Take a look at my new Vintage Schoolhouse Chalkboard I set up in my office! It’s not actually vintage because I DIY’ed it myself, but I’m going to share how you can easily make one too, and make it look vintage like this one!
If you guys are a fan of Fixer Upper couple Chip and Joanna Gaines, you’re probably in love with them, like me and everyone else in the world.
It has been years since the world was first introduced to these 2 amazing humans. Since emerging we have continued to be inspired by them and their teams’ designs.
Throughout the years Joanna’s taste has evolved into inspirational designs even better than the previous seasons. At least that’s my opinion.
If you’re a long time Fixer Upper fan like me, you might remember the many vintage schoolhouse chalkboards Joanna and her team would creatively use as decor throughout their numerous project homes.
At the time I don’t think many people thought to use a chalkboard as decoration before. At least not the way they did it. Since then though, I see chalkboards used in home decor all the time and in such creative ways.
Since I work from home, I wanted a vintage schoolhouse style chalkboard I could hang in my office as decor. But I still wanted it to be functional.
It’s been on my list of projects forever now, and I finally got around to do it.
So today I’m going to share with you how to make your very own DIY Vintage Schoolhouse Chalkboard!
Now you could make this from scratch but a rule I always try to live by with any project I’m thinking of tackling is:
“If it ain’t broke don’t try to fix it”
or
“Why try to reinvent the wheel if you don’t have to”.
In this case, I was at the thrift store one day and found a large whiteboard in a nice wood frame. It even had a cool chalk (dry erase marker) holder I really liked.
The second I saw it I pictured what it would look like as a chalkboard and it just worked.
The best part was I wouldn’t have to go to the trouble of buying the wood for the frame, cutting it all down to the right dimensions, putting it all together, sanding it down and staining it. All of that was done!
However, I was a bit unsure how painting over the whiteboard was going to go.
It was worth a try if it meant I could finally have my own DIY Vintage Schoolhouse Chalkboard.
I gotta tell you guys, this might be the easiest DIY I’ve done so far!
Literally, the only thing I had to buy was the chalkboard paint. The one I got was from Lowes because I happened to be in the store at the time but you can find a lot of shades on amazon to. I’ve linked to a shade that look very similar to the shade I used.
I feel like I come across whiteboards all the time at thrift stores, garage sales, and estate sales. You should be able to find one pretty easily if you keep your eyes peeled.
One thing that’s really important to note is that Chalk paint, and Chalkboard paint are 2 different things.
I didn’t know this.
When I went to the store I asked the lady in the paint department for their selection of chalk paints. After I looked through them for several minutes she then told me they also had chalkboard paint. So just be sure you specify if you do buy yours in store.
Luckily, my frame was easily detachable from the whiteboard. All I had to do was detach the frame, set it aside and paint the whiteboard.
Tyler and Oakley wanted to be a part of the project too, so they were in charge of supervising!
I had to put on 2 or 3 coats. If you do the same be sure to wait for the last coat to dry before applying the next coat.
I also recommend using a roller to paint the chalkboard paint on. I didn’t do this. While it’s not really noticeable in photos I can see the bristle strokes from the paintbrush and it bothers me a bit.
The paint says you need to wait a full 24 hours before using it. After the 24 hours are over you need to cure your painted chalkboard.
This sounds way fancier than it actually is. All curing means is that you need to take a piece of chalk and run it horizontally. Drag it on its side all over the entire surface of the board.
I did this a few times. Making sure to wipe the surface of the board with a dry paper towel or rag. Working in small circular motions.
After all of that was done. I reattached the board to its frame and hung it with some help from Tom, and I was all done!!
what did I say super easy DIY Vintage Schoolhouse Chalkboard right?
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[convertkit form=1013765]If you have any questions or more tips on painting, in general, leave them in the comments below.
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