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Industrial Rivet Chalkboard

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I love it when people “knock off” a project from one of the big stores that most people only dream about having the funds to shop at…stores like Pottery Barn, Anthropologie, and Restoration Hardware. Just to name a few.

I am guilty of such dreams, but I have never done a knock off of my own.  Until today.  An Industrial Rivet Chalkboard Knock Off.

Industrial Rivet chalkboard Restoration Hardware Knock off

A few weeks back I fell in love with Restoration Hardware’s industrial rivet chalkboard, it was simple and just cool industrial.  Obviously my wallet could not afford the price tag $399, so I set off to make my own.  As luck would have it my friend had given me some old windows that she had removed from her basement.  Even though she gave me several I just used one for this project and it was the perfect size!

Window Before

Now this baby was not made of metal like RH’s version, and it also wasn’t as thin on the edges.   As long as I could get the look and feel of RH’s piece then I was good.  I went to work…

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prepping old window for paint

I removed the rubber strip and the metal thingy.  Then cleaned it up and gave the glass 3 or 4 coats of chalkboard paint.

Cutting chipboard 4 at a time with the jigsaw

Once the last coat of paint was dry I set out to create my fake metal and rivet corners.  I chose a scrap piece of chipboard 1/4 inch thick and drew on a pattern using the window frame as a guide (far left photo).   To save time I stacked three more pieces of chipboard under the patterned board, clamped them down, and started cutting out the pattern with my jigsaw (middle).  When all four corners were cut, I kept them together to sand the edges smooth (far right).

adding corner pieces from chipboard to make fake rivets

Not too bad, obviously thicker than the original, but the right size for the window frame.  You can also see I filled in the crack where the rubber thing was with spackle.

Using upholstery tacks to make fake rivets

Next up was gluing down the corner pieces, I used Gorilla wood glue and set one on each corner of the window frame.  Then, to avoid splitting the wood, I drilled holes for my upholstery tacks.  Before I hammered in the tacks, I added a dab of hot glue, to make sure they would be nice and secure.

Using upholstery tacks to make fake rivets
I now had my “rivets”!
Spray painting silver as first coat for faux metal finish
Since I have a stash of half empty spray paint cans, I was lucky to find the colors I needed to do my faux metal on the window frame.  I started with some Krylon Silver, and sprayed it really well.
faux metal finish spraying with brown, sponge black on edges
Then with some brown I sprayed from really far away to give it a speckled look, to age the shiny silver.   Last, I got a sponge and dabbed it in black paint (acrylic or latex) and lightly rubbed it on the edges around the frame.  If it looked too dark I used a wet paper towel to blend it in.
close up of fake rivets on RH Knock off industrial rivet chalkboard
This gave the frame the dark industrial metal look.  It isn’t totally perfect, but close enough for me. Everything I used for this project I had on hand so my RH Knock Off was completely FREE!!
Industrial Rivet chalkboard Restoration Hardware Knock off
 Now I have to decide how I want to use it.  As a calendar?
Industrial Rivet chalkboard Restoration Hardware Knock off
For weekly meal planning?
Industrial Rivet chalkboard Restoration Hardware Knock off
Or just for quotes of inspiration on my mantle?
I love chalkboards, they can be used for so many different things!  I think my boys room would be a great place for it to end up…eventually. 🙂
Industrial Rivet chalkboard Restoration Hardware Knock off
I think I could attempt another knock off, knowing it won’t be exactly the same as the original takes off the stress, and I really enjoyed creating something that I wanted for a much better price!  Free is just my style!
Industrial Rivet chalkboard Restoration Hardware Knock off

Have you made anything from an old window lately?  They are great for repurposing and you can find them for free on craigslist quite often!
Hugs!
Mindi

see more of Mindi’s posts on MRL below:

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ABOUT GAIL WILSON - A teacher at heart, Gail Wilson relishes the chance not to show off her projects, but to help others find their inner handywoman, step-by-step. Her blog, MyRepurposedLife.com, chronicles her scrap-saving adventures and has been featured on countless DIY magazines and websites, including Women’s Day, Design*Sponge and Apartment Therapy. She is a longtime influencer for both Homeright and Gorrilla Glue. With a tribe of more than 450,000 followers, Gail is inspiring a new generation of DIYers to pick up some tools and get to work.

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Comments

  2. You rocked this knock off! I actually like yours better and think it looks more expensive with the thicker frame. I would love for you to link this awesome project up to Your Designs This Time on Monday’s at 8:00! I hope to see you there!

    Reply

  3. Awesome knockoff!! I like the thickness of your frame better than RH’s thin frame. Yours actually has a more industrial look, to me. And upholstery tacks for the rivets, genius!!! Great job!

    Reply

  4. LOVE this idea….thanks for sharing the “how to”. I really enjoy your blog and looked forward to each post.
    Malinda in Mississippi

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  5. Oh man! I think it looks so close to the real thing. I like how you did the “rivets” in the corners!

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  6. Mindi, However do you find time to sleep? I need to use your toothpaste and drink your tea. Creativity comes out of your every pore! Definitely a WINNER!

    La Verne@hope&salvage

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Thanks for sharing your thoughts with me! I read and appreciate every word!

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