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How to Repurpose a Picture into a Chalkboard

We’re sharing how to update and repurpose a picture into a chalkboard today!

If you had the chance to check out our post, Spring at The Crowned Goat Cottage, you likely spotted the chalkboard that tops our DIY office work island.

It’s a piece I get asked about all the time.

How to Create a Chalkboard from an Old Piece of Wall Art-The Crowned Goat

Believe it or not, some of the most used items in our home are chalkboards.

They’re great for jotting down a quick note, keeping our grocery list, menu, and weekly schedule organized, working out a design issue, and even seasonal decorating.

We use them so often that I don’t even check to see if they’re on trend or off because for us their practicality outweighs any style list. We literally use them all over the house!

Simple Ways to Create a Chalkboard from Wall Art-The Crowned Goat

Several years ago while out shopping with my Mom, we found a picture with the prettiest gold frame.

The picture wasn’t really my style at all.

But I knew immediately the large size was perfect for creating a chalkboard to use in my office for organization, party menus, and for entertaining throughout the year too.

Bonus, it didn’t have glass on the front so I knew I would be able to paint directly onto the picture.

Turning an old picture into a chalkboard is relatively straightforward and a great project to try for any DIY skill level.

We use this piece so often, I’m already on the hunt for another one.

Here’s a look at how to repurpose a picture into a chalkboard in just a few easy steps… 

Repurposed Picture Into Chalkboard Supplies:

  • Wall Art
  • Chalkboard Paint
  • Paintbrush or Foam Roller
  • Painters Tape
  • Face Mask (for seasoning the chalkboard)
  • Sandpaper (optional, see below)
  • Lint-free cloth
  • Tarp (to protect your work surface)

Repurposed Picture into Chalkboard Steps:

Gather your supplies and make sure your picture or wall art is clean, dry, and free from dirt and debris. Then lay a tarp down to protect your work surfaces.

Using painter’s tape, carefully tape the edges of the frame so you don’t get any chalkboard paint on the frame.

You might not be able to tell it in this photograph but this picture had a bit of a rough texture to it from the start which helped to give it some tooth.

Had the picture been smooth, we would have had to rough it up some with sandpaper in order for the chalkboard paint to properly adhere.

Paint in a well-ventilated area and be sure to read the back of the chalkboard paint can very carefully before you begin this project.

Some paints will require you to use a primer before applying the chalkboard paint.

I hand-brushed three thin coats of chalkboard paint onto the picture.

But this is also a great project to use a roller on because it makes for a better finish. Especially, if you’re a beginner at painting.

I allowed about 4 hours of drying time between each coat.

This is after the first coat.

This is after three coats.

The amount of time the chalkboard paint will need to cure depends on which brand of paint you choose, so again, make sure you read the back of the paint can carefully.

Seasoning the Chalkboard:

After the chalkboard paint has cured, it’s time to season the chalkboard. You’ll need to use caution, care, and a quality mask during this step as there will be lots of chalkdust.

If you’ve never seasoned a chalkboard before all you have to do is take a piece of chalk and lay it flat against your painted and cured surface,

then rub the chalk across the chalkboard paint until the entire chalkboard has been covered.

Once you’re finished seasoning the chalkboard, wipe away the chalk dust with a clean cloth, and you’re good to go!

Honestly, this is a really budget-friendly project and it couldn’t be easier to repurpose a picture into a chalkboard.

You can also use this same technique with smaller picture frames or any color chalkboard paint you like.

As with all paints, the chalkboard paint will eventually have to be reapplied especially if you use it daily as we do. We’ve been using this one for almost 4 years though so I’d say it’s holding up pretty well!

While I’ve been primarily using this chalkboard to keep me organized at The Crowned Goat Cottage, chalkboards are really easy to use throughout your home no matter what the shape or size.

They also make a fun gift idea too so give it a try!

Let us know if you’ve ever repurposed a picture into a chalkboard and other ways you stay organized at home!

You Can Find the Other Ways We Use Chalkboards and Stay Organized Here:

Pantry Organization Tips Made Easy 

Pantry Organization Tips Made Easy-The Crowned Goat

How to Make an Easy Dry Erase Board

How to Make an Easy DIY Dry Erase Board-The Crowned Goat

10 Tips for a More Organized Life

10 Tips for a More Organized Life-The Crowned Goat
Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.

Many blessings,

CoCo

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15 Comments

    1. I appreciate it girls, thank you so much! My office looks like I’ve been robbed right now so I can’t wait to make that space a priority in the New Year! Hugs, CoCo

  1. This is great idea especially when you schedules to keep for kids. Writing a reminder for them us great use too.

    Besides who wouldn’t love a chalkboard in a beautiful frame.

    Cindy

    1. Thanks so much, Cindy! We’re constantly using the chalkboards around the house to jot down quick notes. I hear myself saying, “Put it on the list” multiples times a day because I know if it doesn’t make the list it will for sure get missed ? Hugs, CoCo

    1. Thanks so much, Josiah, I really appreciate it!

    1. Thank you so much, Caleb, I really appreciate it! Hope your day has been a fun one, CoCo

  2. I love making my own chalkboards, too! I have several of them around my house for different purposes. I’ve painted directly on the glass of mine, though. I may try it without class next time. Thanks always sharing your great ideas, CoCo!

    Niky @ The House on Silverado

    1. Thank you bunches, Niky! I made a dry erase board by painting the glass and just like the chalkboards we use it all the time. Thanks so much for giving us all a fun place to hang out. I hope your weekend was a fun one. Hugs, CoCo

  3. When you say you painted directly on the “picture”, do you mean the picture is some kind of printed paper? Or was it a painted mdf board. If you could clarify what the picture surface was as I would love to try this. I have some outdated framed mat/prints and also a painted mdf board. Thanks for sharing.

    1. When I say, I painted on the picture I mean, I painted directly on the artwork. I’m not sure if it was mdf or not but definitely was not paper nor was it canvas or glass. It was mass produced artwork with a pretty frame. The picture surface was somewhat textured similar to that of a orange peel wall texture you see in homes. I’ve never tried it but my guess is that painting paper would cause it to wrinkle so this is probably not a project you can do on paper. Hope this helps!

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