Here are over 40 65 chalkboard project ideas to inspire you to think out of the box.
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?
Small gold frames into fancy chalkboards
Home Interior Artwork Frame
Ornate Frame Repurposed Chalkboard
Chippy Chalkboards with Chalk Couture
Vintage oval frame made into a chalkboard
mix your own chalkboard paint (above and below)
DIY framed chalkboard (make your own 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!
Turquoise Mirror Frame Chalkboard
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.
Easel made from a coffee table
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 Crib Rail Menu Board
distressed chalkboard headboard coat rack
Headboard Chalkboard Coat Rack
Paneled Wood Coat Rack Chalkboard
vintage desk drawer
Sandwich Board made from a Crib-Perfect for Shoppe or Bakery
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.
paned cupboard door
glazed cabinet door chalkboard magnet board
cupboard door hook rack
armoire door
upcycled cupboard door command center
chalkboard memo board
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!
child’s desk from a nightstand
old side table
Kid's Chalkboard Desk using Repurposed Nightstand
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
Easy Tags Made from Scrap Wood
Pet Organizer
Industrial Rivet Chalkboard Knockoff
days until chalkboard
counter top samples
Valentine Hearts
wooden block-teacher gift
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?
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.
Chalkboard Menu Board
Chalkboard Ideas and Tips
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If you have a large project, I recommend using paint from a can. I use Rustoleum.
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A nice foam brush works best for me.
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Store your foam brush for weeks in a plastic baggie-makes second and third coats go really quick.
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I do three light coats, first coat—side to side, second coat—top to bottom, third coat side to side again.
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A light sanding in between coats will make for nice coverage.
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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.
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Use a damp cloth to routinely clean your chalkboard surface.
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For small or numerous projects, spray paint is a great option.
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For colored paint, mix your own using one of the recipes below.
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Dampened chalk stick gives a nice crisp look to your writing.
How to make your own chalkboard paint
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1 cup of latex paint
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2 TBS of unsanded grout
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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.
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paint
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plaster of paris
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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.
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
Home and Garden Blogs
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!
Debbiedoo's
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.
Mindi@MyLove2Create
I love chalkboards too, great ideas! I also enjoyed your other post when you delivered the christmas stuff, fun video!
Celeste Rhythm
I esp love the count down board! THanks for sharing
Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures
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!
Linda@Coastal Charm
Hello Gail,
WOW!!! just look at all those neat chalkboard ideas. Gotta get me some countertop samples:)
Blessings,
Linda
Paige @ Little Nostalgia
Great list! My favorite is the old side table turned kid's chalkboard desk. So cute.
Beth
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...
I Play Outside The Box
Love it all!!! You've been pinned...and shared on facebook! I think everyone should see all these goodies!
Full Circle Creations
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