I felt it was time to go big or go home. Let’s see how easy this large chalkboard is to make!
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Paint Drop Cloth With Chalkboard Paint
This piece of frayed drop cloth use to be on my kitchen table as a runner. More recently, it was in storage. As I was looking in my stash of drop cloth pieces, this one seemed like it was the perfect size for my drop cloth chalkboard project. I thought about using chalkboard spray paint, but opted for brush on chalkboard paint in the quart can. it was easy to apply using a small roller.
While the chalkboard paint was drying, I got busy cutting the wood needed for the top and bottom of my new drop cloth chalkboard project.
Pallet Wood
I got a blue pallet last year. I used some of the wood to make the printable pallet frame. Pallet wood is naturally rough, so it should be sanded with an orbital sander.
Cut pallet wood to size
After sanding the pallet wood smooth, I examined it it for random nails or staples. Then I cut it on my miter saw.
To give the wood a deeper tone, I used my favorite Smoked Glaze and a cheap chip brush. I wonder, which color do you like best? Before or after the glaze? See all about glazing in my post How to Glaze Painted Furniture.
Attach pallet board to drop cloth chalkboard
The chalkboard drop cloth was stapled to the pallet board for good measure. In this image you can see that I also stapled the twisted wire hanger to the pallet board.
Originally I attached a twine hanger, but as I was cleaning up my mess I found the perfect twisted wire just waiting for a new project. You can see my twisted wire hanger video in my post Loaf Pan Planter with Twisted Wire Video Tutorial. It really has become my favorite way of hanging rustic projects.
Secure drop cloth between two pallet boards
I used drywall screws to secure the drop cloth chalkboard in between the pallet boards. The screws were secure from the back.
After hanging the drop cloth chalkboard on the fence for pictures, I removed the bottom pallet boards and cut off about 20 inches of the drop cloth.
After a few days I seasoned the chalk surface by rubbing a piece of chalk over it.
This is where the drop cloth chalkboard is currently hanging in my home. It makes me smile every time I walk by it. It currently has the Welcome transfer from my The Junky Chalker online store. I tried writing the word welcome on it, but It just looked awful.
This easy drop cloth chalkboard project is something quick and easy. I love how it looks with the twisted wire hanger. Did you know they have chalkboard vinyl available on Amazon. Using that would really make this project easy.
edited to add: oops, there’s a typo in the chalkboard! 🙂
The drop cloth is a little stiff, but it’s easy to write on and the chalk wipes right off. Keeping it real here, it was really messy seasoning the chalkboard.
I think it is perfect for writing messages to family members, making lists and more! The best part, is it’s totally customizable to your liking.
gail
Ooo! So pretty! I love this idea!
such a nice project. looks really good!
Great idea Gail! I have some old drop cloth I think I am going to try this! 🙂
Ohh, I think you’ll love it Christina! This has all my favorite components in it. 😉
gail
Useful and cute. I like the brush on chalk paint better than the spray. Unless it’s something that’s not going to get a lot of actual chalk use. The canned paint seems to fill in tiny nicks. While the spray accentuates them. I wonder what to do with the drop cloth that I have that’s covered in 60 years of paint. We got them from my husband’s grandfather and we’ve been using them since. I bet a lead test would be off the charts😉
Your drop cloth makes me giggle. I had to throw mine away because it was so heavy with paint that I could barely drag it around. hahahah
I use chalkboard paint in all kinds of ways. I prefer to spray the chalkboard paint in the can through my Finish Max on wood projects. So easy, and such a great surface!
gail