Project: Menu Board

Last month I bought a $2.00 non-descript mirror at my daughter's pre-school yard sale.  I couldn't wait to get home & re-purpose it as a menu board in my kitchen.  This is what I started with:

I carefully removed the mirror, flipped it over and painted the backside with black chalkboard paint (found at my local Home Depot).  I've painted several things with chalkboard paint lately & I've discovered a few tricks to make things go smoothly:

• It will take several layers to get a nice heavy coat.  Apply your first coat in one direction.  Allow it to fully dry (1 to 3 days), before adding another coat.  If your first coat was vertical, make your second coat horizontal.  Again, allow it to fully dry before adding another coat.  Your third coat should be the the same direction as your first.
• I used a foam brush and a light hand & I found that I didn't have nearly as many lines as a traditional bristle brush.  When you're making a chalkboard, you really don't want any lines.

While my mirror/chalkboard dried, I cleaned the frame and liberally wiped it down with a rubbing alcohol-soaked towel.  Once the alcohol had evaporated, I began painting my frame bright white (to go with my kitchen).  I applied numerous layers to get a nice professional finish.

Once both the frame and the mirror/chalkboard were dry, I carefully inserted the chalkboard into the frame (the mirror is still on the back, if I ever decide to use it again). and hung it in my kitchen.

I couldn't wait to pull out my chalk ink markers and plan out this week's menu!:

I'm off to make tonight's dinner....
 
 

Comments

[Marlynn]

Love it! Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

[Susi]

I wish a had the ability to look at something and come up with such an awesome repurposed item. I love this message board.