Chalk it up

Use a little paint and imagination to create a message board that's a work of art.

With bright chalkboard paint you can design a fun message board that any kitchen or workspace will welcome. Choose one color or use a combination of colors. The paint is easy to apply with a sponge brush and cleans up with soap and water. You can find premade frames in a variety of styles at a frame shop. Home-supply stores offer plywood along with sponge brushes and primer paint. Chalkboard paint is available from most crafts stores or paint stores.

This paint will also cover walls, cabinets, and canvas. Coat the inside of a kitchen cabinet door for a handy grocery list, or create a drawing surface on the wall of a playroom. Use several colors to add a border or personalize the board.

Step 1: Cut a piece of 1/8-inch plywood to fit a frame. Sand one side of plywood smooth, first with medium sandpaper and then with fine. (It's important to smooth the surface as much as possible.) Remove sanding dust with tack cloth. Using a sponge brush apply one coat of primer paint, and allow to dry. Sand with fine sandpaper, and wipe clean with tack cloth.

Step 2: With a pencil and ruler mark off the board in four equal quadrants. Tape off one of the quadrants with masking tape. With a sponge brush apply one color of chalkboard paint following manufacturer's instructions. (Applying three coats gives best coverage.) Once it's dry, tape off the second quadrant and apply the next color of paint. Continue until the board is completely covered. Follow manufacturer's instructions to condition the surface.

Step 3: Secure chalkboard inside frame.

Sandra Allen Lynn

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Oct 1999
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