Got a can of chalkboard paint and no plan for it yet? These 49 DIY chalkboard paint ideas for furniture and decor turn almost anything into a surface you can write on. You’ll find quick wins like a chalkboard clock, labeled spice jars and a painted orchid pot, plus bigger builds like a giant framed chalkboard, a family calendar, a mudroom coat rack and an outdoor chalkboard wall. There are thrifted mirrors and drawer chests made over too. Perfect for menu boards, to-do lists, party signs and handmade gifts!

1. File Cabinet Chalkboard Makeover

File cabinet chalkboard makeover, a tall black cabinet with a handwritten weekly to do list, white trim and pink drawer pulls

A boring metal file cabinet can become a craft room workhorse and a weekly planner all at once. Look for one at a thrift shop or a Habitat ReStore, then pull off the hardware, sand down any rust and scrub off the grime. Prime it, choosing a latex primer if your chalkboard paint is latex, and roll on the chalkboard paint with a small foam roller. Tape off white borders around each drawer, and give the pulls a pop of pink with a clear coat on top. The deep drawers swallow fabric and yarn, and hanging folders keep paper and stickers sorted.

Get the full tutorial at Design Improvised.

2. DIY Chalkboard Sign

DIY chalkboard sign on a bark edged wood round with fall in chalk script and a laurel wreath, set in a wire basket of apples

Want a sign you can change with every season? Grab a precut wood round from the craft store, the kind with the bark still on the edge, and paint the center with chalkboard paint while leaving a rim of raw wood showing. That rustic ring does a lot of the decorating for you. Once it’s dry and seasoned with chalk, letter a single word like fall and add a little laurel wreath around it. Tuck it into a wire basket of apples or lean it on a shelf, then wipe it clean when the holidays roll around.

Get the full tutorial at Love Grows Wild.

3. DIY Monogram Chalkboard Paint Coasters

DIY monogram chalkboard paint coaster, a black square tile with a white L in the corner under a glass of ice water

Leftover backsplash tiles make the sweetest monogram coasters. Give square tiles two coats of chalkboard spray paint and let them dry. Print a big initial in a font you love, cut it out and rub white chalk over the back of the paper. Lay it in one corner of a tile and trace the outline in pencil, which leaves a chalk guide behind. Fill the letter in with a white paint pen, then stick small felt pads on the bottom so they won’t scratch the table. Make a set of four for a quick hostess or teacher gift.

Get the full tutorial at Setting For Four Interiors.

4. Chalkboard Heart Candlelight Mason Jar

Chalkboard heart mason jar step by step, a black jar with a clear heart window and a heart cut from tape, drawn and peeled

This chalkboard heart mason jar glows like a little lantern. Draw a heart on a piece of tape, cut it out and press it firmly onto the side of a clean jar. Spray the whole jar with black chalkboard paint and let it dry, then peel the heart away to reveal a clear window. Drop a tea light or a battery candle inside and the heart lights up from within. The matte black outside is ready for a name, a date or a sweet message in chalk. Make a row of them for a mantel or a party table.

Get the full tutorial at DIY JOY.

5. Chalkboard Chair

Chalkboard chair, a black tulip style pedestal chair covered in white chalk writing with a white seat cushion in a white room

Who says a chalkboard has to hang on the wall? Paint a molded tulip style chair in matte black chalkboard paint and it becomes the most playful seat in the house. A plastic or fiberglass shell needs a bonding primer first so the paint grips, then a few thin coats. Once it’s cured and seasoned, scribble doodles, quotes or a little math across the back and the base, and keep a plain cushion on the seat so your clothes stay chalk free. It’s a fun accent for a desk, a studio or a teen’s room.

Get the full tutorial at Mechant Design.

