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    Home » Repurposed Furniture » Unique Chalkboard Ideas

    Unique Chalkboard Ideas

    Published by Gail | Published October 7, 2013 | Updated April 9, 2019
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    My second community night class was all about chalkboards. We were suppose to repurpose a cupboard door into a chalkboard. However, there wasn’t enough interest, so the class was cancelled. Sad.but.true.

    So, I’m going to show you some of the unexpected chalkboard items I was going to share with the class—you know I LOVE a good chalkboard project!

    plastic-dresser-mirrorI recently picked up another plastic dresser mirror. I never pass one of these up—well that’s not exactly true. I did pass on one that was $30!

    The last two plastic mirrors were given a makeover, but I left them mirrors. I wanted to change this one up—so a fun, colorful, chalkboard was definitely in order.

    remove-mirrorAfter removing the mirror, I sprayed the plastic frame with DIY chalk paint. I had a marathon day of spray painting with my HomeRight Finish Max.

     

    painting-plastic-mirrorThen one gloomy/rainy day I decided to give this plastic frame some color—by hand! I totally regretted that. I should have waited and used the Finish Max. It was very difficult to get into all the crevices by hand. The color is a Valspar sample, Starry Night.

     

    how-to-use-chalkboard-paintI’ve used this Chalkboard paint for years… but recently I figured out I was doing it all wrong. After using some Spray Chalkboard Paint—and seeing the great surface it creates, I worked hard at getting that same result with the brush on chalkboard paint. I’ve always used a foam brush, but now I sort of use the whole surface of the foam, not just the wedged end. I did  4 light coats on this board, always going north to south. It dries really quickly, so I did all the coats in one day.

     

    smooth-chalkboard-paint-surfaceYou can see that it creates a very smooth surface on this thin plywood.

     

    ugly-mirror-backThe cardboard backing on the mirror was in rough shape.

     

    covering-ugly-with-spray-paintI hit it with some spray paint.

     

     

    valspar-starry-night2This is the frame before I put it back together.

     

    using-bubble-wrapI placed the new chalkboard in the frame and used some bubble wrap to make it have a tight fit.

     

    secure-screwsI somehow LOST the screws that I took out originally. go.figure. So, I added new screws and two d-rings for hanging.

     

    unique chalkboard ideasI rushed to get it done so I could take it to the class (that was cancelled). I may end up doing a dark wax/wash on it before the huge show at Glendale.

     

    plastic-tv-partHere is another unique and unexpected chalkboard. I bought a couple of t.v. cabinets. You can see them in the top right picture. See the green arrow? This little plastic piece was part of the t.v. console, I’m guessing where the channels and other buttons were located. Top left, I have cleaned it up and sanded it lightly. Bottom left, I spray painted it with some primer. Bottom right, I used Brick spray paint from Krylon.

     

    plastic-t.v.-chalkboardI painted two scrap pieces of wood with chalkboard paint on one side and some of the Brick spray paint on the back. The larger piece was able to be secured with screws into the original holes. I secured the smaller piece with my good ole trusty Gorilla Glue Super Glue.

    saw-tooth-hangerI hammered in a saw tooth hanger for hanging. It looks off center. I’m not saying it isn’t, but not to the degree that it looks like it is. Winking smile

    unexpected chalkboardsThis chalkboard was fun and easy to make from a piece that most people would have thrown away.

     

    oval framed chalkboardI don’t have pictures of this chalkboard in progress. It’s a standard plastic frame painted with ASCP Aubusson Blue, and waxed with Johnson’s Paste Wax. I sanded the rope detail slightly.

     

    vintage book chalkboardThis was a very easy chalkboard project. I used chalkboard paint on the cover of this vintage book. I can see this used in many ways, the possibilities are endless.

     

    unique-unexpected chalkboardsI did this mockup with picmonkey. This chalkboard book would be great to use at a wedding.

    unique-unexpected-chalkboards

    gail

    See other great chalkboard ideas here:
    [categorythumbnaillist 77]

    see more picture frame ideas here:

    [categorythumbnaillist 47]

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    1. Pat

      October 10, 2013 at 12:29 am

      Now that TV piece...very impressive.
      You're right MOST PEOPLE would throw something like that away...but not you!
      Great ideas... love the chalk board paint and the tips to make it go on more smoothly.
      Patricia

      Reply
    2. La Verne @ hopeandsalvage.com

      October 08, 2013 at 12:26 pm

      Gail, Have you ever worked with Magnetic paint? I've used the chalkboard paint by Rustoleum with much success, but this is my first attempt at their magnetic paint. It says shake and stir til paint turns grey. It didn't. I put on 3 coats and lightweight magnets barely stick. I did not go over the top with another color like it says you can do. Will contact Rustoleum to see what the problem is. I just think you do EVERYTHING and might know. Thanks.

      La Verne@hopeandsalvage.com

      Reply
    3. Myra

      October 07, 2013 at 6:48 pm

      Absolutely love the dark one- I want to try and make this for our kitchen! Thank you for all your wonderful ideas

      Reply
    4. Mindi

      October 07, 2013 at 2:31 pm

      I love the color for the first one you did for the "non" class! It is so pretty! I would look great with a dark wax too! I love all your chalk board projects, the books is super cool too!

      Reply
    5. Troy

      October 07, 2013 at 1:50 pm

      Any idea how to seal a chalkboard piece after you get a good design on it? I tried misting on some spray lacquer... and that was a great big FAIL!

      Reply
    6. Vee

      October 07, 2013 at 1:40 pm

      Who knew plastic could look so good!!??
      Great job.

      Reply
    7. Holly

      October 07, 2013 at 1:30 pm

      Great job Gail. I'm so sorry your class was cancelled after all the work you went to getting ready for it. I love that first frame. It looks great. I NEVER find these and I always look for them. Others must be snatching them up before I get there.

      Reply
    8. cassie

      October 07, 2013 at 12:23 pm

      i love that first one especially!!!

      Reply
    9. Korrie@RedHenHome

      October 07, 2013 at 10:45 am

      Love all your chalkboard projects!

      Reply
    10. Catherine

      October 07, 2013 at 10:17 am

      That's one of the coolest plastic frames I think I've ever seen! Love the arch!
      Uh--I think I'm stealing your chalk board book idea-- ; D Great idea!
      Catherine

      Reply
    11. girlfromwva

      October 07, 2013 at 10:10 am

      Love all the ideas shown! wish i could have made it to your class!

      Reply
    12. Julie @ follow your heart woodworking

      October 07, 2013 at 9:40 am

      Can't believe there wasn't enough interest for your course. Maybe a bad night for a lot of people? The ones you are showing today are all great, love the BLUE.

      Reply
    13. Doris Henson

      October 07, 2013 at 4:36 am

      Every chalkboard you make I can visualize in my home. Love them all!

      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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