This is really more of a remodel than a trash-t0-treasure but it still fits nicely for a Thursday crafting post! One of the topics I like to search for on Pinterest are ideas for using chalkboard paint around the home. You can see some really cool ideas on my Chalk Love board. I broke down a few weeks ago and bought a jar of chalkboard paint and a magnetic primer.
How to Turn a Door into a Chalkboard (and magnetic)
Step 1: Decide what you want to paint. This was the hardest part for me. I didn’t want it to be a spot in my house where I would regret my decision. I started small and chose the hall door in the foyer of our house. I didn’t tell my husband where I was going to do this because I didn’t want him to ‘change my mind!’
Step 2: The magnetic primer called for 2 coats in order to be strong enough to hold a magnet after the chalkboard paint was applied. Be sure to read the directions about how long to let each coat cure before proceeding to the next coat. I did the magnetic primer the first day and let it cure for a day before I painted the chalkboard.
Step 3: Only apply 2 coats of chalkboard paint or you’ll lose the strength of the magnetic primer. Each coat has to dry 30 minutes before you reapply. The final coat needs to cure for 48hrs minimum before you can draw on it.
Step 4: WAIT, WAIT, WAIT! And try to keep the kids from getting anxious and coloring on it before it’s fully cured. This was THE hardest part!
Step 5: Color away!
Here is what it looked like on Halloween. I guess it’s time to erase it and let the kids start having fun with it.
Tip: The magnetic primer makes the surface rougher than it should be for a chalkboard. This makes it harder to erase. The primer isn’t all that strong either so only lightweight magnets will stick. To top it all off the primer was $20 and there is hardly any left. I would skip the magnetic primer and just do the chalkboard paint. Either way, they both have pretty strong odors so paint while the kids are out of the house and open a window until it dries.
Now I have half a jar of chalkboard paint left and I have an itch to paint more surfaces. What should I paint next?
I would say you could consider painting one of your cabinet doors near where you would make a grocery list, but that’s a big ‘uh oh’ to undo if you’re not committed!
Jill recently posted..Thoughts on a Thursday: Putting out fires and how good quiet feels
Such a great idea! I’ve actually done this with a kitchen cabinet!
Jenn @ Harmonic Mama recently posted..The Mathematics of Doctor Who’s Fez
I agree with Jill! A kitchen surface or someplace you might like to keep a list – either for groceries or for “to do” projects around the house or even a “star chart” for the fam in getting chores done. :0)
I’ve wanted to try that chalk board paint for a long time. Using a door or kitchen cabinet is a great idea!
I painted the top portion of my new fridge with a lower freezer drawer with RED chalkboard paint! It turned out amazing! The hardest part was waiting for it to cure, so we could not only use it for my grocery list, but I thought it was a fun way to leave nice messages to to your kids or sweetie! I decided not to paint the lower half for 2 reasons. 1, because it’s too hard to reach and 2nd, I liked the contrast! Good luck fellow risk takers! Yeah… don’t tell your spouse. Let it be a fun surprise for the whole family! I waited ’till 10 pm to get started on a Saturday. Made for a long night, but as long as my I-Home was playing, I was good to go and having a blast! If they don’t like the red color… well… I don’t care! I love it!!! LOL