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Easy DIY Chalkboard from a Picture Frame

“You need a chalkboard,” my husband kept telling me.  Not because he thought it would be a great project, but because I kept forgetting things he’d ask me to do.  It became such a running joke about my memory and my need for a chalkboard reminder that he’d send me texts with “the chalkboard says…call the repair man 🙂 ,” or whatever the reminder was for that day.  He almost went out and bought a whiteboard but I convinced him to wait because I didn’t want to buy one when I had most of the supplies to make something cute and functional.

New diy chalkboard on desk with pretty vase.

I finally got off my butt and made one so I could be more organized and I thought I’d show you how easy it is so you can make one yourself.  Please be sure to read my tips at the bottom of the post for lessons I learned on this project.

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DIY Chalkboard Supply List

Here’s what you’ll need:

Paint roller and brush with chalkboard paint to make your Easy DIY Chalkboard from a Picture Frame.

This frame has been around for a few years tucked into a cabinet in our garage and it’s the perfect size.  Start by sanding the frame with a sanding sponge to rough up the original finish and wipe it with a slightly damp cloth.  I didn’t sand too much because I wanted the grain to show through the paint for a more rustic look.  Next prime the frame with Zinser 1-2-3, it’s the only primer we use.

Painting the frame for DIY Chalkboard

After the primer was dry I painted the frame using my Purdy paintbrush and some white paint I had left over from another project.  I started out going for a dry brush look then decided a few thin coats gave me the look I wanted.

Easy DIY Chalkboard from a picture frame

Before I painted the frame I measured the opening in the back so I knew how big to cut my board.  We already had some scrap 1/4″ plywood laying around so I transferred my measurements and used the skill saw (always wear your safety glasses please) to cut my board.

I started applying the chalkboard paint with the roller but I didn’t care for the the texture I was getting so I switched to a wide foam brush instead.  Since I had applied the paint with the roller I painted with the foam brush in one direction making sure the entire surface was covered.  I set it aside to dry for several hours.  Then I applied another coat of chalkboard paint in the cross direction and let it dry for a few days.

Board painted with black chalkboard paint.

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After I was sure the everything was dry I assembled my chalkboard.  I didn’t plan to hang my chalkboard but I used the tiny nails from the mounting kit as my brackets to hold the chalkboard in the frame.

Tape measure and picture hanger supplies.

I used six of the tiny 1/2″ nails.  You can hold them in place with needle nose pliers when hammering into the frame.  I put two nails in both short sides and one nail on the other two sides.  Trust me, you’ll want to use needle nose pliers to hold that tiny nail.  It hurts when you bash your fingers; yep, I’ve done that a few times.

That’s all there is to it, super simple, right?

Back of chalkboard inserted into frame.

I couldn’t wait to write something cute on it and get it onto my desk.

Easy DIY Chalkboard from a Picture Frame on a desk.

So pretty, and thankfully my hubby hasn’t erased it yet to give me errands to run or jobs to do 🙂

Easy DIY Chalkboard from a Picture Frame

I sure hope you’ll try this easy project, it makes a great decor addition to any room.  You could even try some of the new tintable chalkboard paint for a chalkboard in any color you could imagine.

Toni’s Chalkboard Tips:

I promised you tips, and here they are.

  • Use the biggest frame you can for ease of list making.  If you have small kiddos you can leave a space for them to doodle.
  • Chalkboard paint is thick so be patient and test it on a piece of cardboard first.  This will ensure you get the texture you want.
  • Season your chalkboard before the first use.  You do this by rubbing chalk all over the board and really rub it in and let it sit a bit.  I didn’t know this until I saw my friend Sarah at 1915House mention this when she made hers.  Apparently this is a must and a great tip to ensure no etched words remain on your board even after you wipe it clean 🙂

Well, that’s all I have for today, thanks for stopping by and checking out my latest project.

Until next time 🙂

Toni

Easy DIY Welcome Sign - You Can Make This! - Girl, Just DIY!

Friday 8th of March 2019

[…] Chalkboard from an Old Frame […]

Kellie

Wednesday 15th of March 2017

This is so pretty! once again you have inspired me!

Sam - Raggedy Bits

Tuesday 14th of March 2017

Very sweet chalkboard Toni! And that saying is just perfect :-)

Denise

Tuesday 14th of March 2017

This turned out really cute Toni. Love the quote too.

Leanna

Monday 13th of February 2017

Chalkboards are great aren't they. Hard to believe they are a relatively new idea for home decor.

Toni Harvey

Friday 17th of February 2017

I love them! It's funny that for too long they were only for schools and children. Oh, and restaurants :)