6. Chalkboard Table for Kids

Chalkboard table for kids, a red IKEA side table with a black top covered in snowman and tree doodles and chalk in the center

A chalkboard table for kids starts with one of the cheapest side tables IKEA sells. Paint the top of a LACK table with chalkboard paint, then cut a round hole in the center and drop in a cup from an IDEALISK measuring set to hold the chalk. You’ll need a drill and a jigsaw for the opening, but the whole project costs about $25 with the table and takes roughly two hours. Paint the legs a bright color so it pops in a playroom. Little artists get a drawing surface that wipes clean every night.

Get the full tutorial at Shelterness.

7. Kitchen Chalkboard Clip Boards

Kitchen chalkboard made from a clipboard with remember to buy lettered in white, hanging on a rustic dark wood wall

Ever get to the store and forget the one thing you ran out of? A clipboard chalkboard fixes that. Start with a plain clipboard from an office supply store or a thrift shop, stain the back and edges, and rub candle wax along the edges so paint will sand off later for an aged look. Scuff the metal clip with sandpaper, then brush on three or four coats of chalkboard paint. Letter a header like remember to buy with a white oil based paint pen, then sand the edges. The clip holds coupons and recipes.

Get the full tutorial at anderson+grant.

8. DIY Chalkboard Cutting Board Decor

DIY chalkboard cutting board decor, a wooden paddle board with a chalkboard panel reading milk eggs sugar and a white bow

Love the chalkboard cutting boards at World Market? You can knock one off for a few dollars. Thrift stores and Goodwill are full of wooden paddle boards, so grab one with a nice handle. Tape off a rectangle on the lower half and brush on two coats of chalkboard paint, then peel the tape. Drill a hole through the handle and loop on a ribbon bow or a length of rope to hang it. Since it’s decor more than a real chalkboard, you can write right on it. It’s perfect hung by the spot where you prep food.

Get the full tutorial at Decorchick!.

9. Chalkboard Stairs

Chalkboard stairs, wooden steps with black painted risers stenciled in white with there's no place like home, one word each

Chalkboard stair risers let your staircase say something new every season. Lightly sand each riser, then tape off the treads and the trim carefully. Brush on two coats of chalkboard paint, letting it dry well between coats, and the whole job takes just a few hours. Once the paint cures and you season it with chalk, stencil a phrase one word per step, or let the kids sit on the stairs and draw. Swap the message for birthdays, holidays or the first day of school, and wipe it clean whenever you want a change.

Get the full tutorial at Not2Crafty.com.

10. Old Metal Tray Repurposed with Chalk Paint

Old metal tray repurposed with chalk paint, an ornate white scalloped tray with a chalkboard center and Menu on a black stand

An ornate metal tray from the thrift store makes a charming menu board. Clean it well, then give the whole tray two coats of Old White chalk paint, front and back. Paint the round center with several coats of Graphite to make the chalkboard, and sand it lightly until it’s smooth. Seal the white rim with Polycrylic, but leave the chalkboard area unsealed. For the fancy Menu header, print a vintage graphic, rub white watercolor pencil on the back, trace it onto the tray and fill it in with a chalk pen.

Get the full tutorial at Artsy Chicks Rule.

11. Easy DIY Chalkboard From Framed Art

Easy DIY chalkboard from framed art, two thrift store oval frames painted black and mint with Menu and Oh Happy Day in chalk

Those dated oval prints at the thrift store make the prettiest chalkboards. Unscrew the back, set the art aside and lay the glass and the frame on separate pieces of cardboard. Give the glass about four very light coats of chalkboard spray paint, letting each one dry before the next. Spray the frame in a color you love, like a soft mint or an oil rubbed bronze, again in light coats. Wait a full day before you put it back together, then season it by rubbing chalk all over and wiping it off. Hang it up and start writing!

Get the full tutorial at Bright Green Door.

12. Chalkboard Monogram Chalk Slate

Monogram chalk slate, a large black chalkboard letter R with a jute rope handle and a bundle of colored chalk tied to it

Monogram chalk slates make the cutest party favors and on the go entertainment. Start with MDF letters from the craft store, which are often under $1.50 on sale. Spray two light coats of chalkboard paint, hand sand with 320 grit until it’s silky smooth, then add a third coat. Hot glue a loop of jute twine on top as a handle, sealing the twine ends in glue so they don’t unravel. Season with chalk and wipe it off, then tie on a little bundle of colored chalk. Each one costs under $2 to make.

