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    Home » Crafts » DIY Chalkboard Paint Projects

    DIY Chalkboard Paint Projects

    Published by Gail | Published September 22, 2010 | Updated April 9, 2019
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    I think we all agree that a chalkboard is one of the best ways to remind yourself of something important. I've become quite dependent on the repurposed cabinet door chalkboard I keep in my kitchen.

    Gather some sample paint colors you love

    sample paint containers
    I have been collecting some oops paint. Notice how ugly the tubs are in this picture. Those Home Depot paint people sure get carried away sometimes!

    Mix your own chalkboard paint in your favorite color

    make your own colored chalkboard
    Don't you love the look of this colored chalkboard? It seriously doesn't get any easier than this. You can read all about my review of different variations of making chalkboard paint.

    Condition your new chalkboard

    remember to condition your chalkboard
    After allowing a couple of coats to dry, I sanded the chalkboard and then conditioned it by rubbing the chalk across the board.

    Add your new chalkboard to your best thrift store picture frame

    diy colored chalkboard in a thrift store frame I think this is one of my favorite colors of chalkboard paint. As you can see the chalk shows up just fine.

     

    colored chalkboard thrift store frame
    frame with detail I love the detail on this frame. To bring out the detail, I actually glazed  it with some burnt umber. It seems to pick up the color from the chalkboard.

    Don't forget to add a hanger on the back of the frame

    use gorilla super glue to add a saw tooth hanger As I was trying to put the hangers on this little guy I hammered and hammered and the little brad nail would NOT go in. What’s a girl to do? Reach for a big ole strong gorilla! This Gorilla Super Glue adheres so quickly and strong, it was perfect for this job! I have no idea what this frame is made of, but I don’t think it’s wood!

     

    gorilla super glue for diy projects

    thrift store frame chalkboard This chalkboard paint is a very dark brown. The frame was black and I brushed a little brown over it and then distressed it slightly.

    make your own chalkboard thrift store frame

    thrift store frame with homemade chalkboard paint I have had this frame forever. I painted it last year and it just sat in the “frame” department in the garage. Finally, I cut a piece of luan to size and painted it with some “mix your own” chalkboard paint. It’s an oops color (almost black).

    be happy diy chalkboard The silver is rub-n-buff.

    thrift store frame with detailI will be selling these at Glendale Kentucky Crossing Days on October 16, 2010.

    EDITED TO ADD:   I used eggshell and semi-gloss finishes on my chalkboards. They both worked fine. I’m not sure I’ve ever done it with “flat” paint. I really like the semi-gloss. I tend to water mine down with just a tad of water. If you’re a regular painter, you’ll know when it’s too thick.

    gail

    See other great chalkboard ideas here

    Related Content: Picture Frame Ideas For Home Decor and More

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    1. Amanda

      February 02, 2011 at 1:37 pm

      Hi Gail! I've included this how-to in a round up on Craft Gossip today
      http://homeandgarden.craftgossip.com/9-great-how-tos-for-your-home/ Thanks for sharing it! 🙂

      If you would like a "featured by" button, you can grab one here!
      http://homeandgarden.craftgossip.com/grab-a-craft-gossip-button/

      Reply
    2. Barbara Jean

      October 10, 2010 at 2:08 am

      This should go over great! Never heard of chalkboard powder for making your own boards before!!

      blessings
      barbara jean

      Reply
    3. Colleen @ MuralMaker&More

      September 25, 2010 at 10:37 pm

      Fabulous idea (selling the chalkboard paint). I'm a big 'kit' person. I'm trying to get my PIY (paint it yourself) kits going, but Life interrupted me for a few months. I'm back at it now though & you've totally inspired me!

      Before blogging, I was on HGTV boards too - general decorating. Can't believe most of the gals don't blog, but only a few do. Too bad because I learned so much from them!

      Hope you'll stop by tomorrow and link this up to Passion for Paint! Maybe you'll even get some buyers, if you're willing to ship!

