Chalkboards have been used for many years in farmhouse or cottage style decor. In my opinion, chalkboard decor has evolved from a trend to a staple! It’s all about how you use the chalkboard in your decor. I’ve never been one to use an elaborate design for the chalkboards in my home. I prefer a fun, handwritten message! One of my favorite chalkboards is this one that I made from an old cabinet or cupboard door. So, today, I’m going to show you how easy it is to make your own repurposed cabinet door chalkboard!
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Make a Repurposed Cabinet Door Chalkboard
First, you will need to find an old cabinet door. Visit your local Habitat Restore, Goodwill, Salvation Army, or other thrift store. Check yard sales too! Or, visit an auction, antique shop, or flea market. And, the cabinet door doesn’t have to be really old like this one that I repurposed. You could even use a fairly new cabinet door. This is another example of an old cabinet door chalkboard that I made many years ago!
What makes a cabinet door perfect for a chalkboard is that they usually have a natural frame with an inset. Use your favorite chalk paint for this project, so you don’t have to prime the cabinet door. I painted the outer frame of my chalkboard white, but you could use any color that would coordinate well in your home. But, I also think this repurposed cabinet chalkboard would look great by keeping the natural wood of the frame and just paint the inner panel with the black chalkboard paint.
Chalkboard Paint
Now, don’t even think about cheating and using a plain black paint. Been there, done that! It just doesn’t work. My husband was helping me with another chalkboard project, and he didn’t think it would matter if he just used some black paint. Wrong! The chalk just doesn’t come off the same way as it does with the chalkboard paint. You can find chalkboard paint at any craft store or hardware store. It’s available as a spray paint or in a can to brush on. I prefer to use a paint brush to apply my chalkboard paint using THIS brand.
Apply a couple of coats and make sure the paint is completely dry between coats. Then, you will want to season your chalkboard. Seasoning is simply using the long end of the piece of chalk, rub it over the entire surface and then wipe it off. Now, your chalkboard is ready to use! For hanging, I prefer to add a wire picture hanger to the back of this kind of project because it’s easier to adjust and keep it hanging straight. But, you could also use a sawtooth hanger if you like. (note: I use regular chalk. The chalk paint pens are almost impossible to wipe off!)
Now, your repurposed cabinet door chalkboard is ready to use! I love this size because it works in so many spaces! I’ve used mine inside and out! I made this one about seven years ago and it has held up well! The photo below is from 2012, my first year blogging! My photography has certainly improved!
I hope you like this little DIY project and that you’ll go out and find your own old cabinet door to repurpose!
Jenn
I am glad to hear you proclaim chalkboards a staple. I still use them in my home and love them. I was just asking the other day…are chalkboards still a thing? Doreen says they are…that settles it in my mind!
Kim Ekkel
Love this idea! Gonna be my next weekend project.
Annmarie
Love chalkboards and love all the versions you’ve created!
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thanks for the great post i liked it very much