chalkboard tutorial

I have five chalkboards in my house (each in a different room). Each is unique.

This one is in my daughter's room.  It was free from a garage sale.  When I picked it up, the frame was unpainted wood and I knew I wanted to paint it a fun color.  So I pulled out my 2 oz. craft paints and decided to paint it my favorite green color "459 Hauser Green Light" by Folkart.

When we moved into this house, the back of the kitchen cabinets faced the breakfast nook.  This is what it looked like...

It bothered me that there was this huge blank, plain, area.  So I started thinking about how I could cover it up with something fun.  I looked through my stash of old open back frames until I found one that I had purchased at an antique store.  I couldn't believe it when I measured it.  It was the exact dimensions of the back of the cabinet.  I decided to make it into a chalkboard. 

(You can do this with any frame.  Just remove the glass and backing.)  So I went to Home Depot and bought a 2'x4' piece of "hardboard" that was 1/8" thick.  It comes in different thicknesses but 1/8" is sturdy enough for most chalkboards.  Hardboard is very smooth on one side which is perfect for chalkboards.  I was very excited because  it only cost $7!  If you have a smaller frame, Home Depot will cut your hardboard to the dimensions that the glass was in your frame if you ask them to-and they won't charge you.  Be sure to save the extra piece for other projects!

Once I had my hardboard, I bought chalkboard paint for $9 and an ultra smooth paint roller for just under $3 from walmart.

Lay your hardboard on a dropcloth or newspaper, then paint it by following the directions on the paint can.  You won't need much paint.  You will have plenty left over for other projects (such as the garden basket tutorial).  You will want to let the paint dry in between coats.  2-3 coats is plenty.  Also, in between coats, just wrap your foam roller in a plastic bag to keep it from drying out. 

When your board has dried completely, put it in your frame and reattach whatever had been previously holding the glass and backing in place. (such as staples or nails).

Here is what my breakfast nook looks like now.  I usually write holiday or seasonal quotes on it.  I also write poetry such as Shel Silverstein, as well as scriptures.  It is amazing how my children easily absorb whatever is written up there and memorize it almost subconsiously.  I should consider writing, "Cleaning your room will bring you and your mother much happiness" :)