chalk paint Archives - Page 12 of 14 - Chalkboard Fridge: DIY or Buy Cheap

How to Make a Chalkboard Table

Chalkboard tables are super easy and inexpensive to make. Virtually any table can be converted to a chalkboard with chalkboard paint – or you can build a table from scratch.

My chalkboard table does double-duty as a coffee table and a to-do list. I work from home, so this is a great way to organize my projects and keep me focused. I can also doodle if I feel like it.

Chalkboard tables are also great for kids and families. You can write messages on them, play games or bring out your inner artist. They can be used as coffee tables, sawhorse tables or desks, craft areas or even your kitchen dining table.

How to Make a Sawhorse Chalkboard Desk

As far as large tables go, a sawhorse table is about the easiest and most versatile table you can make. The reason is that you can take it apart and move it around easily (with a hollow core door).

All you need is a door and a pair of sawhorses. Alternatively, you can make your own sawhorses with a set of sawhorse brackets and 2×4’s. Making your own sawhorses of course takes more time and effort, but there is an added benefit….

You can change out your sawhorse legs to make your table different heights. For example, standard table height, standing desk/bar table height and coffee table height. You only need one door, but you can switch out the legs when you need tables for different purposes without having to make an entirely new table.

And if that wasn’t enough, you can add a couple of 2×4’s underneath one length of the door to create a tilt in the desk surface.

Buy or Make Sawhorse Table Legs

There are several options when it comes to sawhorses. You can go with metal, wood or heavy duty plastic. Most are designed to carry a heavy load, so your choice really comes down to how much you want to spend and the look you want to create with your table.

My special, super-secret technique for sawhorse legs:

I make my sawhorse legs with 2×4’s and brackets. I cut the 2×4’s to size, do a light sanding and seal with either a clear varnish or stain. Not much to it.

The height measurements I use:

– For a standing desk I cut 2×4’s to 36″, which gives me a table height of about 40″
– For a standard table I cut 2×4’s to 26″, which gives me a table height of about 30″

Stanley 060864R Folding Sawhorse (2-Pack)

Fulton D300 Sawhorse Bracket

Stanley 60622 Folding Adjustable Sawhorse (2-Pack)

Chalkboard Painting Tips

I made the mistake of painting my homemade chalkboard table when it was cold. I then proceeded to paint with a roller instead of a brush. The result was thick, clumpy paint and a very textured door. Not ideal for drawing on.

The solution was fixable, but time consuming. I had to sand down the entire door and re-paint with a brush. My chalkboard table is still not entirely smooth, but it works.

By the way, I painted the reverse side of my door table and the door edges with regular black spray paint. I used gloss because that’s what I had, but I think flat paint would work just fine.

My suggestions are to:

– Not paint on a cold day
– Paint with a brush
– Make sure your painting surface is clean and smooth.
– Chalkboard Art – How to Do It

…Or Buy a Chalkboard Table

OK. I get it. You want a chalkboard table, but you don’t want to make it yourself. I’m fine with that. It takes time, and your first try may not look as good as the one you can buy at the store. Here is a cool one that you can buy – and it doesn’t cost a lot of money either. =)

Chalkboard Table Plans:

TIP: Did you know that you can actually make your own chalkboard paint using regular latex paint and powdered, non-sanded tile grout? Get more information here.

Chalkboard Labels: 3 Ways to Make Them

Chalkboards have moved beyond the classroom wall. In fact, these handy writing surfaces are really convenient for people who like to stay organized.

Chalkboard labels (or chalkboard stickers) seem to be all the rage right now, and they are easy and cheap to make. Not to mention, they look super cool too. By the end of this article, you will not only know where to buy these stickers, but you will know how to make chalkboard labels as well.

Check out these containers below:

Of course, you can buy pre-made labels and make the job easy (or they make a great gift too!), or you can make your own for cheap.

1. Punch Out Your Labels

One way to make your labels is with adhesive chalkboard paper and a hole punch. Typically, chalkboard paper comes in large rolls, so be prepared to spend about $8-10 on this, but you will be able to make a bunch of labels.

Hole punches come in a variety of shapes and sizes, some perfect for making labels. They make the job quick and fun, and you can get some pretty cool looking designs, like scalloped or wavy edges, that might be difficult to cut yourself. These run about $15-10.