Get the full tutorial at Maison de Pax.

13. Upcycled Mirror Frame into a Chalkboard Art

Upcycled mirror frame turned into chalkboard art, a tall white arched frame with Everything Grows Better With Love in chalk

A dark, dated mirror can become a full length chalkboard in an afternoon. Prime the glass first, especially if your chalkboard paint is on the thick side, and prime the frame too. Brush the first coat of chalkboard paint onto the mirror while the frame gets its first coat of color, then go back for a second layer on both. A creamy white frame looks fresh and lets the black pop. Season it with chalk, then write a favorite quote and move it from the entry to the dining room whenever you like.

Get the full tutorial at Mom 4 Real.

14. Chalkboard Decor Banner Idea

DIY chalkboard banner, burlap pennants with chalkboard centers spelling autumn in chalk, hung on a rusty corrugated wall

A chalkboard burlap banner is a cozy swap for string lights in a dorm or a bedroom. Cut shapes out of burlap, like squares, triangles or classic pennants, then punch a couple of holes along the top of each one. Brush chalkboard paint over the front and let it dry completely. Thread the pieces onto string or twine and drape it across a wall, a window or a mantel. Chalk one letter on each flag to spell a season, a name or a party theme, and rewrite it whenever the mood changes.

Get the full tutorial at Her Campus.

15. Chalkboard Wine Glass

Chalkboard wine glass with red wine and a black painted base with a name in chalk, beside corks and a stick of chalk

Chalkboard wine glasses mean nobody mixes up their drink at the party. Pick up mismatched glasses at a thrift store, often around 50 cents each. You can dip each base straight into the paint, let the excess drip off and dry them upside down, or brush the paint onto the foot to use far less. Write each guest’s name in chalk, and the glasses double as place cards and take home favors. One catch: they’re not dishwasher safe, so hand wash gently or save them for one special event.

Get the full tutorial at Smarty Had A Party!.

16. Chalkboard Mug and Plate

Chalkboard mug and plate, white cups and saucers with black painted panels reading tea and toast and morning in white chalk

A plain white mug and saucer can become a chalkboard set you write on every morning. Mask off a shape with masking tape, then brush on a couple of thin coats of ceramic chalkboard paint. Peel the tape and tidy the edges with your brush. Let it dry for 24 hours, then bake the pieces in the oven at 150 degrees Celsius, about 300 Fahrenheit, for 30 minutes, and let them cool completely inside. Season with chalk, brush it off, and leave a little note for whoever grabs it first.

Get the full tutorial at Shelterness.

17. Chalkboard Welcome Sign

Chalkboard welcome sign for a wedding, a framed chalkboard with hand lettered welcome, names and flowers on a white easel

A chalkboard welcome sign is the first thing guests see at a wedding, so size it for the space. Popular sizes are 16 by 20, 18 by 24 and 24 by 36 inches, and the sign should look right on the easel you plan to use. Paint a framed board with chalkboard paint, then sketch the layout in pencil or soapstone before you commit with chalk markers. A big welcome, the couple’s names and the date are the classics, and many couples add the wedding hashtag along the bottom. Prop it on a wooden easel at the ceremony entrance.

Get the full tutorial at Deer Pearl Flowers.

18. Architectural Motif Wall Art

Architectural motif wall art, a navy chalkboard wall with a chalk drawn Ionic column and labels behind a large metal clock

Chalkboard walls aren’t just for kids, and this one proves it. Roll a quality chalkboard paint over a single accent wall, and it goes on smooth and fast. Then draw something that means something to you. Here it’s a classical Ionic column drawn like a blueprint, with each part labeled in small capitals for a drafting table feel. Long, steady lines take practice, so try a level or a long ruler as a guide. Hang a big open frame wall clock over the top and the whole wall looks like a gallery piece.

