How to Make A Chalkboard from Anything...

I know, chalkboards are kind of EVERYWHERE, and you've probably got at least one around your house if you're anything like me (I won't divulge just how many I've got around this joint, for fear of Chalkboards Anonymous knocking down my door...). Chalkboard spray paint is one of my favorite things on the planet. I mean, how else could you make this:

from this:

 

Right??

So that old tin tray came from either a yard sale or somewhere in the depths of my parents' basement...not sure where it orginated for me, but it's been in my stash for a while, waiting for something to be done to it. I decided on a whim the other day, to grab my trusty can of chalkboard spray paint and give it a few quick coats.

Took me all of five minutes. Then I decided it needed something.  I sketched out a little curvy design in pencil (a couple days later)...

Don't worry if you make mistakes. I made quite a few. It erases pretty well, and I knew with the chalk on it, it wouldn't be noticeable.

Then I grabbed one of my zillion Sherwin Williams samples...This is actually the lightened Sea Salt, but you really can't tell with it going over the black. Looks almost white. No biggie, I didn't care, I just wanted some contrast.

After a couple coats, I primed my chalkboard. This is important for a good chalkboard. Take your chalk, and run over the whole thing so it looks like this:

Let it hang out for a little bit (I only let it sit for maybe 20 minutes, but some people swear by doing it a lot longer).

Then I decided I wanted to make it look a little aged. I got out a piece of fine sandpaper, and just roughed it up a bit to make the paint chippy. This project was a huge "whim" deal - kinda just started trying different things along the way! In hindsight, I think I would have followed the original oval rim shape of the tray instead of gettin' all fancy with the curvy business. Not a super huge fan, but it'll do;)

Think of something cute to write on it and you're done! I placed mine on a plate stand I had. Not sure where it's going to be in the house, but have it on the buffet table at the moment.

Oh my, another chalkboard. Someone needs to take the can away from me, I'm afraid.

But they're just too much fun;) You really can turn pretty much ANYTHING into a chalkboard with a can of this stuff!

Check out some of my other chalkboard projects here...and here....and here...ok I'm going to stop or we'll be here all day! ;)