2. Paint Your Chalkboard Labels

Another simple way to make your labels is to simply buy some rectangular mailing labels at your local stationary store and paint them with chalkboard paint.

Spray paint is easy to use and leaves a really smooth finish, but you can also get a can of paint and brush it on.

When the paint dries, the labels are all ready to peel off their backing and stick on your jars, buckets, tubs and other containers.

3. Use a Label Template

chalkboard label template — courtesy of https://www.fun-stuff-to-do.com

If you don’t want all of your labels to look identical, and you are willing to spend a little more time creating them, you can download a free template and cut out your own stickers like the one on the right. Cut out the template and then trace it one the labels or adhesive paper you are using.

The scalloped edges edges can be challenging, but the simpler designs are a lot easier. Using this technique, it’s easier to outline and cut the designs first, and then paint them – unless you are using chalkboard contact paper.

Writing on Your Labels:

With small labels, liquid chalk markers are a lot easier to use than regular chalk (especially on chalkboard labels for jars). They look cleaner, and with a finer tip they allow you to write more if you need to.

Colored Chalkboard Labels:

And don’t forget that your labels don’t need to be black! You can get tint-able chalkboard paint (or make your own) and choose any color you want. Keep in mind that you may want to select a bright or dark color so that the chalk shows up!

What Surfaces Can You Use Chalkboard Paint On?

Wondering if you can use chalkboard paint on wood, metal, glass, plastic or ceramic surfaces? We have all the answers you need, plus 5 helpful tips on getting the best results. Ready to transform your furnishings or home decor? Let’s get started!

What Surfaces Can You Use Chalkboard Paint On? Wood? Metal? Glass? Plastic? Ceramic? Here are 5 Tips on How to Get the Best Results

Chalkboard paint (and chalk paint) has become a hot, trendy finish for furniture, crafts and other home renovation projects. Not to mention, you can turn an entire wall, door or tabletop into a giant chalkboard in under an hour.

Use Chalkboard Spray Paint to Make Painting Projects Faster and Easier

Note: Not only can you now get chalkboard paint in virtually any color, you can make it yourself from a few inexpensive ingredients. You can even buy chalkboard spray paint to make textured or angled items much faster and easier to cover.

So, What Can You Use Chalkboard Paint On?

First of all, you can apply chalkboard paint on many different surfaces. For example, you can use it on wood, metal, glass, ceramic and also plastic items.

Note: More importantly, however, you want to prep the surface before you apply chalk paint. In other words, make sure that it’s clean and dry before painting so you get better adhesion and a more professional finished look.

Pro Tips to Get the Best Chalkboard Paint Results

1. Using Chalkboard Paint on Wood:

Chalkboard Paint and Primer in One Product

Some porous woods (ie. cedar or pine) may require primer before paint application. On the other hand, hardwoods like maple or oak don’t need the extra prep work. And if you’re like me and don’t always know which wood is which, play it safe and use a chalkboard paint and primer in one.

2. Painting on Metal:

You can also use chalkboard paint on metal patio furniture, picture frames, refrigerator doors, etc.. As we talked about above, you want to clean the surface thoroughly and also remove any rust or chipped paint. Use some sandpaper if needed to achieve a smooth paintable surface.

3. How to Paint Ceramic Items with Chalk Paint:

Chalkboard paint works fine on ceramic surfaces as well. However, just like porous wood, you want to apply a primer first (and clean it of course). You can use the chalkboard paint and primer or use a primer separately if you have a certain color or brand in mind that you want to use.

4. Using Chalkboard Paint on Glass:

How to Apply Chalkboard Paint on Glass Surfaces and Get the Best Results

Some people think that chalk paint won’t work on glass because it won’t stick – but all you need is, yes you guessed it, primer. This extra step really makes a difference and is worth the additional cost because the paint won’t chip, scratch or flake off as easily.

Also see: 5 Easy Tips for Applying Chalkboard Paint on Glass

To speed up the job, use spray-on primer. You can get it in white or colored, and many times the color doesn’t matter. That said, some people use a darker tone primer to mask the previous color better than white. I typically use Rustoleum or Zinsser primer and have gotten great coverage from both brands.

5. Will Chalkboard Paint Really Stick to Plastic?

Primer once again comes to the rescue here. Who knew primer was the magical solution to everyone’s problems, right? That said, flexible plastic items that bend don’t do so well with any paint, as there’s more chance of cracking or flaking.

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