I think after previously making a chalkboard from a photo frame, and finding how easy it was, I've wanted to change just about everything I see into a new fancy chalkboard. Well, now I have made another and this is the latest one I've done.
I picked up a plain, white, ceramic plaque at the thrift store knowing I could transform it by making it a chalkboard. The price was only a buck-fifty for what appeared to me to be an un-finished ceramic plaque.
I picked up a plain, white, ceramic plaque at the thrift store knowing I could transform it by making it a chalkboard. The price was only a buck-fifty for what appeared to me to be an un-finished ceramic plaque.
I felt it would make a perfect-sized chalkboard to use in my home. I already had chalkboard paint on hand in my paint supplies, and I had just purchased some pretty gold metalic craft-paint the day before.
I couldn't wait to get started on the transformation of my thrifty treasure! I gave the outer edges a new look with the pretty gold paint, 'champagne' is the actual color name. I thought it was a gorgeous gold, and I loved the look of it even more so out of the bottle! I painted on two layers of the gold paint, allowing time for drying between coats, and after the second layer I let it sit over night to dry thoroughly.
The next day I taped off the edge of the gold painted area using painters tape, then began applying the black chalkboard paint in the flat recessed area of the plaque. I considered painting it free-hand but, I didn't want to make any mistakes on the newly painted gold area. So taping seemed the best way to go. Although I did tape it by using several small pieces, since it wasn't a straight line and in order to get the protected coverage, and clean edge I preferred.
I let the first layer of chalkboard paint dry, then painted on a second layer in the opposite direction -per the instructions on the paint bottle. I did three layers in total of chalkboard paint.
And, before applying each additional layer I sanded over the chalkboard paint lightly using a fine grit sandpaper. This, I feel helps to minimize brush marks in the paint if any, and smooths the surface. This step isn't really necessary, I usually do this and prefer the look in the end if I've used a paint brush, or paint sponge, to apply the chalkboard paint. Plus, I like the fine scratches that appear after chalk is used, it gives it an aged or used look. It's a personal preference.
And, before applying each additional layer I sanded over the chalkboard paint lightly using a fine grit sandpaper. This, I feel helps to minimize brush marks in the paint if any, and smooths the surface. This step isn't really necessary, I usually do this and prefer the look in the end if I've used a paint brush, or paint sponge, to apply the chalkboard paint. Plus, I like the fine scratches that appear after chalk is used, it gives it an aged or used look. It's a personal preference.
Note: Before writing on the new chalkboard it needs to be "prepared or seasoned" by rubbing a piece of chalk over the entire chalkboard painted surface, then erased using either a chalkboard eraser, dry cloth, or paper towel. This will prevent a 'ghosting effect' of the first thing ever written on the chalkboard.
I used a paper towel and also rubbed in a circular motion all over the chalkboard surface. This step can be messy, due to the chalk dust, so I recommend doing it over a sink, outside, over a trash can, or a surface you can clean up easily.
Here it is completed. Now it's all ready and is a usable chalkboard. I love it!
Then, I began wondering what I might write on it to use in my dining room, for Thanksgiving. The word "Gather" came to mind. "Thankful" would also work well.
"Beautiful Fall" was the choice of words I have written on it for now, and I also drew on some falling leaves since we are having some beautiful fall colors right now, and the leaves are sure falling! I love my new chalkboard, it was so easy to make, and it cost me so little. And, I'm happy to use it and display it in my home!
I have other painting projects in the works at the moment, not a chalkboard though! Although, I feel there will be more chalkboards in the future, but for now there will definitely be some 'chalk paint' being used. I'll be sharing another transformation/up-cycle of something real soon!
Until then, as always,
Happy Crafting!...
See another chalkboard project here: Easy DIY Chalkboard
