Simple Chalkboard

This was my first attempt to make a chalkboard. It is very simple to do and for this project all you will need is a large photo frame (framed mirror or picture), chalkboard paint, paint for the frame, paint brush and chalk!

I found an old picture which was perfect for this project. I accidentally cracked the glass when I was seperating the frame, so was unable to try out the chalk paint method and instead just decided to use the chalkboard spray paint. (With chalk paint you are able to paint directly on to the surface without priming)

Plan B – cut out the backing from mdf and use spray paint. This way there is more work to do, BUT, if you have children using mdf board instead of glass or mirror is a lot safer option.. So I think if I did it again I would use mdf instead of glass/mirror. So accidentally I actually learnt a very good lesson!

I cleaned the frame and sanded it to remove all old varnish, ready to be primed.

I then cut out the required shape from the mdf board. Once it was cut, I sanded the top so there is no roughness and put some white primer on. I used the same primer for my frame

Once the board was nice and dry it was time to paint over with chalkboard paint..

There are several paints available for this, I intended to use chalk paint at first, however, decided to try out chalkboard spraypaint instead. I used Instant Chalkboard paint, which I found worked out great on this particular project. Just make sure you are using the spraypaint in a well ventilated area and wearing a mask. I sprayed outside in the garden and a great tip for smaller projects, use a cardboard box, place the item inside and spray paint away!

Whilst the board was drying it painted the frame with white paint in eggshell finish.

Let the board dry.

I read somewhere online that before writing on the board you should cover the whole area with chalk otherwise you will always see the first thing you write on it. I thought I will give it a go and see.. Can’t do any harm can it??

I then wiped it and put the whole thing together.

I felt the chalkboard was missing something and remembered that I had some hooks just lying around so I decided to spray paint them black and glue them on the chalkboard. I also added a piece of string and tied a piece of chalk on!