Get the full tutorial at House of Chic and Penoche.

19. Chalkboard Playroom Wallpaper Art for Kids

Chalkboard playroom wallpaper art for kids, black walls covered in colorful chalk flowers and owls over a striped rug

Imagine a playroom where the walls are the coloring book. Paint the walls in chalkboard paint from the baseboard up, and kids can sketch flowers, owls and giant suns at their own height while you keep the chalk in a cup nearby. A bold striped rug, white furniture and bright orange seating keep the dark walls feeling fun rather than heavy. Wipe the walls down with a damp cloth when they’re ready for a fresh start. It’s an idea that started in a magazine showhouse and works in any family playroom.

Get the full tutorial at Design 59.

20. DIY Chalkboard Table Setting

DIY chalkboard table setting with a black oilcloth runner, clay pot place cards on white plates and pink and yellow flowers

A chalkboard table runner makes place cards and menus almost unnecessary. Cut a piece of oilcloth to fit your table and paint it with chalkboard paint, using just enough to cover so the runner stays soft and drapes nicely. Hang it to dry overnight. Lay it down the table and write the menu, a greeting or each guest’s name right at their plate. For bigger events, chalk the table number on the ends that hang over. Small clay pots laid on their sides with a name in chalk and a few fresh flowers finish each place.

Get the full tutorial at Hey Look.

21. Chalkboard Wall Clock

Gray chalkboard paint wall clock on a scalloped wood plaque with cutout leaf corners, chalk numbers and white clock hands

Want a clock you can redesign any time you like? Start with a laser-cut wood plaque from the craft store, mark the exact center and drill a hole that fits your clock kit. Brush on at least two coats of chalkboard paint, then season the surface by rubbing the flat side of a piece of chalk all over it and wiping it in. Draw your numbers however you like, pop the clock parts back on, add a battery and hang it up. It’s a sweet little project for a bathroom or kitchen!

Get the full tutorial at Little Red Window.

22. Clear Chalkboard Paint Front Door

Red front door with clear chalkboard paint panels lettered As for me and my house, Baby Sleeping and Knock Quietly in chalk

Tired of sticky notes on the front door? Clear chalkboard coating lets you write right on your painted door while the color still shows through! Brush on one coat vertically and one horizontally, let each dry an hour, then wait a full day before you use it. Condition it by lightly rubbing chalk over the surface and you’re ready for welcome messages and reminders. It dries matte, so on a glossy door you might see a tiny difference. The bottle says indoor use, so a covered porch or the inside of a door is your safest spot.

Get the full tutorial at Meaningful Mama.

23. Cigar Box Chalkboards

Cigar box chalkboard with patterned paper trim and hello lettered in a chalk leaf wreath, beside a copper canister

Got a few old cigar boxes tucked away? Turn them into cute little chalkboards! You can trim off the lid and paint the inside so it looks like a shadow box with a built-in chalk shelf, or paint the bottom and let the box stand up on its own with that pretty printed trim showing. Sand away any paper or glue, tape off the edges and roll on chalkboard paint. Look for empty boxes at flea markets and secondhand shops. It makes a fun group craft night too!

Get the full tutorial at Hello Little Home.

24. Chalkboard Coat Rack

Aqua chalkboard coat rack with five chalk panels and metal hooks, shown above the old wooden desk panel it was made from

Need a drop zone for backpacks but don’t have a mudroom? This coat rack started life as a panel from a curbside desk! Patch any holes with scrap wood and spackle, then add a 1×6 for extra hook space plus 1×3 boards for a top shelf and a bottom ledge, joined with pocket holes and wood glue. Paint the frame, fill the recessed panels with chalkboard paint and screw on your hooks. Write each day’s activities in the panels and the whole family knows what’s coming up.

Get the full tutorial at My Love 2 Create.

