Introduction: Quick and Dirty Chalkboard
Create a quick and easy chalkboard for any room in the house. It's simple! Follow my steps and you too can build one!
Step 1: Find Your Canvas
Find the ideal spot depending on the desired size of your chalkboard. Here I am using a wall in my transformed mud room above the shoe cubby. The size of the chalkboard that I am looking to build here is 4 feet by 3 feet tall.
Step 2: Gather the Tools and Materials Required.
It's a short list of materials, but here is the equipment that I used.
- Chalkboard Paint. Most chalkboard paint that are applied to metal and wood will suffice for applying on to painted surfaces
- 2 12 Foot Moulding. I choose white moulding to save me some time in painting
- Paint Brush. A 2 inch nylon brush works well. Makes it easier to clean and use for second coat.
- 1 1/4" Finish Nails. The moldings aren't that heavy so no need to buy larger nails.
- Tools. Measuring Tape, Level, Hammer, Box Saw (Miter Saw)
- Plastic Bag. Use the plastic bag as a quick and cheap alternative to paint clothes.
- Brush and Dust Pan. The cleanup is the most important part
Step 3: Center and Measure the Space
- Designate your center. Here I am using the clock as my center line. This will also indicate the top of my canvas
- Mark with a pencil your center line
- Measure 2 feet from the left and right of the center line mark with pencil
- From the outer marking measure 3 feet down to establish canvas height and mark
- At the bottom 3 feet marking begin to measure the bottom center line
- Then repeat steps 2 and 3
- Use your moulding as a straight edge making sure it's level. Now outline your canvas
Step 4: Paint and Cut
- Fill in the newly created square with chalkboard paint
- Let paint dry and apply second coat
- Cut each piece of moulding using a Box saw to the designated size. In my case it's 4 feet for top and bottom portions and 3 feet for left and right sides
Step 5: Framing
Once the your second coat has fully dried and your molding has been cut it's time to start framing your chalkboard.
- Align and level your top moulding within the outer marking that were designated
- Secure the top moulding with 1 1/4" finish nails
- Do the same for side and bottom moldings
Step 6: The Finished Product
Project complete!