Workbench Chalkboard

Maybe it's just me but with several projects in the works I tend to end up with a stack of loose leaf papers, each only partially filled with sketches,  circuit diagrams, equations, etc., and I end up loosing and duplicating work.
My solution? A chalkboard surface applied directly to my workbench. This allows me to keep all my notes, etc. in one place while retaining the original desk real estate.

Step 1: Materials/Tools

Materials

* Chalkboard Paint - I used Krylon black chalkboard spray and it works really well.
* Chalk - White, colored, both, whatever floats your boat, just not clay based.
* Eraser - Felt ones work the best.
* Newspaper - For blocking over-spray.

Tools

* Masking Tape - For masking of course.
* Sand Paper - For prepping the surface, finer grits such as 200 probably work best. I used 100 and it was alright but I wouldn't go much courser as it could give you an uneven surface.

Comments

[Pe-ads]

This is a really awesome idea! One coder I heard of made a desk entirely out of whiteboard material, so he could just draw designs and scribble ideas all over it (yes, even underneath...)

[alicetragedy]

I have this in my studio as well. it's so convenient! except I painted the whole work surface with the chalkboard paint (the desk is actually just a big wooden plank with sawhorses).
also, re: dust and so on: you can get in a couple of places pens that have chalk-ink / liquid chalk (the kind they use at starbucks and things to write neatly) sort of avoids getting dust all over the place and your hands don't get dirty!

[bwrussell]

Thanks for the info on the chalk pens. I assume they erase easily?

[alicetragedy]

yes they do, with a sponge and water. also practical if you're a left-handed person like me who keeps rubbing with her hand over the chalk while writing ;)

[jovolomo]

Nice!
I've done the exact opposite!
My whole table is in white melamine,
and I just write on it with anything!

when it's pencil, I use a eraser,
when it's water ink, water
and anything else goes away with acetone!

[lambsb]

Excellent idea. This would go well with my multicolor Sharpie key ring that hangs from a retractable keychain over my workbench, maybe I should add retractable chalk lol. What caught my eye was the Hello World app.

main()

CHALK "Hello World"

end

[bwrussell]

Hmmmm, actually that retractable chalk idea could be really handy. I'll have to look into that.

[criggie]

Horizontal surfaces tend to get covered with stuff.... I'd use a wall or back of a door.

[bwrussell]

Each to their own, but I wanted a board that I could use without leaving my desk but didn't take away any space. For me the whole point is that I could write on it and still put stuff on it.

[tjeppen]

Just don't forget that computers (and most of electrical appliances with the exception of a vacuum cleaner :-) ) and dust aren't very good friends. And chalk gives you enormous amounts of dust.

[Oldbear]

There are many ways to stop dust from getting into a computer, or more regular cleaning. I have a computer in my garage that get the air hose every couple weeks. We have computers throughout our car dealership... we just get creative with dust control.

That said; yes dust is our enemy - so fight it.

[bwrussell]

Good point, I'll add that warning. For my desk the computer sits up on a shelf well away from the board.

You can erase the board with a damp cloth instead of a felt eraser to cut down on dust as well.

[Oldbear]

I have white boards in the shop, at my desk, in our 5th wheel... And I carry a note book... I've had too many project notes go flying, never to be found again...

I might have to try this out though - my kids would love it too.

[haptotrope]

I also found that "ceiling paint" (actually a 50/50 mix with regular paint, adds a nice 'tooth' to the paint for chalk drawing. :-)

[TechDante]

i did this to my entire wall in my room, great for when i get an idea as i normally loose bits fo paper

[bwrussell]

Exactly, also there never seems to be any paper around when you need it most.
I also like being able to edit circuit diagrams and designs much easier than on paper.

[splazem]

Don't you love chalkboards? I just made one and it was a blast! Great job!

[bwrussell]

Thanks, being able to put them most anywhere with this paint is quite convenient.