4.30.2012

DIY Chalkboard

Last week our store, Ampersand, had its big Grand Opening! We have been open about two months now and we are loving every minute of it. I was crafting like crazy getting ready for the big day. We needed a chalkboard and my mom and I looked everywhere but we could only find one at a teacher supply store. Turns out they are $40 +. Emphasis on the +. So I decided to DIY one... because I just don't have enough to do :) But I figured I could beat $40.


I'm not reinventing the wheel or anything, its so simple anyone could do it! For the base of the chalkboard I used an MDF board from Home Depot, it was about $3.00. They come 2'x4' but we cut ours down to 2'x3'. 


I used chalkboard spray paint (no Krylon affiliation) in green, which was about $6.00.


My best tip is to do several very thin coats. I put my board on some bricks and just left it outside all afternoon. I applied a new coat every 45 minutes or so for a few hours. 


Here it is after 2 coats, still very spotty. I did about 6 or 7 coats total.


The next step is important - you have to prime the board with white chalk. Just use the long side and rub chalk all over the board.


After you wipe it off with a wet towel and let it dry, you are ready to use your chalkboard.


My husband made a quick frame for me out of molding.

I think I came in at about $11.00, yay!


Pin It

Love to hear what you think!

2 comments:

  1. Love it! That looks really nice. I looked at the store website and everything looks amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  2. How fun!!!! I still gotta go and visit you!!! It's too bad I've been so incredibly busy with work and Kennedy!

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...