25. Chalkboard Paint Clock

Six round black chalkboard paint clocks with white hands, each with a different hand-drawn chalk number design or pattern

Can’t decide on a clock design? With this one you never have to! Seal a center-drilled wooden round with primer, then build up at least three light coats of chalkboard paint, sides included, with a light sanding before the last coat. Paint brass clock hands white if you can’t find a color you like. Once it’s dry, rub soft chalk all over the face, wipe it off, then assemble the clock and draw your numbers. Go classic or go wild with colored chalk.

Get the full tutorial at DIY in PDX.

26. Chalkboard and Copper Seasoning Jars

Glass spice jars with copper lids and round chalkboard labels lined up in a vintage yellow wooden soda crate on a counter

Want your spice jars to look polished and still be easy to relabel? This one works a little backwards. Paint the jar lids with chalkboard paint and let them dry overnight, then press a round sticker on top of each one. Spray two or three light coats of copper paint, seal with a clear coat and peel the stickers off to reveal a perfect chalkboard circle. Write the names with a chalk marker. Display them in an old wooden crate for a warm, collected look.

Get the full tutorial at Over The Big Moon.

27. Chalkboard Serving Trays

Three wood-framed chalkboard serving trays with black handles, labeled Guac Salsa and Spinach Dip, on a holiday table

Hosting a holiday party? These serving trays double as labels for every dish! Cut a pine board into a few tray sizes, sand the edges and roll on Danish oil to stain and seal the wood. Tape off a border and paint the center with two coats of black chalk paint, pulling the tape while it’s still a little wet. Screw on a pair of handles and add short wooden feet to one tray for height. Write the snack names right on the trays and your spread is party-ready.

Get the full tutorial at My Pinterventures.

28. Chalkboard Nursery Clock

Round black chalkboard clock on a white wall with play, nap, eat and bed hand-lettered in chalk and pale aqua clock hands

Here’s a clock that helps little ones learn the daily routine! Instead of numbers, you write words like play, nap, eat and bed around the face so kids can see what comes next. It really is a two-step project. Paint an 11-inch round wood clock base with two coats of chalkboard paint, then install a clock kit that matches the thickness of your wood. Swap in longer hands painted a soft accent color if you like. It’s a fraction of the price of the store-bought version!

Get the full tutorial at Taryn Whiteaker Designs.

29. Large Chalkboard Calendar

Large black framed chalkboard calendar with a moulding grid and day-of-week tags, hung above a lantern on a taupe wall

Need one spot where the whole family can see what’s happening? Build a big framed chalkboard calendar! Have the hardware store cut a smooth sheet of 1/4 inch plywood to size, about 4 by 3 feet, and paint it with chalkboard paint. Paint decorative moulding high gloss black, miter it into a frame, then glue thin flat trim straight onto the board to make the calendar grid. Little chalkboard tags lettered with the days finish the top. Add hanging hardware and you’re done!

Get the full tutorial at Canary Street Crafts.

30. Chalkboard Headboard

Chalkboard headboard reading be our guest in white chalk over newsprint and kraft paper above a bed with patterned pillows

Want to make your guest room feel extra welcoming? Try a chalkboard headboard you can hang and remove without a big commitment! Staple newspaper sheets in a strip across brown craft paper, tape off the middle and spray it with chalkboard paint. Outline the chalkboard with a gold foil paint pen for a little shimmer, then letter a greeting like be our guest in chalk. Hang it above the bed with gold thumbtacks, high enough that heads won’t brush it. Practice your lettering first!

Get the full tutorial at Delineate Your Dwelling.

31. Chalkboard Mini Drawer Organizer

Mini drawer chest painted with chalkboard paint, rope knobs and chalk labels for keys, coupons, pens, receipts and note pads

Got an old mini chest of drawers hiding in the garage? Make it a kitchen message center! Pull the drawers, drill the knob holes a bit bigger, clean everything and give the whole chest two coats of white paint. Tape off the top and bottom, then fill the middle and the drawer fronts with two coats of chalkboard paint using a sponge brush for the nooks and a roller for the rest. Add rope knobs and label each drawer with chalk for keys, pens and receipts. Clutter, solved!

