There is no rhyme or reason to the order in which I take on and complete projects! One minute I’m sewing or baking and the next I’m crocheting or building something. My latest project is a desk makeover.
We bought this desk for our guest bedroom about two years ago because we needed something simple for our home stay students and it was affordable. I wasn’t in love with the look or design but it served it’s purpose well enough.
Everywhere I go (on the internet), I see chalkboard paint projects galore! Curious, I decided to pick up a can awhile back. It’s been sitting in my cupboard just waiting for me to crack open. My first thought was to make individual chalkboards out of some old photo frames but then I walked by the boring white desk and it screamed “turn me into a chalkboard” loud and clear.
Pretty fun eh? Out all the crazy projects I’ve blogged about, this one is without a doubt the EASIEST! Chalkboard paint sticks onto just about anything. I gave the desk surface a very light sanding before rolling on the first coat of paint and then I sanded with 400 grit paper in between coats to smooth out the surface.
I used a foam roller because I had a couple lying around from previous painting projects. The trick with using a foam roller and chalkboard paint is to avoid rolling over the paint back and forth too many times. Doing so will give a slight orange peel texture to your finish. (This is why I gently sanded in between coats.) Next time I work with chalkboard paint, I will try a roller with a 1/4 nap.
Painting the desktop was easy but waiting for it to fully cure was hard! I was itching to draw all over the board as soon as it was dry to the touch but the instructions on the can recommended to wait 3 whole days before seasoning the chalkboard surface. Good thing this project was shrouded in complete secrecy away from my kids!
Wait, hold up a minute. How does one “season” a chalkboard?
Before you start drawing on your newly painted chalkboard, you need to season it by rubbing a piece of chalk lengthwise over the entire surface. Next, erase the chalk with a brush or shammy. That’s it. Now your chalkboard is seasoned for regular use.
The finished chalkboard desk is now in my daughter’s bedroom which happens to be the former guest room. Her bedroom is a work in progress so pardon the sparse decor around her spiffy “new” pièce de résistance.
Needless to say, my daughter loves her new chalkboard desk. She was very excited to show me her artwork. Sure beats all the paper she goes through on a daily basis!
Isn’t this adorable? She wrote a note for me and I responded back. Who needs texting? I’ll take a love note from my kid any day:-)
In case you are wondering, I used RustOleum Chalkboard specialty paint for my project. Don’t be turned off by the hefty price tag at Home Depot (about $23). One small can goes a long way…like 10 square meters. That is more than enough paint for projects such as my desk makeover or several homemade chalkboards.
I have quite a bit of paint left and I plan on dreaming up more ways to use it up!
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I like it! the chalkboard top makes an ordinary desk seem unique and fun. Great idea! I’m visiting from AKA Design. Come over and take a peek at my latest projects!
Love it! Would never have thought of this! This probably one of my favorite makeovers of yours!
Recognize the gorgeous artwork Ange? It only took me 2 years to get it up on the wall!!!!
Silly me, I told Dad that you brought a new desk for Madeline. I’m impressed.