My Very Own Chalkboard

By Annabelle Keller, Scd, Cpd

My Very Own Chalkboard

Materials

  • Krylon Indoor/Outdoor Primer - Gray (#51318)
  • Krylon Chalkboard Paint - Black (#807)
  • Krylon Indoor/Outdoor Paint - White (#51501)
  • Krylon Indoor/Outdoor Paint - Banner Red (#52108)
  • Krylon Webbing Spray - Black Lava (#601)
  • (2) 6 ft. long boards of 1" × 4" clear pine
  • (1) 16" × 20" piece of 3/16" masonite
  • 1 set of 1-½" tall wooden letters
  • Calcium carbonate chalk and felt eraser
  • 2 small screw-eyes
  • 30 of light guage hanger wire

General Supplies

  • Saw
  • Method for cutting rabbet joints
  • Method for mitering
  • Carpenter’s square
  • Pencil
  • T- square
  • Ruler
  • 400 grit sandpaper
  • Tack rag
  • Pliers
  • Wire cutters
  • Staple gun and staples
  • Hammer and small nails
  • Glue gun and glue sticks

Instructions

  1. To make frame, rip boards to 2-¼" wide. Cut (2) 16" and (2) 20" lengths. Miter corners. Cut a ¼" deep by ½" wide rabbet in one edge of each board to receive chalkboard. Assemble pieces, square and staple together.
  2. To create chalkboard, prime masonite with Sandable Primer. Paint over with Black Chalkboard Paint using 2 coats with a light sanding in-between. Let dry completely. Break-in chalkboard by covering entire surface with chalk and erasing (see can label for complete instructions).
  3. Sand frame and paint with Krylon Gloss White. Allow to dry. Apply Webbing Spray as desired. Use hammer and nails to install chalkboard.
  4. Sand wooden letters lightly and paint with Banner Red. Position letters around frame. When satisfied glue in place. Attach screw-eyes into back of frame about 6" from top. Install wire with about 25" between screw-eyes.