A Magnetic Chalkboard
Recently I made a magnetic chalkboard for my son’s room. I wanted a statement piece over his renewed desk. A place where he could put his favorite things and write reminders. I purchased an old dresser mirror frame from a dealer at an antique store where I used to have a booth. It was $25.00 and I knew I could use it for something. Of course it screamed chalkboard, but I didn’t have a spot for it until I started redoing my son’s room.
This is where I started…
This is the finished piece.
This can be accomplished with any frame if you don’t have an old dresser mirror frame.Â
Here is a simple picture frame turned into chalkboard that I created.
Do you want to make a Magnetic Chalkboard?
Well, let’s get started, shall we?
Materials:
Frame
Galvanized Sheet Metal
Black Chalkboard Paint
Tin Snips
Paint (I used several colors)
Annie Sloan Clear Wax
Annie Sloan Graphite was used as the first coat and Rub ‘n Buff
in silver was used on the accent areas.
I used my finger when applying rub-n-buff and was not too concerned about neatness at this point.
 Next I stippled
 and swirled my brush with Pure White, Annie Sloan paint.
 I also added some white along the perimeter of the frame.Â
Notice, I was not being neat here.
Not very pretty at this point, is it?
Then, I brushed on a tint of brown. This was a custom brown color that I made,
but any taupey, brown will work.
The brown gives movement and adds depth to the piece.
Next I added streaks
and swirls of white with a very dry brush.
Then it was time to blend the colors and create a muted affect.
I used a fine sandpaper to blend the colors together
and expose the dark wood in areas.
After achieving the finished look, Annie Sloan Clear Wax was applied over the finish.
Â
For the chalkboard, Galvanized Sheet Metal
was cut to size using tin snips,
primed, and painted with Chalkboard Paint.
Then inserted into the frame.
The top was repositioned and it was complete.
Here is the finished Magnetic Chalkboard in the room.
Do you have an old frame that would make the perfect chalkboard?
Why not make it a magnetic chalkboard?
Enjoy!
Angie
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Hi Angie, That mirror frame is perfect. Love how you paired it with the desk, the old typewriter, and all. I’m going to look for an interesting frame to try this – thanks so much!
Thanks Anne! You will have to share with me if you find one. I would love for you to share. 🙂
Angie, this is a great tutorial; thanks for sharing it! I love your painting techniques! I also love the idea of using galvanized metal and covering it with chalkboard paint! What a great piece!
Thanks Betsy! My painting techniques are all about layering and not worrying too much about being neat. Ha! It’s interesting sometimes to see the progression. 🙂 The galvanized metal works great and has dual function, that’s what I like.
Looks great, Angie! I love the way you blended the colors. And using galvanized metal is a great way to make that chalkboard magnetic. Love it!
Thanks so much Sheila!
Love it. Great job!
Thanks Erin!
Beautiful chalkboard. Your styling is so spot on, Angie! Love all your vintage pieces gathered around that gorgeous desk.
Aww! Thanks Miss Charming!
Love this, Angie! Love how you blended the different colors/techniques.
Thanks Christina!