Learn how to make a white chalkboard out of cut wood! You can have any color of paint underneath using a cool, clear chalkboard topcoat.
Skills Required: None. You don’t need any prior crafting experience for this project. You’ll be painting, taping, and painting again. Then conditioning with chalk. It’s easy.
I’m at it again with another DIY chalkboard project! I did one a couple months ago (IKEA chalkboard makeover), and I knew I had to do another one.
But with this project I had another idea in mind. I really wanted it to feel like a piece of paper for the kids, so I decided to do make a white chalkboard.
Don’t worry I tested this project out for a week before I wrote the post up. The colored chalk comes right off the white chalkboard surface! I even wet a washcloth to wipe it off and had no problems at all.
This seriously is an awesome project. You know those projects that you just can’t wait to share with everyone!?! This was one of those for me, and it was a really inexpensive project to do.
So let’s get started!!
DIY White Chalkboard
Gather These Supplies
- Clear chalkboard paint
- Wood – cut to 12″ squares
- Acrylic paint – white and another color
- Chalk
- Painter’s tape
- Paintbrush
- Sandpaper
Step 1 – Cut Wood
I stopped by my local home improvement store and got a three-foot piece of wood, and had Lowe’s cut it into three 12 x 12″ pieces.
The piece of wood was only $7.00!! Use the sandpaper to smooth out if necessary, and wipe away all dust.
Step 2 – Paint Wood
Next I painted four coats of white paint on each board, letting each coat dry 30 minutes.
Step 3 – Tape Off and Paint Border
Now it’s time to add my border! I had these beautiful paint colors from the Martha Stewart collection that I wanted to try. I used some “trusty” washi tape to tape off my border.
I added two coats of paint for each white chalkboard and let it dry 20 minutes.
Step 4 – Add Chalkboard Topcoat
FINALLY!!! It’s time to add our chalkboard topcoat!! I followed the bottle instructions with this part. I painted on one coat and let it dry three hours. Then I painted on my second coat and let it dry 24 hours.
Note: Mod Podge Chalkboard Topcoat no longer exists, but there are several other clear chalkboard topcoat options here.
Step 5 – Condition the Chalkboard
Finish up this project by sealing it with some chalk. I went over the whole chalkboard with a piece of chalk and made sure to rub it in with my fingers. Once you’re finished, then you’re ready to start using it!
Finishing Touches
Start playing! My boys have had a great time using their chalkboards, we’ve even been using them for learning time which it great!
I’m so glad I did this DIY chalkboard project; I think this is a great project for kids to play with or even an adult to use. Now that you know how to make a white chalkboard, will you try it? Let me know in the comments!
I am thinking about using some Velcro command strips to hang them on the wall. When the kids are done drawing you can hang them on the wall until they decide to draw another picture!
White Chalkboard
Equipment
Materials
- Chalkboard paint white
- Wood – cut to 12″ squares
- Acrylic paint white and another color
- Chalk
- Painter’s tape
- Sandpaper
Instructions
- Have a piece of wood cut to 12 x 12" square. Sand smooth if necessary and wipe away dust.
- Paint four coats of white paint on the board, letting dry between coats.
- When the white paint is dry, tape off four edges of the board using painter’s tape.
- Add two coats of paint around the edges and let dry. Remove the tape.
- Add your white chalkboard paint to the board, following bottle instructions for application.
- Finish up this project by sealing it with some white chalk. Rub the chalk all over the chalkboard. It’s now ready to use.
If you enjoyed this white chalkboard craft, I’d love for you to check out these other ideas:
Rosemary
Monday 30th of May 2016
This is a great idea, but could you do it on foam core?
Amy
Monday 30th of May 2016
Rosemary - I think you could! It would require a test, but I say yes.