      Reply
    4. Colleen @ MuralMaker&More

      September 25, 2010 at 10:37 pm

      Fabulous idea (selling the chalkboard paint). I'm a big 'kit' person. I'm trying to get my PIY (paint it yourself) kits going, but Life interrupted me for a few months. I'm back at it now though & you've totally inspired me!

      Before blogging, I was on HGTV boards too - general decorating. Can't believe most of the gals don't blog, but only a few do. Too bad because I learned so much from them!

      Hope you'll stop by tomorrow and link this up to Passion for Paint! Maybe you'll even get some buyers, if you're willing to ship!

      Reply
    5. Cassie @ Primitive & Proper

      September 23, 2010 at 1:49 am

      it's like a science kit for crafty moms! love it! you should sell them!

      Reply
    6. Cassie @ Primitive & Proper

      September 23, 2010 at 1:49 am

      it's like a science kit for crafty moms! love it! you should sell them!

      Reply
    7. junkermidge

      September 22, 2010 at 11:45 pm

      So glad I live in Timbuktu! I SO want to copy this! Love it! And beat you will have great sales with this one and all your things.
      Midge

      Reply
    8. T. Grasley

      September 22, 2010 at 11:31 pm

      Wow, that is such a cute idea! I am actually working on turning an old window into a chalkboard so this was really helpful!

      Reply
    9. TruWhim

      September 22, 2010 at 5:00 pm

      OH MY GOSH! This is so wonderful. My home is colorful so I would like chalkboard paint with some pizazz. I live on the west coast, how do I go about getting one of your kits?

      Reply
    10. Anita @ GoingALittleCoastal

      September 22, 2010 at 3:53 pm

      This is such a great idea. It looks so professional too! Have you even tried it with anything other then flat paint?

      Reply
    11. ShellyRaeWood

      September 22, 2010 at 3:48 pm

      Gail! Were you reading my mind this morning?? I have been wanting to repurpose some goodies into chalkboards. It annoys me that Chalkboard paint is so expensive and limited in color choices. This is perfect. I have a collection of sample jars too (custom tinted ones, no less) that I bought when HD clearanced their Ralph Lauren paints awhile back. I think your kits a wonderful!! Hope you sell out! Thanks again!! Shelly

      Reply
    12. MR. GNOMES GREEN BLOG

      September 22, 2010 at 3:11 pm

      Wow... that's a great idea to use the gorilla glue, I have had the problem before as well when the nail would not go into the frame I had re-painted... Very nice having a colored board instead of black, very cool

      Reply
    13. Suzanne

      September 22, 2010 at 2:44 pm

      Fabulous idea, as always!

      Reply
    14. Shannon

      September 22, 2010 at 12:36 pm

      This is great! Sometimes black paint just doesn't match the room/look when you want a chalkboard!

      I meant to tell you last night that your blog is SO easy to search. I used the project list on the side. Some blogs make it impossible to find past projects, but yours is so easy! I found exactly what I wanted with ONE click.

      Reply
    15. Rose @ Confessions of a Curbshopaholic

      September 22, 2010 at 12:18 pm

      Your kits look great! Very professional looking. i bet they will be a hit at the show.

      Reply
    16. Proper Prim

      September 22, 2010 at 12:16 pm

      Thanks so much for sharing this Gail... I want to do a chalkboard in Mya's room but didn't like the idea of a big black hole on the wall... it is a very large frame...this is the perfect solution. I will be sure to post when I get to it. Good luck with your show I am sure those will all be a big hit. Great job.

      Hugs, Deb

      Reply
    17. Tatum

      September 22, 2010 at 11:53 am

      I keep seeing chalkboard ideas and each time I really like what I see! It must be a sign. I just need to jump in and try it out. Love the frames, they make the chalkboards look classy.

      manymomentsofme.blogspot.com

      Reply
    18. Crafty Housewife

      September 22, 2010 at 10:06 am

      This is such a great idea! I love chalkboard paint (recently learned the joy of it) and I have lots I would love to chalk up!

      Reply

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    Hi, there! I’m Gail Wilson, the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. I’m obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believe that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again—myself included! I hope you’ll enjoy the journey and pick up a few tools along the way… literally!

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