It's pretty much a given that when I start a project for myself it will end up taking a lot longer than I figured. Could be hours, days, weeks...but 5 Years?
Well, technically I suppose it took about 8-9 months to actually complete (still too long) but the idea was hatched over 5 years ago.
I've been wanting an over-sized chalkboard since we moved into our house and I knew just the spot!
The spot in question is just outside my kitchen, between the pantry (to the right) & the powder bath and along the hall to the laundry.
Across from the chalkboard is a very messy bulletin board filled with family photos, a small catch-all table and a lamp with a crooked shade. (And I see I need to do something with those stupid cords!)
The biggest hindrance to my plan was the on-so-inconveniently placed thermostat. This dilemma threw me for years. I finally figured I'd just cut around it!
The supplies for the new chalkboard were a $7 Hobby Lobby, clearance aisle frame I'd be hanging on to forever, plywood, magnetic primer, chalkboard paint and my first ever can of Annie Sloan chalk paint. (Bought for an entirely different project that hasn't happened yet.)
Sorry, no photos of all the painting. Just basic steps. Sanded the plywood, painted 2 coats of Rust-oleum Magnetic Primer (though I'd suggest three coats for a stronger magnetic grab), 2-3 coats of Rust-oleum Chalkboard Paint, (lightly sanding in between each coat of paint & primer) and then painting the frame with the chalk paint following their directions.
I measured - to center the chalkboard, marked the plywood and cut a hole for the thermostat. (Don't look close! It was my first attempt at using a jigsaw.)
We decided the best way to hang the frame was just to secure it directly to the studs. So after marking the studs and pre-drilling we did just that! I suppose I should at least paint the screws so they're not quite so noticeable but I think leaving them exposed gives it a casual, sort of rustic appeal. (Translation...I was tired of messing with it!)
It may have taken me 5 years but now I finally have my big chalkboard!
Which, courtesy of my girls, tends to get a new look around each holiday. Here's a new take on family rules for you!
Now, here's where the Ghost of past Holidays comes in.
See what I mean?
I can't seem to completely erase the previous art!
THIS IS SO FRUSTRATING!
So, my sweet friends, my questions for the day are...
1. Does anyone else have trouble with ghost drawings on their chalkboards?
2. What can I do to I fix it?
I've considered painting another coat to see if that will take care of the ghosts.
Any hints & tips would be greatly appreciated!
Until then I'll just laugh loud, squeal and ignore the ghosts.
Edit: Looks like the fancy chalk markers are the culprit! I'll be back sometime in the (hopefully not to distance) future with an update.
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Oh I love this Sonya!! The cutout for the thermostat is genius and the artwork is second to none.
ReplyDeleteWow, it looks lovely! I'm waiting to do the same thing in my breakfast area. It's great to see it done on someone else's blog so I can show my husband since he can't picture exactly what I mean. Thanks for sharing. It looks wonderful. Sally xx
ReplyDeleteI love the oversized chalkboard! I don't know about the ghosts - did you season it first?
ReplyDeletei heard the soda coke is a mircle worker for cleaning these boards.....did you prep your board with chalk correctly before using? i have read that seems to be a huge problem for many also.......but it looks great and cutting out the slot was excelent thinking!!!
ReplyDeleteLove it! I wish I had your talent...and energy!!
ReplyDeleteGlad to see this chalkboard, and you are so clever to cut around the thermostat. I was thinking of a large chalkboard for my house, but haven't gotten to it yet. It may take me just as long to get to it. Yours is divine, and I am interested to hear what people say about how to clean it.
ReplyDeleteLove it, Sonya! I love these oversized chalkboards and wish I had the room for one. I do have my big one that I brought when we moved and it hangs in our laundry/mudroom now. It sounds like you didn't "season" it by rubbing the side of a piece of chalk all over the board first. Maybe give it a good wipe down and paint another coat, then season it and see. Love how you dealt with the thermostat, too!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, everyone, for the hints so far. The seasoning didn't seem to help. I forgot to mention it but I did season it (You can kind of see in the second photo) by rubbing the chalk over the board. I've even tried windex which someone suggested. Didn't help! Still stuck with the ghosts!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea..cutting around that thermostat. I swear they are always in the worst possible plaves. I found out AFTER I did my big chalkboard that BEFORE you use it for the first time you are supposed to rub the whole thing all over with the flat side of a big piece of chalk..and then dust it off before you actually write on it the first time. I need to put a new coat of chalkpaint on my own and do that...sigh...It only took me TWO years!;>) xo Diana
ReplyDeleteYour chalkboard looks awesome...I love how Big it is!
ReplyDeleteWish I could help you with your problem. I used chalk board paint for the first time recently. Even though I seasoned it with chalk TWICE, I still have to wash the board with water to get all those old lines removed, then reseason it to start again. Hope you hit on something that will work!
