"I want to paint something with chalkboard paint too!" That's what I said to myself as I perused the gazillions of design and DIY blogs I subscribe to. Painting things with chalkboard paint is all the rage. I think it's cool. And I like to do cool things. So I decided I must paint something in my house with this fun paint.
I had a vision to paint a long, narrow piece of board or cabinet door with black chalkboard paint to hang in my kitchen. My kitchen style seems to be morphing into the 1930's, French, industrial look. French cafe's always have a chalk board outside or inside above the bar so my kitchen needed one.
I went to the thrift store down the street in search of a picture frame with glass or a single cabinet door. I found a couple frames in the long, narrow shape I envisioned but the stubborn, "I think our junky thrift store goods are gold", guardian of the price point lady that runs the place, wouldn't come down to the amount I was willing to pay. After all, I was just interested in the frame lady, not the actual portrait of cats dressed up playing poker! Geesh! OK, sorry, looks like I needed to get that out.
So as I refused to pay her premium, I stumbled across an empty frame with glass and agreed to pay $5 for it, but really wanted to pay $3. Hey! It's a thrift store! Things are supposed to be cheap.
It wasn't exactly the shape I wanted but I was too impatient to shop around. Once I got the frame home and disinfected it, I started mixing the chalkboard paint. Oh, you thought I was going to buy the chalkboard paint? Oh no people, I am crafty (or try to be) and I made the paint. Here's the recipe:
Mix 1 c. of any paint any color with 2 T. of non sanded tiling grout and voila, you have chalkboard paint. Mix really well to prevent lumps. It will be a bit thick.
I started painting the glass and it took about 3 coats to get a solid coverage due to the slick surface. Other surfaces, like wood or concrete, cover much easier. And here is the finished product hanging in the kitchen (with a sweet note left on it by my husband). I also took a drawer handle, turned it upside down and attached it to the board for a chalk holder.
The second thing I painted with my chalkboard paint was the inside of my non-working fireplace. Now I can draw fire, leave messages or let kids draw inside when they come over. Cute huh?
Now what are you going to chalkboard paint?
I had a vision to paint a long, narrow piece of board or cabinet door with black chalkboard paint to hang in my kitchen. My kitchen style seems to be morphing into the 1930's, French, industrial look. French cafe's always have a chalk board outside or inside above the bar so my kitchen needed one.
I went to the thrift store down the street in search of a picture frame with glass or a single cabinet door. I found a couple frames in the long, narrow shape I envisioned but the stubborn, "I think our junky thrift store goods are gold", guardian of the price point lady that runs the place, wouldn't come down to the amount I was willing to pay. After all, I was just interested in the frame lady, not the actual portrait of cats dressed up playing poker! Geesh! OK, sorry, looks like I needed to get that out.
So as I refused to pay her premium, I stumbled across an empty frame with glass and agreed to pay $5 for it, but really wanted to pay $3. Hey! It's a thrift store! Things are supposed to be cheap.
Mix 1 c. of any paint any color with 2 T. of non sanded tiling grout and voila, you have chalkboard paint. Mix really well to prevent lumps. It will be a bit thick.
I started painting the glass and it took about 3 coats to get a solid coverage due to the slick surface. Other surfaces, like wood or concrete, cover much easier. And here is the finished product hanging in the kitchen (with a sweet note left on it by my husband). I also took a drawer handle, turned it upside down and attached it to the board for a chalk holder.
The second thing I painted with my chalkboard paint was the inside of my non-working fireplace. Now I can draw fire, leave messages or let kids draw inside when they come over. Cute huh?
Now what are you going to chalkboard paint?
So cute. I love anything "French Cafe-ish". Can't wait to see more of your ideas.
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Susana
I love it! The fireplace idea is adorable. We will be moving at the beginning of the month, and I am inspired - I can't wait to make my own chalkboard.
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