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    Home » Repurposed Items » chalkboard ideas

    chalkboard ideas

    Published by Gail | Published January 29, 2019 | Updated November 15, 2022
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    I have a collection of 65+ chalkboard ideas to inspire you to think outside the box with thrift store finds. Maybe you have this stuff already on hand? #MyRepurposedLife #repurposed #chalkboard #project #ideas via @repurposedlife

    Here are over 40  65 chalkboard project ideas to inspire you to think out of the box.

    more than 65 chalkboard project ideas #repurposed #furniture #chalkboard #projects #MyRepurposedLife

    Today’s Take 2 Tuesday installment is a roundup of everything chalkboard ideas. I love a good repurpose, and making something into a chalkboard is one of my favorite projects. If you love today’s roundup, be sure to check out some other Take 2 Tuesday posts.

    Using frames for chalkboard ideas

    Picture frames make awesome repurposed chalkboards. If you visit thrift stores, you can get great deals on frames. Why not check your attic or basement to see if yo have frames to turn into chalkboards. Did you know that you can even paint plastic picture frames?

     

    gold frames into chalkboards

    Small gold frames into fancy chalkboards

    picture frame repurposed

    home interior artwork chalkboard

    Home Interior Artwork Frame

    faux mantel chalkboard coat rack

    Faux Mantel Coat Rack

    artwork frame chalkboard

    Ornate Frame Repurposed Chalkboard

    picture frames made into a chalkboard easel

    old picture frames into easel

     

    chippy picture frame chalkboards

    Chippy Chalkboards with Chalk Couture

     

    vintage oval frame into a chalkboard

    Vintage oval frame made into a chalkboard

     

    framed chalkboard

    mix your own chalkboard paint  (above and below)

    diy dhalkboard paint

    diy framed chalkboard

    DIY framed chalkboard (make your own frame)

    spray painted frame

    thrift store artwork

    Repurposed household items Mirrors

    Do you paint mirrors? Personally, I prefer removing mirrors from thrift store items and replacing them with thin plywood. Dresser mirrors make fabulous chalkboards!

     

    All You Need Is Love chalkboard

    plastic dresser mirror

    metal framed mirror into a chalkboard

    Turquoise Mirror Frame Chalkboard

    plastic dresser mirror chalkboard

    Plastic dresser mirror

    Miscellaneous Household Items

    What's the oddest thing you've turned into a chalkboard? Using chalkboard paint is so easy. However, if you use chalkboard spray paint, the ideas are endless.

    repurposed silverware box

    vintage silverware box

    repurposed photo room divider into chalkboard  photo room divider

    chalkboard window

    window

    former coffee table into chalkboard easel

    Easel made from a coffee table 

    DIY Free Fridge Magnets & Signs

    advertiser magnets

    repurposed globe chalkboard paint

    globe

    Plaid Chalkboard Paint flower pot

    clay pot

    Repurposed Furniture as Chalkboards

    How about repurposed beds and cribs? I love using them for all kinds of projects, particularly chalkboard ideas and coat racks.

    repurposed headboard

    twin headboard

    repurposed crib rail into a chalkboard menu

    Repurposed Crib Rail Menu Board

    distressed headboard coat rack chalk board

    distressed chalkboard headboard coat rack

    repurposed drawer chalkboard

    desk drawer

    headboard chalkboard coat rack

    Headboard Chalkboard Coat Rack

    Paneled Wood Coat Rack Chalkboard

    repurposed desk drawer

    vintage desk drawer

    Chalkboard Sandwich Board for Shoppe or Bakery Made from a Crib

    Sandwich Board made from a Crib-Perfect for Shoppe or Bakery

    headboard chalkboard

    headboard

    Chalkboards made from Doors

    Have you ever used doors for chalkboards? What about cabinet doors or cupboard doors? Because they already have a routed edge, they make the perfect specimens.

