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In which I discuss how to make your own chalkboard and pretend it was two years ago (when I actually made this particular outdoor chalkboard) or six years ago (when I made our big indoor chalkboard)…
Ready for some time travel?
I have wanted a large outdoor chalkboard ever since I saw one on Angry Chicken years ago. I had made an indoor chalkboard for my kids with a couple coats of chalkboard paint, so I knew how easy it would be to make one.
I bought a square piece of wood from Lowes. Or maybe it was Home Depot. I don’t remember at this point. And don’t really think it matters. They both have big squares of plywood, right?
And I bought some chalkboard paint.
The rest, as we say, is history.
Wood + chalkboard paint = chalkboard.
Oh, wait. I was going to write up an actual tutorial… Okay, here we go…
How to Make Your Own Chalkboard
MATERIALS
- Plywood, 4 x 4 feet (or whatever dimensions you want for your chalkboard)
- Sandpaper
- Wood primer
- Chalkboard paint
- Chalk
INSTRUCTIONS
- Sand your wood.
I didn’t do this, but wish I had. The paint sticks better to wood that has been sanded.
- Prime your wood
Cover the entire board with wood primer and let dry completely. (I used tinted primer I had made up for my house walls but regular primer works, too, of course.)
- Add your chalkboard paint
Paint with two coats of chalkboard paint, letting the paint dry completely between coats.
You can use paint in a can or spray paint. Both work, although I like the paint you can apply with a brush better.
- Rub in chalk
Finally, rub chalk all over the new chalkboard…
…and rub it in with an eraser or cloth…
…like so.
- Use your chalkboard!
Now, make your chalk masterpieces!
And play your chalk games!
More DIY Chalkboards for Kids
- A toddler-sized DIY wall chalkboard
- A new chalkboard made from a yardsale find
- Make a chalkboard coffee table (on 2 Little Superheroes)
- A take-along chalk mat for kids (on Make It, Love It)
- A chalkboard box (on Sun Hats & Wellie Boots)
- Chalkboard stones (on Artful Kids)
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