DIY Chalkboard

Materials: 
Chalkboard Paint (I used Rust-Oleum Black Chalkboard Paint)
Ruler
Pencil
17 ½” X 27 ½” piece of wood
Thick Branch (must me 27 ½” or smaller)
Chalk
Saw
3 Screws
Drill
Towel 

Step 1: Lets Get Started!

Take the 17 ½” X 27 ½” piece of wood, and lay it on a flat surface. I put it on top of flat top freezer, and it worked fine. If you don't like messes, I suggest you move outside. 

Step 2: Sanding Time

Sand the piece of wood so it has a nice smooth finish. It took me about one minute to do the whole piece of wood, however it may take you longer. 

Step 3: Dust It Off!

Take a towel (one you don't care about), and dust the whole board. By doing this there won't be any dust leftover from sanding the board. 

Step 4: Time to Spray Some Chalk!

Bring the piece of wood outside, or to an area that you don’t mind getting a bit dirty. I did mine outside on the grass (dead grass to be specific). Take your chalkboard paint, and begin to spray in a horizontal motion (look at picture for help). Make sure to hold the spray can 5"-6" away from the board for best outcome. 

When done spraying with horizontal strokes, switch to vertical strokes, and make sure every spot is covered!

Step 5: Clean the Spray Can

Hold the spray can upside down, and spray for 5 seconds. This cleans the nozzle. 

Step 6: Dry Time

Let the chalkboard dry for 24 hours, or until the board is dry, and ready to handle. The rate at which the board will dry depends on the weather. The more humid, the longer it will take to dry, so try and choose a nice cool day!

Step 7: Tip!

This is what your board should look like the next day when you wake up. 

Step 8: Spray One More Time!

Spray another coat of paint to make sure it is fully covered.

Turn spray can upside down and spray for 5 seconds to clean the nozzle (nothing should come out of the spray can).

Step 9: Almost There!

Let the board dry this time for an hour.

Your board should look like the picture posted when finally dry 

Step 10: Find a Branch, Yes I Said Branch

You may need to cut a log off of a tree, as I did, or you can find one in the woods. Be careful though if you are cutting a branch down! I used a saw to take it down. This branch will be used to hold the chalk on the board, as well as a decoration piece. 

Step 11: Saw Saw Saw

If your branch is longer than 27.5" than you must cut it down to that length. I again used a saw to chop it into this length. 

Step 12: Be One With the Saw

Ok, this may get complicated. Take the branch, and turn it on its side. Now in the middle of the branch, saw it until it becomes flat, and no longer a cylinder in that area. This will help the branch be flesh along the chalkboard. 

Step 13: Building Time!

Take the branch, and make sure the flattened side is facing up. Place chalkboard (paint side down) on top of the branch. Make sure the chalkboards base is align with the branch. The flat part of the branch should be in the middle of the chalkboard. 

Step 14: Whip Out the Drill

Take one screw and drill the chalkboard to the branch. The first screw should be placed in the middle of the board, along where the flat part of the branch is. 

After drilling the middle screw, and the board is flesh along the branch, add the next two screws on either side of the middle screw. Make sure they are about 5-7" apart, making sure the chalkboard and branch are secure. 

Step 15: Almost There!

This is what your chalkboard should look like at this point!

Step 16: Chalk It Up!

Rub chalk all over the board, so there is a fine coat.

Step 17: Wipe the Board

Take the towel, and wipe all of the chalk off the board. 

Step 18: Last Step!

Turn the chalkboard right side up. NOW YOU HAVE A CHALKBOARD! You may now begin writing messages, and doodling! 


Enjoy!