My Project

My favorite thing to do on Pinterest is get home ideas.  I saw a white-framed chalkboard on there that I fell in love with.  I went shopping online for a similar one but the price was $50.  

Ugh!

So I decided to get creative and try to make one myself.   Here's what I started with:

This  measured  22 inches x 22 inches - which I thought would be the perfect size for the area I had in mind, and I loved the frame.  

Here's what else I used:

The back of the picture was covered and had a hanger on it already, so rather than remove the backing I decided to leave the glass in place and tape the frame before spraying the chalkboard paint on.

I needed to rough up the surface of the glass in order for the chalkboard paint to adhere.  I tried a sanding sponge Michael had, but that just wasn't harsh enough, so I switched to a piece of sandpaper and just rubbed it across the glass, scratching it to create a textured surface.  When done I wiped the glass surface with a cloth to clear it of any dust or debris.

Next I painted the chalkboard surface on using black Krylon chalkboard paint.  Krylon suggests several thin coats, sweeping across the surface from side to side.  I did the first coat so it covered the print completely.  It dried within about 15 minutes.  I then came back and did a second coat from top to bottom.

I am not a good taper.  It has to do with the lack of patience thing.  So when I removed the paper from the frame some of the chalkboard paint had gotten on the edge of the frame in a few spots.

I had some white spray paint on hand, so the next morning I covered the chalkboard surface and painted the frame with some white spray paint to touch it up.  

 On the far right bottom you can see a vertical line of white.  Since I probably won't be writing that close to the frame I used some black permanent marker to cover up that line.  I think I could chase myself in circles painting the chalkboard, then the frame, chalkboard, frame, etc. (Next time I would definitely remove the glass before painting it.)

The chalkboard paint needs to sit 24 hours before being used.  Then take a piece of chalk and rub it on the surface on its side, covering the entire surface of the chalkboard to season it. 

Then erase with a felt eraser. It will no longer be stark black.  


The chalkboard is now ready to use!

I read up on chalkboard paint pens as they look fun to use, but from what I read the pen is harder to erase and requires water and a cloth - not always with good results - and rubbing too hard can cause some of the chalkboard paint to come off.  The pens seem more appropriate for outdoor use and if you aren't going to  change the writing often.  


Since I will be putting a Bible verse or quote on ours each week I wanted something that would erase easily.  I originally tried some regular Crayola chalk, but it just  didn't write on the board very well.  After doing some research I discovered there are two types of chalk:  extruded (anti-dust) and molded chalk.  On a chalkboard paint surface you want extruded chalk.  So I went to Staples and picked up the Prang chalk in the picture and it worked AWESOME!! 



I am happy with the result.

And I loved the cost too.


Framed print - $5.00 - Hobby Lobby (clearance item)

Krylon Black Chalkboard Paint - $5.59  - Hobby Lobby (sale item)
White Spray Paint - $2.99 (on hand)

Sand Paper  - approx $2.99 pkg (on hand)

Prang White Chalk - 0.99 - Staples
Prang Colored Chalk 0.99 - Staples
Felt Eraser - $2.29 - Staples

Total Cost:  $20.84
(even adding in the things I already had on hand!)

I actually spent less than $15 out of pocket.

And except for the print, I have more of all the materials to use again.  



I'm thinking of doing another one to hang in the kitchen to write a shopping list on, just using any old frame I can find around the house.   For young families this would be a fun project for a glass coffee table.  

There's something about using chalk on a chalkboard that is just plain fun.  And it will be fun to have a new Bible verse, thought, or note on display each week.



Chalk on!