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Saturday, November 17, 2018

How to Make a Framed Chalkboard Wall

Got a big blank wall?  Love chalkboards like I do? 
Okay, I may be slightly obsessed with them and I blame it on the fact that I'm a teacher's daughter.  I went to the same grade school my mom taught at and would hang in her classroom after school until she could leave.  Of course I spent the whole time drawing on her chalkboards and playing school!  So fast forward to the present, I have a lot of chalkboards, okay?




This blank wall in our narrow dining room featured a large mirror, basically reflecting nothing.  For me, this was the best spot to put a huge chalkboard.  Some major inspo came from, where else...Pinterest and Instagram...



(I can't even with that picture.  It makes me drool). 




And then Jessica Madison has this chalkboard wall that she does amazing things with, seriously, go check out her Insta feed and blog.  Now one day, I too, will amaze you with my chalkboard wall ;)

I like to think that if these two chalkboards had a baby, it would be mine.
A little rustic and a little glam.
So onto the specifics....

Here are the supplies you will need:

-painter's tape
-level
-tape measure
-miter box and saw
-chalkboard paint (I used Rustoleum)
-brad nailer (or finishing nails and hammer)
-liquid nails
-paint brush 
-paint roller
-sanding block


How to:

1.  Measure out your area and tape it off with the painter's tape.  Use the level to ensure your lines are straight.


 Mine measures 7 feet wide X 3 feet 8" 
I simply "eye-balled"  where I wanted it to be and started taping it out.

2. Lightly sand the area and wipe clean.

3.  Paint the box!  Use the brush to dry brush over the tape, and use the roller to fill in the center.



  You will need to do about 3-4 coats, but it dries really quick.  I did them all in one night. 
(We may or may not have skipped dinner). 


4.  Measure the perimeter and cut your wood.  
Remember, measure twice, cut once.


5. Sand the edges and stain the boards.

6.  I used a combo of Minwax Early American and Driftwood stains to create a distressed look.

7.  Once it dries, skim the back of your boards with Liquid Nails and brad nail them in place.


8.  The paint requires a good 5-7 days to cure.  Be sure to prime the whole area before writing on it by using a piece of chalk on its' side and rub the entire surface.  (This is a good kid-job.)  Just erase it and your ready!




My inner teacher's kid is smiling!  



Thanks for stopping by!