DIY: Homemade Chalkboards

Great thing to DIY for your homeschool. Let the kids help.


After spending several hours scrolling through Pinterest DIY pins, I decided that I wanted to make my own chalkboards! What a cute, simple task that allows me to personalize my own home and test my creativity at the same time! I wanted 2 chalkboards: one would be used in the entryway of my house, the other would be used to display what is for dinner in the kitchen! In this tutorial, we will make the chalkboards from framed pictures without having to take apart the frame and the glass and then reassembling it.

Here is what you will need:

- Framed glass picture (I found mine at Goodwill for about $3 a piece)
- Painters tape
- Latex gloves
- Sanding block
- Primer
- Pint of desired paint color (for frame)
- Chalkboard paint
- (2)1" paintbrushes
- Small roller brush
- Paint tray
- Newspaper, tarp or cardboard (for easy clean-up)
- Chalk
Optional (If you wish to hang the chalkboard):
- Nails
- Hammer

Preparation:

Start by taking all of your supplies outside or to some open area. Lay down the protective material you selected for easy clean-up (I used a broken-down cardboard box).

Getting Started:

We will start by painting the frame first, then finish with the chalkboard paint. Begin by taping the glass that is immediately surrounding the frame. Next, sand the frame with the sanding block. Be sure to sand until the frame has a rough texture so that the new coat of paint will stay on. Next, prime the frame with the primer and a paintbrush (depending on the original color, you may need 2 coats). By using a paintbrush, you can ensure that you are getting inside any grooves of the frame. Priming keeps the original color of the frame from showing up underneath the new paint color. Let any coats of primer dry completely.

Painting:

We are going to paint right on top of the glass and on top of any picture that might be hiding underneath. Ensuring that the glass is still taped from the priming steps, we will begin painting the picture frame. Since we are using such a small amount of paint, it is not necessary to pour the paint into a tray. Dip your 1" paintbrush into the pint of paint and dab away any excess paint on the rim of the container. Paint the frame using long strokes, and be sure that your paint is being applied in just one direction (do not go side to side when you paint the frame with upward and downward strokes). By using a paintbrush, you can be sure that any nooks and crannies are seeing an equal amount of paint as every other spot on the frame. You will probably need at least two coats (let the coats dry completely before continuing).

Applying chalkboard paint to the glass:

Once the frame has completely dried, remove the tape from the glass. Next, you will need to tape the edges of the frame nearest to the glass to ensure that you do not get chalkboard paint all over your newly-painted frame. Next, you will need your chalkboard paint. You can buy chalkboard paint in a spray can or in a paint tub (I do not have excellent spray-painting skills, so I bought a quart of chalkboard paint). Pour your chalkboard paint into a paint tray and get your paint roller. Begin by rolling the chalkboard paint on the glass in long strokes (be sure that the paint goes on in just one direction). Let the first coat dry completely before adding the second. I like a very dark chalkboard so I painted a total of three coats onto my glass, just make sure that the coats are even. Once the chalkboard paint is dry, remove the tape from the picture frame.

There you have it! This homemade chalkboard cannot be any easier to make! Begin enjoying your new chalkboard by writing a creative welcome message, or displaying the dinner menu, or any fun message that you desire. If you wish to hang the chalkboard, hammer a couple of nails in the wall, hang the picture hooks on the nails and "Viola!!!" All done!

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