How to Make a Framed Chalkboard

I love the possibilities of an empty frame.

And even though chalkboards and chalk dust kind of give me the heebie jeebies (is anyone else like that?) I wanted a framed chalkboard for my dining room.

I started by picking this frame out at Michael’s.

And I used Krylon’s chalkboard spray paint to create the board. I chose black, but it also comes in green.

You can use chalkboard spray paint on just about any surface.

Since I didn’t have anything in just the right size laying around, I picked up a poster frame set like this one, that included a piece of plastic in just the right size to make the chalkboard. It also had the backing I could use to hang it once I was done.

The process from there was so easy. Here’s what you do:

Start by spraying the material you’re using as the chalkboard with the chalkboard paint. I used several coats, allowing each to dry before doing the next one.

Then let it sit for about 24 hours, until it’s completely dry.

After that you’ll need to “season” the chalkboard by covering the whole thing in chalk, and then erasing it.

(Note: You’ll need chalk made of calcium carbonate to use on this paint. There are actually different kinds of chalk made from different materials…who knew? If you’re not sure, just make sure not to choose kids’ non-toxic chalk.)

Now you’re ready to pop your chalkboard into the frame and use the clips, etc. that came with the frame kit to keep it in place.

If you didn’t use a frame kit, you can do something lovely with duct tape, like I did with this memo board. So pretty!

Then just hang and start having fun.

With menus…