Get the full tutorial at Stow&TellU.

32. Chalkboard Painted Orchid Pot

Pale yellow orchid in a black chalkboard painted terracotta pot and saucer lettered our love grows in white chalk on wood

Looking for a quick handmade gift? A chalkboard painted pot takes about half an hour of work! Wash and dry a terracotta pot and saucer, stir your chalkboard paint well, then brush and roll it onto the outside of the pot and inside the saucer tray. Smooth it with a foam roller for an even finish and add a second coat if you need it. Let it cure for three days, rub chalk over it and wipe it off. Write a sweet sentiment and tuck in an orchid!

Get the full tutorial at Garden Therapy.

33. Giant Framed Chalkboard from a Thrifted Frame

Large white framed chalkboard with hand-drawn Love is all you need lettering and a pom-pom heart garland on a gray wall

Never pass up a free frame! This giant chalkboard started as a big framed painting left out on trash day. Paint a couple of coats of chalkboard paint right over the canvas, let it dry and prime the surface by rubbing chalk all over it. That’s really it. If you want to change the frame color, paint it first, since taping over fresh chalkboard paint can pull it up. Dress the top with pine branches at Christmas or a pom-pom garland for Valentine’s Day. Big impact for a few dollars!

Get the full tutorial at Persia Lou.

34. Mirror Turned Chalkboard

Chippy white painted mirror frame turned chalkboard with a handwritten Robert Frost quote in chalk on a light gray wall

Picked up a mirror at a garage sale that just isn’t working? Turn it into a chalkboard! Remove any scrolled topper first if you want a cleaner shape, then scuff sand the frame and tape off the glass. Brush two or three quick coats of milk paint on the frame for a chippy look, or use chalked paint if you’d rather skip the chipping, and seal it. Tape the frame, roll two or three coats of chalkboard paint onto the mirror and condition it with chalk. Lovely for menus and quotes!

Get the full tutorial at Bellewood Cottage.

35. Giant Magnetic Chalkboard

Huge framed chalkboard with chalk writing on a sage green dining room wall above a wood table with black spindle chairs

Here’s a chalkboard that holds magnets too! The secret is magnetic primer under the chalkboard paint. Have the hardware store cut a sheet of hardboard to 4 by 6 feet, nail it to the wall with newspaper behind it and roll on the magnetic primer, stirring it well before and during painting. Follow with chalkboard paint, then frame it with 1×4 boards and hang it with D-rings and wall anchors. Heads up, the magnet hold is light, so it’s best for small, light magnets.

Get the full tutorial at The Turquoise Home.

36. Taped Chalkboard Wall Section

Chalkboard paint wall section in a home office behind a white cabinet with a label maker, a potted plant and white vases

Don’t want a whole chalkboard wall? Paint just a section! Pick your spot, using the room’s corners as a guide, and tape it off with a painter’s tape made for crisp lines. Press down the tape edges so paint can’t creep underneath. Roll on two coats of chalkboard paint and pull the tape for a sharp border. Let it cure for three days, then prime it by rubbing chalk all over and erasing. A to-do list right above your desk might be the easiest office upgrade ever!

Get the full tutorial at At Charlotte's House.

37. Huge Chalkboard on a Budget

Huge dark wood framed chalkboard about eight feet wide on a white wall above three mismatched vintage wooden kids chairs

Dreaming of a chalkboard that’s eight feet long? You can build this one for less than $25 in wood! Stain four furring strips dark walnut for the frame, then roll chalkboard paint onto a 4 by 8 sheet of 1/4 inch plywood. Glue and screw the frame on and add two drawer pulls along the bottom to hold your chalk. The finished board is about 51 by 100 inches, and you can easily scale the cuts down. It’s beginner-friendly, just a few cuts and some drilling!

Get the full tutorial at Lovely Etc.

