writeable surface

How to Install & Use a Barn Door Chalkboard…

Large Barn Door Chalkboard that Hangs on Wall

Do you want to create a message board in your home that has a rustic, shabby-chic look? This hanging barn door chalkboard looks like an old vintage remnant that can add a lot of character to your home.

Large Barn Door Chalkboard that Hangs on Wall

You install the upper metal track on the wall, just like you would with a sliding barn door. However, this door stays stationary, so you can hang artwork on either side of it or install it next to a cabinet or window.

Vintage=Style Chalkboard Door is Both Stylish & Functional:

However, the magnetic chalkboard surface makes this stylish piece truly functional too. For example, you can write reminders on it, draw a giant calendar or list the family meals for the weak. Of course, you can just doodle on it too.

Dustless Chalk Makes Less Mess and is More Fun to Draw WithNote: The manufacturer recommends using only regular chalk and not chalk markers on this surface. I suggest using dustless chalk, since it doesn’t make a mess and is more enjoyable to work with.

In addition, the magnetic clips (included) allow you to stick photos, postcards and restaurant menus up on the board. Keep important phone numbers and event dates in an easy-to-see spot.

Large Magnetic Chalkboard Door for Drawing and Posting RemindersIn a way, this barn door chalkboard has the functionality of a refrigerator door. However, you don’t have to clutter up your fridge, and a chalkboard lets you draw all over it.

Note: The door face comes with a horizontal bar in the middle that you can use to hang items on. However, you can choose to not install it if you want. The bar is not attached when shipped.

The erasable surface makes it easy to update and refresh your giant notepad whenever you need to. Plus, you don’t need to worry about making mistakes when drawing.

Note: If you plan on using your door as a drawing tablet or art station, take a look at Chalk Lettering Made Easy. It’s surprisingly simple to learn how to draw and write with chalk. Plus, you can give your chalkboard door a truly rustic farmhouse kitchen style.

Specs for the Barn Door Chalkboard:

Can I Paint My Refrigerator? Yes You Can. Here’s How…

woman painting

Woman Painting: Can I Paint My Refrigerator?Painting an appliance may be a fairly new concept. However, with chalkboard paint making an appearance in homes and in the kitchen, people are now wondering, “Can you paint a fridge?”

The answer is yes, but there are a few painting tips you want to follow to make sure your refrigerator looks nice and that the paint stays intact.

1. Give a Light Sanding to Your Fridge

First, lightly sand the surface of the fridge to make sure the paint adheres. This is actually the same advice I would give someone when painting a surface that is smooth or shiny. You don’t want the paint chipping or peeling off, so give it a surface that it can stick to more easily.

A fine grit sandpaper works well, plus it will help with giving you a smoother surface to work with. However, if you only have medium grit sandpaper laying around the house, don’t worry about it. It will work fine. The idea is simply to rough up the exterior of your fridge so it is not glossy smooth.

2. Apply Extra Paint Coat “Backups”

Second, apply more than one coat of paint. Some people recommend three coats, some people go with 2. If you have enough paint on hand, three coats won’t hurt your fridge and will provide you more coverage.

According to Sunset Books’ Decorative Paint & Faux Finishes, the smoother the surface is that you will be painting on, the shorter the roller nap you want to use. For this reason, many people choose foam rollers.

Kitchen appliances are in a high-traffic area of the home and are known to get scratched and dinged. With multiple coats of paint, if your painted refrigerator does get bumped, scratched or chipped, the marks won’t show up as much because there are “backup” coats underneath.

On this note, if you have unused paint when your finished with your painting project, keep it on hand for any touch ups. Plus, as the saying goes, if you are prepared for dings and are ready to repair them – most likely they will never happen.

Woman paintingThat’s really all there is to it. I hope you were not hoping for something more complicated. The problem may be that once you actually experience how easy it is to do and how fun it is to create your own chalkboard art, you may go crazy painting other stuff in your home. Watch out!

Get Started: How to Paint a Refrigerator

How to Make Chalkboard Paint – (4 Different Ways!)

DIY Chalkboard Paint Recipe - 4 Easy Ways

Besides being able to make your own chalkboard, you can also make your own chalkboard paint with which to paint it! But why would you want to do this?

DIY Chalkboard Paint Recipe - 4 Easy Ways

Well, for one thing, homemade can often cost less than store-bought chalkboard paint. Plus, it’s a simple project, using materials you can get at your local hardware store. (You might even have them already in your house!).

For people who just need a small batch of paint for a craft project, DIY chalk paint can also provide an easy solution.
 

Easy Chalkboard Paint Recipe:

DIY Chalkboard Paint Recipe: How to Make Chalkboard PaintHomemade DIY chalkboard paint is typically made with flat latex paint and un-sanded tile grout. That’s it. It’s that simple. You can find specific measurements (and other helpful tips) in the video below.

You’ll need a container in which to mix your paint (preferably one with a lid if you want to save any extra paint) and a stir stick. A foam brush or foam roller is suggested for applying the paint, since you can easily avoid brush marks this way.

Discounted 22 Piece Foam Brush and Foam Roller Set for Crafting, Painting Chalkboards and More

Note: If you want to save money and like disposable foam brushes, you can get a 22-piece foam brush and roller set for under $15. This is a great deal for crafters or people who do small painting projects.



Click here for un-sanded tile grout

But what if you don’t want to use un-sanded tile grout? Some people don’t. Maybe you’d prefer to use baking soda or cornstarch instead.

Do you already have these common cooking items in your kitchen? Then you can save yourself the time and money of going to the store to buy the grout. It’s really just personal preference.

In any case, using this DIY method can be a lot cheaper than buying pre-made chalk paint at the store. Furthermore, if you have an unused paint can laying around, and it’s a color you like, you can have yourself some free paint!

3 More Ways to Make Chalkboard Paint:

If you want to save even more money, you can also make chalkboard paint with cheap ingredients that you may also have laying around the house. These are quick and easy recipes that basically involve stirring.

Note: Use latex paint for these DIY chalkboard paint recipes. However, don’t use the kind that has primer mixed in with it because it will gunk-up with mixture.

With Baking Soda:

With Corn Starch

With Plaster of Paris

Note: You will not notice a difference as you apply the paint. However, after the paint dries, you will see and feel the chalk-like texture.

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