Video: Frugal DIY Chalkboard

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finished diy chalkboard

In this video, I will show you how easy it is to make a homemade chalkboard using an old picture frame (purchased at the thrift store!), sandpaper and paint – that’s it! Create your own framed chalkboard and hang it in your kiddo’s room, use it as a menu or chore list in the kitchen, or present it as a one-of-a-kind gift. Enjoy…

diy chalk board

HipTip: Using old frames from home or gently used framed art is perfect for this DIY! I picked one up at my local thrift store.

spray paint diy


Supplies Needed:

  • Gently Used Frame
  • Colored Spray Paint for your border
  • Chalkboard Paint
  • Paint Brush or Sponge
  • Tarp or protection barrier
  • Eye goggles, disposable mask and gloves

Directions:

  1. Lay out your Tarp or designated area for spray paint overspray
  2. Remove frame from the glass and layout to spray paint
  3. Spray paint the frame with your color choice, let it dry
  4. Clean glass to prep for chalkboard paint
  5. Apply 2-3 layers of chalkboard paint to the glass, set aside per coat and let it dry
  6. Allow the frame and glass to dry before applying chalk, 3 days is what is recommended

painting diy chalkboard

chalkboard paint for glass


[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctmQee6dLrk]* If you can’t see the video, go here to watch it.

Join The Discussion

Comments 35

  1. Chrissy

    So awesome! I found a kids plastic table i did this to but i used the spay paint chalkboard stuff from michaels with a coupon! Dries fast!!

    • Collin (Mrs. Hip)

      Great idea!!

  2. Geena O Joseph

    cute n useful video..thanks Collin..!

    • Collin (Mrs. Hip)

      You are welcome, Geena! 🙂

  3. shop4mybabies

    I’m coming to dinner on Friday! cake for dinner? YAY!

    • Collin (Mrs. Hip)

      Yep, Friday is definitely my favorite dinner! 😉

  4. Sandra

    Cute Collin!!! Thank you for the video!!!

    • Collin (Mrs. Hip)

      You are so welcome, Sandra!

  5. gina m

    I know this off the topic, but I would LOVE to know where you purchased your counter height chairs? We have been looking for ones like this!

    • Mary

      I like the chairs too!

    • Collin (Mrs. Hip)

      I actually found the bar stools at Cost Plus World Market.

  6. Suzanwoo

    I painted my sons closet door with the chalk board paint and he loves it!!!! Can write any time he wants too! 😄

    • Collin (Mrs. Hip)

      Cute idea – so fun!

  7. Lydia

    Collin, how did the frame go from green to blue! Heh 😉

    • Collin (Mrs. Hip)

      LOL! I actually purchased 2 pictures from the thrift store. Prior to filming the video, I went through the process of creating the blue Chalkboard Frame and then during the video, I created the green Chalkboard Frame. And as you can see in the video, I ended up liking the first one I created better and opted to display it in my kitchen.

  8. Natalie

    I always thought that chalkboard paint didn’t function that well, but I’d love to hear anyone’s first hand opinion!

  9. sam

    I love the way your house always look! Can we get a house tour and ways you save to make it look so fabulous.

  10. stephanie mediratta

    For even further savings and versatility you can really use any flat latex plat and add plaster of paris or unsanded tile grout to it to make it into chalkboard paint. To use the grout use 1 cup of paint and two tsp of unsanded tile grout or for larger projects 1 cup of grout to 1/2 gallon of paint. If you are using plaster of paris mix 5 tablespoons of plaster of Paris and 5 tablespoons of water with 1/2-cup of paint.You can coordinate your chalkboard colors to your room colors that way or use leftover paint an save even more money!

  11. Melissa

    Cute! I made a small one for my bathroom but never thought to use the glass that came in it as my base for the chalk paint – duh! My sweet hubby cut me a thin piece of wood and it has never worked very well because the wood has a bump texture. Wonder if I saved the glass???

  12. Sally

    What a great idea! Thanks Collin!!! 🙂

  13. Sally

    P.S. We have missed seeing your smiling face via your videos! 🙂

  14. Milk Allergy Mom

    I like the chores listed!

  15. Priscilla

    I LOVE your letter sorter in the background! Where did you get it from?

  16. Vishnu

    Didn’t know it worked on glass! Awesome idea. Would love to try it someday.

  17. Jennifer

    I will be by on Thurs for pasta and salad, yum! Cute idea, thanks Collin! And love the chores at the bottom!

  18. Hannah Ciprich

    Does anyone have any of the free pampers wipes coupons from the 7-27-14 p&g
    email me @
    hannahrashel91@hotmail.com
    Thanks !!

  19. Anna

    Aren’t chalkboards messy? I have this picture in my head of my 3 years old writing all over it and the chalk powder getting all over my floors.

    • JA

      Not really. On the scale of kid-messiness, I’d rate chalkboards pretty low. It wipes up easily if there is any amount of dust and you don’t have to worry about staining anything.

  20. The New Mrs. Rowe

    My Hubby and I really like your kitchen! We are kind of old and very finicky! Lol

  21. Dawn

    I’m curious as to what the total cost was for the project. Can you please detail the breakdown?

  22. Andrea

    Have you done a house tour video of your new place? Would love to see it!

  23. Judy

    I love this idea but wonder how fragile the “chalkboard” is — I’d like to do one for my toddler’s bedroom but wonder if I should just go with wood instead of the glass

  24. Misty Nicole Roberts

    I love it! I also wanted to share that you can make your own chalkboard paint by mixing one part plaster to two parts paint, which is a savings of 75%! Also, I have taken similar paintings, as I call them bad motel art, and paint the frame, and add stencils to the front, and cover the piece with a solid color, and with the letters showing through makes awesome subway art! Thanks, Collin!

  25. ihearthip

    Okay I thought Pizza Friday was fun but Cake & Coffee??!! I’m coming to your house! 🙂

  26. Chrissy

    You could always put magnetic spray or pain as the first few coats then coat with chalkboard! Magnetic chalkboard !!!!

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