38. Outdoor Chalkboard Wall

Long outdoor chalkboard panels mounted along a white fence, with an adult and a toddler drawing on them with chalk

Want a giant chalkboard for backyard play? This outdoor version gives kids room to draw, practice letters and play games outside! You can even build it from recycled materials like a hollow wooden door. The key is weather protection, so choose cedar, pressure-treated plywood or cement backer board and add several coats of exterior primer before the chalkboard paint. The tutorial walks through two ways to install it on a fence or wall. Chalk washes off with a hose for easy cleanup!

Get the full tutorial at Rhythms of Play.

39. Salvaged Mirror Chalkboard

Arched salvaged mirror frame stenciled with dark florals and made into a chalkboard, draped with a wood bead tassel garland

A shattered dresser mirror becomes something brand new here! Strip the loose veneer, nails and appliques, then measure a 3-inch border and cut the bottom and sides straight with a saw. Fill screw holes with Bondo, sand everything smooth and add a coat of walnut gel stain. Prime the center board, paint two coats of chalkboard paint and stencil a flower pattern on the frame for a custom finish. It’s a true trash to treasure project, perfect for an office, kitchen or mudroom.

Get the full tutorial at Salvaged Inspirations.

40. Hand-Lettered Framed Chalkboard

Collage of a chalkboard being painted and hand lettered, then finished in a dark frame reading love you the most in chalk

Think you need to be an artist to make a pretty chalkboard? If you can trace a line, you can do this! Darken a thrifted frame with a black paint wash, then cut MDF blanks to fit and sand them smooth. Roll on chalkboard paint, season the blank with chalk, then project your design onto it and trace the lettering with sharpened chalk. Clean up the edges with a cotton swab and mist with hairspray to set it. Cut extra blanks and swap designs for every holiday!

Get the full tutorial at A Wonderful Thought.

41. Oversized Chalkboard Wall

Oversized black chalkboard wall in a tween bedroom with white paper lanterns, a framed print and a white corner shelf

Ready to go big? A floor to ceiling chalkboard wall is a tween room favorite! Save pricey chalkboard paint by priming first with regular matte black wall paint, then sand lightly once it’s dry. Roll on three coats of chalkboard paint in a W pattern so it dries without streaks, sanding between coats. This whole wall took only about a quart and a half. Season it by rubbing sidewalk chalk on its side, then erase in circles with a clean sock. Get ready for doodles!

Get the full tutorial at Snazzy Little Things.

42. Outdoor Welcome Chalkboard

Tall narrow outdoor chalkboard with a white frame and Welcome Friends written in chalk, beside a black front door and bench

Got an awkward spot by the front door? Cover it with a tall outdoor chalkboard! This one is two frames of pressure-treated 1x3s with a sheet of cement backer board sandwiched in between, so it stands up to the weather. Score and snap the backer board with a utility knife, piece it to length, then build the frames with exterior screws and caulk the seams. Most chalkboard paint isn’t made for outdoors, so the surface gets flat exterior latex paint instead. The tutorial gives the cuts for a 76 by 18 inch board. Write a seasonal welcome and greet every guest!

Get the full tutorial at Craftaholics Anonymous.

43. A-Frame Chalkboard Easel

Two white A-frame chalkboard easels standing on green grass in front of petunias, each lettered with a chalk love quote

Need a sign for a party, a porch or a lemonade stand? Build a sturdy A-frame chalkboard easel! Cut a chalkboard panel from thin plywood or MDF, prime it and paint it with chalkboard paint, then let it cure for three days. Trim 1×3 boards for the legs and rails, cut a groove down each one to hold the panel and join them with pocket holes. Hinge the two sides at the top and add a string so it doesn’t slide open. It stands about 30 inches tall.

Get the full tutorial at Her Tool Belt.

44. Rustic Round Chalkboard

Round wood plate chalkboard with a stained rim, a white painted leaf wreath and a script letter H monogram in the center

An unfinished wood plate from the craft store becomes a farmhouse chalkboard in no time! Brush stain onto the outer rim, let it sit a minute and wipe it off. Paint the center with two coats of chalkboard paint, letting each dry completely. Then transfer a printable wreath design around the rim with white transfer paper and fill it in with white paint. A chalk marker monogram in the middle makes it personal. Hang it in the kitchen for family notes or give it as a gift!