     

    cupboard door chalkboard

    paned cupboard door

    chalkboard from a cabinet door

    cupboard door

    cabinet door chalkboard magnetic memo

    glazed cabinet door chalkboard magnet board

    paned cupboard door into chalkboard hook rack

    cupboard door hook rack

    armoire door repurposed

    armoire door

    cupboard door chalkboard command center

    upcycled cupboard door command center

    cabinet door chalkboard shelf

    large chalkboard shelf

    old damaged door made into a chalkboard

    Made from a damaged door

    cabinet doors made into a chalkboard easel

    cabinet door chalkboard easel

    cabinet door small chalkboard easel

    Cabinet Door Chalkboard Easel

    vintage screen door made into chalkboard command center

    chalkboard memo board

    cabinet door repurposed into chalkboard

    cupboard door

    Tables and Desks

    Maybe you have old side tables in storage? How about adding a couple of chairs? That makes the easiest makeover ever!

    Kids Chalkboard table & chairs

    old side table

    kids chalkboard desk made from a nighstand

    child’s desk from a nightstand

    kids chalkboard table

    old side table

    Kid's chalkboard desk made out of a nightstand

    Kid's Chalkboard Desk using Repurposed Nightstand

    dining table made into a chalkboard surface

    Dining Table as a chalkboard

    Make your own chalkboard

    If you don't have something to repurpose into a chalkboard, why not make your own? These chalkboard ideas will have you thinking outside the box to make yourself a new chalkboard.

     

    chalkboard vinyl

    chalkboard vinyl

    chalkboard speech bubblesDIY Chalkboard Speech Bubbles

    scrap plywood small chalkboard tags

    Easy Tags Made from Scrap Wood

    dog organizer chalkboard

    Pet Organizer

    industrial rivet chalkboard knockoff

    Industrial Rivet Chalkboard Knockoff

    scrap wood chalkboard days until

    days until chalkboard

    counter chips repurposed

    counter top samples

    chalkboard thought bubble

    speech bubbles

    chalkboard hearts

    Valentine Hearts

    scrap wood block teacher gift

    wooden block-teacher gift

    chalkboard display stand

    pedestal display chalkboard

    small rustic chalkboards

    Small Rustic Chalkboards

    chalkboard beverage tags

    beverage tags

    How to decorate chalkboards

    So, you've made a new chalkboard, now what? Did you know you can use stencils and liquid chalk to decorate your new projects?

     

    Chalkboard Stenciling

    Chalkboard Stenciling

     

    chalk couture chalk paste transfer

    Chalk Couture Chalk Paste is the NEW vinyl

    Yes, there is this great project where you can use chalk paste to decorate any chalkboard surface or DIY sign.

    Chalkboard Makeovers

    You might already have a chalkboard that needs refreshing. Have you been considering throwing it out? I hope these chalkboard ideas make you rethink that.

     

    magnetic chalkboard makeover

    Magnetic Chalkboard Makeover

     

    chalkboard menu board

    Chalkboard Menu Board

    Chalkboard Ideas and Tips

    • If you have a large project, I recommend using paint from a can. I use Rustoleum.
    • A nice foam brush works best for me.
    • Store your foam brush for weeks in a plastic baggie-makes second and third coats go really quick.
    • I do three light coats, first coat—side to side, second coat—top to bottom, third coat side to side again.
    • A light sanding in between coats will make for nice coverage.
    • Allow chalkboard to cure for 2-3 days, then condition your new chalkboard by laying the chalk on it’s side and covering the entire surface with chalk.
    • Use a damp cloth to routinely clean your chalkboard surface.
    • For small or numerous projects, spray paint is a great option.
    • For colored paint, mix your own using one of the recipes below.
    • Dampened chalk stick gives a nice crisp look to your writing.

    How to make your own chalkboard paint

    Recipe 1

    • 1 cup of latex paint
    • 2 TBS of unsanded grout
    • water (after mixing paint and grout, add water to get a regular paint consistency)

    Mix well, smashing lumps. Use right away or store in a sealed container, using within a few days.

    Recipe 2

    • paint
    • plaster of paris
    • water

    This is my favorite way to mix chalk paint and/or chalkboard paint. The plaster of paris is easier to buy and cheaper than the non-sanded grout. I simply make a paste of the plaster of paris and water, then slowly add that to the amount of paint I’ve set aside for a particular project. I find that if you make the paste first, you don’t get a lot of lumps.

