A piece of wood can become a chalkboard in a few simple steps.
With just a few household tools, a piece of wood and a can of chalkboard paint, anyone can create a built-to-spec chalkboard for the home, dorm room or office. Take phone messages, make a to-do list, jot down a favorite quotation or use colored chalk to unveil your artistic side. A handmade chalkboard is also an inexpensive alternative to store bought models, which leave little choice in size or style.
Instructions
Prepare the Board
1. Plywood is suitable for handmade chalkboards.
Carefully choose a piece of wood that is smooth, clean and large enough to hold the kind of information you want to put on the chalkboard. If you plan to hang the chalkboard on a wall, choose a lighter wood. Visit a plywood seller or recycle an old wooden board from your closet or garage. Many hardware or home improvement stores will cut plywood boards to measure for free.
2. Measure the wood in order to find a fitting picture frame for the chalkboard.
Take a tape measure and record specific measurements of the piece of wood you choose for your chalkboard. This will help if you choose to add a decorative border by placing the wood into a picture frame.
3. A battered picture frame will make a perfect decorative border for the chalkboard.
Find a wooden or metal picture frame at a thrift store, yard sale or discount store. It will make a decorative border for your chalkboard and make hanging it a snap. If you want, you can match the frame to the same color as the chalkboard paint. If you can't find a frame in that color, prime and paint an old frame to match.
4. Sanding the wood will ensure a smooth chalkboard.
Sand the wood with sandpaper to ensure a smooth surface. Rub the sandpaper in even strokes that follow the wood grain. Sand from one side of the wood to the other.
5. Chalkboards make great places for drawings or doodles.
Apply a coat of latex primer to the wood. Spray the primer on from a spray can or use a paintbrush to apply liquid primer. Allow the wood to dry for at least 24 hours.
6. Chalkboard paint comes in spray cans, but can also be rolled or brushed onto wood.
Choose your favorite color. Chalkboard paint comes in traditional black and green. Select either the spray can variety or the liquid paint from a can. While the spray can paint comes in black or green, companies make a liquid chalkboard base paint that can be tinted one of a dozen bright colors in the hardware store's professional tinting machines. Simply choose a tint from the colors listed on the chalkboard paint package and take the paint up to the service counter at your local hardware or paint store.
7. A paint roller is the best tool to ensure a smooth coat of chalkboard paint.
Apply one coat of chalkboard paint to the wood. A paint roller is the best tool for a smooth coat. After an hour, check for dryness. Once dry, apply a second coat. Allow chalkboard to dry for three days to cure it.
8. Before using the chalkboard, rub chalk across the entire board and then erase.
The chalkboard must be prepared to hold chalk markings in one final step: Rub some chalk over every inch of the chalkboard and wait about 30 seconds before fully erasing the board. Now your chalkboard is ready to decorate your home or office. Slip the wood into the frame and hang it up.