ReplyDeleteHi, my name is Heather! Please email me when you can, I have a question about your blog!
ReplyDeleteHeatherVonSJ[at]gmail[dot]com
This is fabulous Sonya, and cutting around the thermostat is just genius! I have no idea about the "ghosts"....I have heard you are supposed to season them, but am clueless on how...
ReplyDeleteLou Cinda
I've had the same problem. After I "seasoned" it still showed so I wiped it with a wet wash cloth and rubbed it all off really well. Then I seasoned it again several times and it worked. Hope this helps!
ReplyDeleteI guess you could always do another coat.
Hi again Sonya....
ReplyDeleteJust a quick message to thank you for linking to my party.
I forgot to mention in the last post, but your jigsaw linkes don'g bother me. If they bother you, just paint that exposed area white to blend with the thermostat or black to tie in with the blackboard. Considering how hard black is to cover, I'd go with the white. Just a suggestion if it really bothers you.
With all the writing on the board, I wouldn't have even noticed unless you pointed it out, so I doubt anyone else will either!
What a great bulletin board, and the location is perfect. No wonder you wanted it there. Well, except for that thermostat - and you handled that very well. Since you seasoned your board, I'm wondering if the problem could be your chalk. When I was teaching in the pre-whiteboard days (I'm old.) some chalk, mostly colored chalk, was very hard to get off. I always had to wash it, just not erase it, to get all of it off.
ReplyDeleteLOVE IT!!! I use a damp wash cloth and don't have any problems, but DON"T use the chalk pens that are out there, I did and had to re-paint two chalkboards. I have never used the magnetic primer...how strong is it?
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Linda
I also use a wet cloth and only use colored and white chalk.
DeleteI use both reg. chalk and chalk markers on all of the chalkboards in the house. But, I just read (this morning!) in the latest Ballard's catalog, that they say that chalk markers cannot be used on their chalkboards. Not sure why! But, I will stick to using my chalk markers only on my smaller boards.
ReplyDeleteLove how big this board is! It's in a great loacation in your home too. You're so clever, Sonya. I hope you find a solution to your problem with the marks being left behind.
ReplyDeleteI think the main problem is that you used chalk markers. They give a very bright and sharp line when writing, but for that same reason, they don't erase very well. I'd wash the board and reseason it and see how using only regular chalk works for you. However, you may have to repaint with chalkboard paint to really "Start over".
ReplyDeleteSonya, I love your chalkboard! This is on my list of projects for this year...however, who knows when I'll get to it! LOL!! Hope you find a solution to the problem!
ReplyDeleteI love your big chalkboard! Cutting the hole for the thermostat was so clever!
ReplyDeleteI have chalk ghosts too. I have to wipe it down with a wet rag several times and I did the seasoning thing in the beginning too. But one thing I found that makes it like new is to wipe it down with baby oil. Let it soak into the board and then dry wipe any excess. Makes it like a brand new board!
Well done! This is so funny .. as I speak, we are discussing the fact that I purchased supplies needed for painting my kitchen ceiling as well as 50 .. something kitchen cabinets, Lol! Well.. not sure if this will all happen!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it hard to cut out those interior shapes?! You did good with those difficult walls that have the thermostat on them... they always put them in the weirdest places, don't they? a new follower, andrea@townandprairie
ReplyDeleteI love big chalkboard, so great to use for so many different reason. We had the problem you are experiencing because we use a chalkboard pen. Couldn't get rid of even with washing. So we re-painted and used just plan old chalk ever since. Very clever to cut out the thermostat. It seems like you husband always wins at games, same way her, won't play with hubs anymore, it's always a massacre! Thanks for sharing your creative inspiration at Sunday's Best Party!
ReplyDeleteThe chalk markers wipe right off my chalk board with..........rubbing alcohol!
ReplyDeleteBarely dampen a microfiber cloth with cheapy alcohol...one swipe and you are done :^)
Yours is a cool board...good for you!!
Hi Sonya! Cute board! You did a great job!
ReplyDeleteJaybird! I have a quick question that you might be able to help me with. I'm considering painting an entire wall in a children's classroom with chalkboard paint & using chalk markers only to reduce chalk dust & make the images not wipe off with just one swipe of a hand. I want it all to appear more like a mural full of fun doodles. I've noticed chalkboard painted surfaces not looking clean after being used, like they are always dusty, yet it seems I need to prepare the surface by rubbing a piece of chalk across the entire...wall to begin with. Errr, then I get that yucky dusty wall look. Does this "preparing" with chalk need to be done if I'm only gonna use chalk markers and will my wall every look like it did right after it was painted, if the only time I use chalk is to prepare the surface?