How to Make a Blackboard
There are numerous uses for a blackboard, whether it be school-related or just a fun project to work on with your kiddos. A blackboard can provide hours of entertainment as well as a fantastic medium for illustrating lessons or ideas. Follow this guide to make your own blackboard at home.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Masonite Board
- Paintbrush
- Protective Tarp
- Blackboard Paint
- Trim of Choice
- Chop Saw
- Eye Protection/Safety Glasses
- Wood Glue -or-
- Brad Gun with Brads
Instructions
-
-
1
Gather your supplies. Masonite board is a lightweight fiberboard that can be found at your local home supply or lumber store. Masonite is typically used in pegboards usually found in your garage. This board is perfect for blackboards because it has a smooth, paintable surface and can be portable due to it's light weight.
-
2
START THE PAINTING PROCESS
Once you've gathered your supplies, you can begin painting. Chalkboard or blackboard paint is growing in popularity and can be found in your local home or hardware store. It is sold in small quart containers and may be in the specialty paint section. It can be applied just like any other paint.
Paint your masonite board from edge to edge. Use long, even strokes to avoid too much texturing in the finished product. Once your first coat is dry you can assess whether your blackboard needs another coat.
-
-
3
ATTACH TRIM
Once your paint is dry you now have the basic board portion of your blackboard. The trim can now be applied to create a finished product. Measure your trim pieces and use your chop saw to cut the appropriate angles to create a border around your blackboard.
Using a brad gun, and appropriate eye protection, attach your trim pieces to your masonite board. Two to three brads per side should be appropriate.
If you are using wood glue, apply a thin bead of wood glue on the back of your trim and attach appropriately to your blackboard base.
-
4
FINISH PRODUCT
Once you've attached your trim to your new blackboard you can go through and add any wood putty to holes or joints and sand until even. If you want a clean, finished look you can also apply a sealant or lacquer to the trim.
Follow any finishing instructions listed on your can of blackboard or chalkboard paint to finish your writing surface.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Always follow any safety instructions listed on your can of paint.
More Like This
Comments
-
But would it be any good, years ago my dad made one for us kids, but the chalk kind of slipped on the paint work?
-
waiting4rain
Mar 08, 2009
Good, clear directions. I especially like the idea of painting a globe or other objects with chalkboard paint. Cool idea!! 5* -
bobojo
Mar 04, 2009
Thank you for the idea, my kids would love to have a blackboard. It seems so easy to make!!! 5*
