Pinterest Challenge: Week 4 (chalkboard)

Yes, it's week 5 of the Pinterest Challenge now. I'm a tad behind, but still getting there!

This chalkboard project was so fun to do, when it wasn't driving me bonkers! I chose to use an old medicine cabinet that's been in my family since before I was born... it actually came from a dentist's office in my parents home town. Industrial items are so hot, and I knew I couldn't let my mom throw it out!!! I was nervous to change it though, because I was happy with how it was before, but I knew it could be awesome if I made the front into a chalkboard. And I was right!

The most annoying part about this project ended up being the paint slip-ups. I had to go back and cover up some of the chalkboard paint with the original tan color spray paint but it kept wanting to bubble up in spots! I sanded and repainted, then sanded and repainted. Frustrating. I'm so happy with the results though.

Here's a quick guide to what I did.

Materials:

• Something to make into a chalkboard (a cabinet, inside a picture frame, wall, etc.) 
• Chalkboard spray paint
• Fine sandpaper
• Masking tape and plastic
• Sponge brush
• Chalk

Steps:

1. Prep you surface with the sandpaper.
2. Tape off or cover with plastic the areas you don't want painted.
3. Spray an even coat of chalkboard paint.
4. let dry for 15 min or so.
5. Repeat spray and dry for 3 or so coats. (Chalkboard spray paint chips much easier than normal paint, so I recommend several coats.)
6. Spray some paint into a disposable cup or something similar then use your sponge brush to touch up any mistakes. (This also give the board more texture like it was actually painted on!)
7. Let it dry over night then rub chalk all over the surface to prep it for writing. Erase and your ready to go!

Now let's get to utilizing our chalkboards!

Perfect Chalkboard Surface!

Tugger helped me make some fun designs!

Time to go put this back in Tugger's room now. I can't wait to help him use this more!

---Elizabeth