DIY Spree: Chalkboard Mania
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In a creative twist, old picture frames are being repurposed into functional chalkboards, offering a unique blend of vintage charm and modern practicality. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to transform your frames into stylish chalkboards.
Materials Needed
- Picture frames with various styles
- Hardwood backing
- Chalkboard paint
- Paintbrushes
- Sandpaper
- Rags
Steps to Follow
- Choose the Right Hardwood Backing: Select a hardwood backing that fits snugly in your picture frame. You can have it cut to the exact size at a store like Home Depot, free of charge.
- Prepare the Hardwood Backing: Thoroughly sand the backing for better paint adhesion.
- Apply Multiple Coats of Chalkboard Paint: Apply several even coats of chalkboard paint to the hardwood backing, allowing each coat to dry fully. For a more realistic thickness, four coats were used in this project, but the suggested number is typically two.
- Reassemble the Frame: Once the painted backing is dry, insert it into the picture frame to create a usable chalkboard. Secure it in place with staples or nails, as each frame's size may require different methods.
- Condition the Chalkboard: After painting, condition the chalkboard by rubbing chalk over it and wiping with a soft rag. This helps create a smooth writing surface.
- Personalize the Frame: If desired, you can add paint or decorative touches to the frame before inserting the chalkboard. This is a great opportunity to make each chalkboard unique.
This DIY project is not only straightforward but also budget-friendly, as materials such as chalkboard paint and picture frames can often be found on clearance or sourced from platforms like Craigslist. With these steps, you can create stylish chalkboards for home or classroom use, preserving the vintage charm of the frames while giving them new practical uses.
Incorporating sustainability into interior-design and lifestyle, this project commends the repurposing of old picture frames into chalkboards. By adhering to these steps for creating DIY chalkboards, individuals can contribute to sustainable-living by reducing waste in the home-and-garden while enhancing their interior-design.
