Create this DIY framed chalkboard from an old or thrifted picture frame to add warmth, charm and functionality to your home.

Hello, Ideas for the Home readers! I’m Pam from The Birch Cottage, and I’m back again this month sharing an easy tutorial on how to turn an old or thrifted picture frame into a DIY framed chalkboard.

Chalkboard from Picture frames - how to make a framed chalkboard

Chalkboards and chalkboard themed décor is not only trendy, but timeless. Chalkboards add warmth to a home and people are just drawn to chalkboards. Just think about it. When was the last time you saw a chalkboard and a piece of chalk and resisted writing, doodling or drawing on the chalkboard?

Clearly, I’m not the only one who likes chalkboards. You can walk the aisles of your favorite home décor or craft supply store and find chalkboard themed everything. In fact, chalkboards are showing up in homes, stores, wedding receptions, baby showers and backyard barbecues.

How to Make your very own framed chalkboard

You can DIY your very own framed chalkboard using any picture frame with a glass insert. Your picture frame can be as small or as large as you want. In fact, thrift stores are a fantastically inexpensive source for picture frames of all sizes.

In the tutorial I’m sharing with you, you’ll notice I have three small frames and one larger frame. The smaller frames were actually a trio of frames that were hinged together. I removed the hinges and distressed the edges of the frames a little bit. The larger frame was actually handmade by my husband’s grandfather.

What you need:

So, let’s take a look at what you’ll need to make DIY framed chalkboards!

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picture frames, chalkboard paint, paint brush, gloves, sand paper

Supplies Needed

Here’s what you’ll need from the store. The exact amounts are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

picture frame (old frames, new frames, thrift store frames)
chalkboard paint
foam paint brush
sand paper
clean cloth
rubbing alcohol
paper towels
latex-free gloves
chalk

You’ll also find it helpful to have a paint can opener and paint stirrer.

DIY Framed Chalkboard Video Instructions

DIY FRAMED CHALKBOARD TIPS:

Start with clean surfaces

The first thing you’ll want to do is to take the picture frame apart and remove the glass. Remove any dust or dirt from the frame and set it aside.

Then, be sure to clean the glass. I like to clean with soap and water first and then after lightly sanding, I’ll wipe the glass off with a little bit of rubbing alcohol and a paper towel.

Paint the picture frame

Once you’ve cleaned the picture frame, you can paint it, distress it or even add gold leaf. Painting the frame first will give the frame plenty of time to dry while you work on creating your chalkboard.

Read the instructions

Even though I have created more DIY framed chalkboards than I can recount and I’m giving you the very best advice, it’s important for you to read the instructions provided by the chalkboard paint manufacturer.

apply thin coats of chalkboard paint

When you apply the chalkboard paint, use thin coats of paint. I typically use three coats of paint, allowing for the paint to completely dry between layers. You also will want to paint each layer in specific and opposite directions.

season the chalkboard

Before you use the chalkboard, you’ll want to be sure to season it. Otherwise, the first thing you write on the chalkboard will be permanently etched on the chalkboard. Directions for how to season a chalkboard are provided below.

Create this DIY framed chalkboard from an old or thrifted picture frame to add warmth, charm and functionality to your home.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

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DIY Framed Chalkboard from an Old Picture Frame

Author: Pam Baker

Ingredients

1 picture frame with glass insert
1 chalkboard paint
1 foam paint brush
1 80 grit sand paper
1 stick of chalk

Instructions

Prepare the Picture Frame

Disassemble the picture frame by removing the back, any photographs and the glass front.
Clean the picture frame, if necessary. If you want to paint the frame, you should do so now and set it aside.

Clean the Glass

Clean the glass with soap and warm water. Rinse and dry thoroughly.

Lightly Sand

With 80 girt sand paper, lightly sand the glass. Use a clean cloth or dry paint brush to remove any dust.
Use rubbing alcohol and a paper towel to clean the glass before painting.

Paint the Glass

Using a foam paint brush, apply a thin coat of chalkboard paint to the glass. Be sure to brush in one direction. Allow the paint to dry completely (about 30 minutes).
Apply a second thin coat of paint in the opposite direction. Allow the paint to dry completely.
Apply a third thin coat of paint, if desired or necessary. Allow the paint to completely dry for at least 24 hours.

Season the Chalkboard

Once the chalkboard has completely dried, you'll season the chalkboard by taking a piece of chalk and rubbing the side of it against the chalkboard surface. Completely coat the chalkboard.
Wipe the chalkboard off with a damp cloth. Your chalkboard is now ready to use!

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