DIY Chalkboard Paint And Antique Frames!

UPDATE: This post originally ran on September 5th 2012 but there are so many uses for homemade chalkboard paint, we wanted to share it again!

I have been wanting to get some chalkboard paint for quite some time now, and experiment with different ways of using it. There are so many fun things you can do with it! I especially wanted to make a little chalkboard to have at my desk, to write myself reminders and for other people to leave notes when I’m away (it saves paper! :) ). I’m so glad I didn’t buy any because it is incredibly easy to make your own chalkboard paint! The best part is – you can make chalkboard paint in any color you want.  Here’s how!

diy chalkboard paint

What you need: acrylic paint in whatever colors you want, non-sanded grout (I picked it up at Home Depot), paintbrushes, chalk, and measuring utensils.

diy chalkboard paint

Combine ½ cup of acrylic paint with 1 tablespoon of non-sanded grout to make your chalkboard paint. You can make a larger amount using this ratio BUT it is important to keep this in mind: the chalkboard paint dries very quickly because of the grout. It is best to make very small amounts at a time so that you aren’t wasting any! If it sits for too long, it hardens and you won’t be able to paint with it.

diy chalkboard paint

After adding the non-sanded grout to the paint, stir quickly until it reaches a smooth consistency. Apply the paint to your surface of choice. I tested it out first using a slab of wood and it worked perfectly!

diy chalkboard paint

Once the paint has dried, you will need to slate the surface. To do this, simply rub a piece of chalk over the entire surface and then wipe down with a cloth or paper towel.

diy chalkboard paint

diy chalkboard paint

Your chalkboard is now ready to use!

diy chalkboard paint

Once I got the technique down for making the paint, I wanted to make a little chalkboard to have at my desk at work. A really fun way to do this is using antique picture frames! I picked up a couple cheap ones and got to work.

diy chalkboard

Simply take the glass out of the frame, and apply the chalkboard paint right to the glass surface!  I painted the outside of the frame too, to cover up the old gold color.

diy chalkboard

diy chalkboard

diy chalkboard

Let the paint dry, and slate the surface.

diy chalkboard

diy chalkboard

diy chalkboard

Put the glass back in the frames and they’re ready to use!

diy chalkboard

Photos by Julia.

More DIY projects from the BLDG 25 Blog!

 

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megan
11 years ago

I actually gave in and bought chalkboard paint a while back…but I seen this tutorial on youtube the other day and now that you’ve posted the same tutorial it makes me want to create my own chalkboard paint and make colorfull chalkboards as Christmas gifts. :)

11 years ago

Ooooh, that looks so nice! I totally want to do this sometime.

Courtney
11 years ago

This looks adorable! i’m definitely doing it once i get the chance

11 years ago

we love it!!!

DIY and more:
http://diyearte.blogspot.com.es/

11 years ago

What a great idea. Can’t wait to make them and give them away!

Rachel B.
11 years ago

Love this so much! Check out this cute version I made! :)

http://instagr.am/p/PVeX25hIt5/

11 years ago

Super cute idea and frames. My teenage daughters would like to do this.
Thanks for posting.

Heidi
Exede

Robin
11 years ago

I painted the glass from a frame with Krylon chalkboard paint, rubbed chalk on it, used an eraser to get it off but now the chalk won’t write on it. It’s dollar store chalk does that make a difference?