Making a Chalkboard

I always get tons of questions on how to make old frames into chalkboards.

Yes. I am a wee bit obsessed with chalkboards...

and vintage picture frames....

I have ...ahem... *a few* of them around...

I am always keeping an eye out for the next fabulous frame 

that is just itching to become a new chalkboard.

I found this chunky gold one at an antique shop and made this chalkboard for the kitchen

these out of small framed art from the thrift store

and of course this huge one in the living room
We had to make a new the frame for this one.

So next time you find that perfect frame and think
it would make a fantastic chalkboard-but aren't sure how to begin
 here's how I make mine.
 I start with a frame I like and if it's crusty, flaky, peeling paint... I love it.
The chippier the better in my book.

This old gold frame has been beaten up quite a bit- but it doesn't bother me.
I love it's character.
Measure the inside dimensions of the frame and then find a scrap piece of beadboard
 or plywood or what ever smooth panel type board you might have.

In this case, it was a very beat up piece of beadboard.

(Don't judge this beadboard by it's dirt ;)  it will be painted and the beat up side is going on the back)

 

Mark off your lines and using a jigsaw, cut the beadboard to the size that fits the frame.

If your surface is not smooth enough already- you can sand it a bit with sandpaper
but make sure to wipe if clean with a wet rag so you don't have dust bumps in your finished board.
Now you are ready for chalkboard paint!

You can find chalkboard paint  readily available at Lowes
 or another home improvement store in the paint section.
It comes in a can or in a spray paint- and in black or green color.

 Paint the entire smooth side of the board with 2 or 3 coats of chalkboard paint.

Then *cure* the paint by rubbing chalk all over it and wiping it off.

Messy messy- but a necessary step.

Just so you know~
 If you decide to use smooth plywood- your board will be messy looking most of the time.

The plywood is not smooth enough to keep bits and pieces of chalk dust settling in.

It doesn't bother me

 I love that it makes the chalkboard look more vintage and less new
 by being 'dusted' with chalk and the remnants of writing
 kind of like those old school chalkboards that always seemed to be coated in a layer of chalk.

But it's all about personal preference and if you want a super smooth board-
you will need to use a hardiboard of some kind.

Once you are done wiping the chalk off
put your brand new chalkboard into the frame and secure it with staples or nails

 and then grab your chalk and start having fun
with a little inspiring quote or drawing therapy.

Enjoy!!

:) 

See you tomorrow for Feathered Nest Friday!