CHALK PAINT® Chalkboard – Easy DIY

For years, in the shop bathroom there hung a mirror.  Over time, it collected dirt, dust, and layers of bathroom spray.  The backing was peeling off in sheets.  Finally, the reflective surface had tarnished so much that it was less a mirror and more a collection point for dead ants and spider webs.

On Saturday I picked up a new mirror (thank you Orange Bay!).  I was completely prepared to put the old one out of its misery (dead ants and all) but the frame had a great shape.  If ever there was a project to put Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan to the test, this was it.

One of the advantages of Annie Sloan’s decorative paint is the lack of preparation most surfaces need.  However, a little common sense goes a long way.  Years of air freshener sprays (used liberally in a small space) had created a slimy film on the frame which created a paste of sorts with the dust and grime (eewww).  A good scrub washed away the dirt and after the frame was dry it was time to tape off the mirror.

TIP:  Deodorizing sprays in the bathroom can also settle on the walls and can cause paint to loose adhesion. It’s always a good idea to wash down bathroom walls ( and let them dry thoroughly) before repainting.

Patience is not a virtue I posses but since Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan dries so quickly, I could get on two coats in a matter of hours.

Then it was time for the chalkboard part.  In all honesty, my hopes for the chalkboard paint sticking to the glass were not high.  In classic “do as I say and not as I do” manner, I would strongly suggest scuffing down the reflective surface with a Scotch Brite pad to give the paint a fighting chance.  Remember, between the writing and the wiping, this surface will have to take a lot of friction.

After the chalkboard paint, it was time to dig down to the bottom of my patience bucket.  Make sure you read the instructions on the back of your chalkboard can!  The Benjamin Moore version I was using recommends a three day cure time (the paint will be dry in hours) and a seasoning with some chalk before putting it to use.  So at the end of the day I shut the door to the shop,  locked the project away for the weekend, and let chemistry work its magic.

Today, it was time to see what a little paint can do!  Danny is super creative with the chalk and helped us turn a old mirror into our new Chalk Paint® workshop schedule (one spot left for March 26th!) TA-DA!

Got a question?  For more information on our workshops send us an email to row@northrock.bm, sign up for our email list here, or visit our Pinterest boards for more beautiful rooms and inspiration.