    DIY- Chalk- Paint

    Diane from In My Own Style has a great DIY chalk paint comparison in her post Testing 1 2 3 versions of chalk paint. Just leave off the wax step if you plan to use the paint as a chalkboard instead of a chalk painted piece of furniture.

    Have fun making some chalkboards!

    gail

     

     

    See More Great Repurposed & Upcycled Ideas Here

    1. 50 Headboard Bench Ideas
    2. 25 Repurposed Drawer Ideas
    3. DIY Planter Ideas for All Skill Levels
    4. Pet Projects, DIY for Your Fur Babies
    5. Projects For Children | Repurposed Beds & Cribs
    6. Kids Organization Ideas Using Repurposed Furniture
    7. Picture Frame Ideas For Home Decor & More
    8. Repurposed Furniture Old Dresser Ideas
    9. Project Ideas for Old Chairs
    10. Window Projects
    11. Upcycled Projects & Home Reno Ideas
    12. Repurposed Table Ideas
    13. DIY Tray Ideas
    14. Repurposed Lamps, Chandeliers & More
    15. Reclaimed Fence Projects
    16. 35+ Cabinet Door Project Ideas
    17. Repurposed Sewing Machine Cabinet Ideas
    18. Repurposed Glass Ideas | Plates, Bottles, Jar
    19. Fall Decor Ideas | Thrifty Finds
    20. Old Beds | New Signs
    21. Rustic Fall Project Ideas
    22. How To Glaze Painted Furniture
    23. Hall Tree Project Ideas
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    1. Home and Garden Blogs

      January 27, 2013 at 7:29 pm

      I've got to say, I am a big fan of the chalkboard, it has so many uses and my kids love them. Some really inventive ideas here to try!

      Reply
    2. Debbiedoo's

      December 20, 2012 at 6:41 pm

      I love chalkboards too Gail! you have some great ideas! I do hope you do get some relief from you shoulder. Best wishes to you in the New Year. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

      Reply
    3. Mindi@MyLove2Create

      December 12, 2012 at 3:10 pm

      I love chalkboards too, great ideas! I also enjoyed your other post when you delivered the christmas stuff, fun video!

      Reply
    4. Celeste Rhythm

      December 11, 2012 at 9:02 pm

      I esp love the count down board! THanks for sharing

      Reply
    5. Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures

      December 11, 2012 at 7:02 pm

      Wow, you sure are full of some fabulous ideas. I love them all, but my favorite is the room divider. Thanks for sharing all these ideas in one spot!

      Reply
    6. Linda@Coastal Charm

      December 11, 2012 at 5:03 pm

      Hello Gail,
      WOW!!! just look at all those neat chalkboard ideas. Gotta get me some countertop samples:)

      Blessings,
      Linda

      Reply
    7. Paige @ Little Nostalgia

      December 11, 2012 at 2:49 pm

      Great list! My favorite is the old side table turned kid's chalkboard desk. So cute.

      Reply
    8. Beth

      December 11, 2012 at 2:48 pm

      Oh Gail! Your site is such a bad influence on me! LOL! I just want to play all day with paint..and ignore all the quilting in my sewing room! lolol! I just love the speech bubble. Our daughter will be deploying in Jan and her best buddy, Chewy will be coming to 'Mimi's Doggy Day Care' for 6 months. Don't you think a weekly picture with a speech bubble would be darling? My brain cells are working overtime! I will be sure to send you pictures! Thanks for all the great ideas...

      Reply
    9. I Play Outside The Box

      December 11, 2012 at 2:06 pm

      Love it all!!! You've been pinned...and shared on facebook! I think everyone should see all these goodies!

      Reply
    10. Full Circle Creations

      December 11, 2012 at 1:37 pm

      Great recap of all your chalkboard projects. I've only ever made two chalkboards and neither of them sold. Either they don't get how cool they are....or they are making their own. HA!

      Have a great day!
      Holly

      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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