Get the full tutorial at The Country Chic Cottage.

45. Chalkboard Tic Tac Toe Board

Butcher block board stained espresso with a black chalkboard center and a chalk tic tac toe game with a stick of chalk

Found a worn cutting board at an estate sale? Make it a tic tac toe game! Sand every side of an old butcher block until it’s smooth, then stain it a rich espresso color. Tape off a square in the middle, leaving a thick wood border, and paint the square with chalkboard paint. Pull the tape once it’s dry and draw your grid. Keep it on the coffee table with a stick of chalk for family game night. It’s a quick weekend make and a fun gift too!

Get the full tutorial at Kim Pepper Blog.

46. Wall Chalkboard with a Chalk Ledge

Black wall chalkboard with a stained wood chalk ledge and a small galvanized pail of chalk markers hanging below it

Ever notice how chalk ends up everywhere? This wall chalkboard fixes that with a built-in chalk ledge! Cut half-inch plywood to size, drill pocket holes along the bottom edge and roll on two coats of chalkboard paint. Attach a 1×2 to the bottom with glue and pocket screws, then nail a thin strip of flat trim to the front so the ledge holds your chalk. Tape off the board, stain and seal the wood, and hang it with toggle bolts. A little galvanized pail hooked underneath holds the chalk markers. Perfect for a mudroom or playroom wall!

Get the full tutorial at Pretty Handy Girl.

47. Chalkboard Map from Thrifted Framed Art

Ornate carved wood frame holding a black chalkboard painted glass with a white chalk outline map of the United States

Got a framed print you’re tired of looking at? Turn it into a chalkboard map! Tape off the glass inside the frame and brush on at least three coats of chalkboard paint, then let it dry for a few days. Size a map printable to your board, print it in letter-size sections and cut out the pieces to use as stencils. Trace the outline with a chalk marker, then trace each state one by one until the whole map comes together. Fill in your home state for a fun personal touch. It makes a bold black and white piece over a mantel!

Get the full tutorial at Craftivity Designs.

48. Apple Chalkboard for Fall

Round wood slice painted with red chalkboard paint like an apple with a felt leaf, lettered fall in chalk beside red apples

Did you know chalkboard paint comes in colors? This sweet apple chalkboard uses red! Paint a round wood slice plaque with a couple of coats, waiting an hour between them, then let it cure for a full day. Drill a small hole in the top, glue in a short piece of wooden dowel and paint it brown for the stem. Cut a leaf from doubled green felt so it stands up. Season the board with chalk and write a fall greeting or a sweet note. Perfect as a teacher gift or tucked into your fall decor!

Get the full tutorial at A Night Owl Blog.

49. Outdoor Bar Menu Chalkboard

Teal framed outdoor chalkboard reading the bar is open and welcome above a wood deck bar with stools, bottles and flowers

Want a chalkboard that can live outside? The secret is cement board instead of plywood, because it stands up to rain and won’t grow mold. Paint one side with two coats of chalkboard paint, then cut a 1×4 frame and paint it in an outdoor color you love. Add vinyl lettering and drink graphics with a cutting machine if you’d like, then glue the frame on with construction adhesive and clamp it while it sets. Rub chalk all over and wipe it off before you write. Perfect for a deck bar or patio party!

Get the full tutorial at Kaleidoscope Living.

Stephanie Hicks | DIY JOY

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Stephanie

Since I lover experiments, I’ve alwaysnloved to create, paint, as well as cook and style food. I feel in love with DIY as soon as I discovered it and could not have been more excited when I learned I could share projects with people around the world. Taking photos is a passion of mine, as is design and painting with oils. I love holidays and celebrations, crafting cute little gifts and serving up at least one new recipe I am excited about.

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