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DIY Project: How to Make a Chalkboard Tabletop
The perfect table for grownups and kids — no power tools required
I'm a home makeover TV show producer, interior designer and the creator of Decor Demon, lifestyle editorial with an edge. http://www.decordemon.com
I'm a home makeover TV show producer, interior designer and the creator... More »
No matter how high-end my clients go with their choice of dining table, if they have kids it's pretty much guaranteed it will end up doubling as a scribbling, let's-pull-the-crust-off-the-bread, juicebox-sipping coloring station. What's the point in spending thousands of dollars on a fancy table if it's gonna be covered in crayons, Matchbox cars and kiddie yumyums 80 percent of the time? Well, if that's the case, just embrace it.
If you find yourself in the same situation, this project may be right up your alley. Whether you've got an existing table that earns its keep yet lacks the kid-friendly factor, or if you wanna run out to a flea market and grab the best $30 table you see, here's how to turn one table into both a grownup's place to dine and a kid's place to play. And the best part? There are zero power tools involved. Here's how to do it:
If you find yourself in the same situation, this project may be right up your alley. Whether you've got an existing table that earns its keep yet lacks the kid-friendly factor, or if you wanna run out to a flea market and grab the best $30 table you see, here's how to turn one table into both a grownup's place to dine and a kid's place to play. And the best part? There are zero power tools involved. Here's how to do it:
by decordemon
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First, decide which direction you want to go colorwise, based on readily available chalkboard paints in your area. Most home improvement stores stock it in black or green, but a select few carry specialty chalkboard paint in 12 different hues. We opted for a classic black and white combination with navy blue vintage schoolhouse chairs.
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| One quart of chalkboard paint will cover a tabletop up to 8 feet long. Ours was only 4'x4', so there's plenty left in the can for touch-ups down the road. If you're a go-big-or-go-home type, it may be wise to opt for two quarts to ensure you've got enough. If you run out halfway through the project, you'll risk having dry lines in the finish.
If you're up for painting your base, opt for a contrasting color, or choose a high-gloss color-matched to your chalkboard paint to keep that same tone flowing from the top down to the legs. |
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by decordemon
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| For supplies, you'll need:
• Primer • Chalkboard paint • Quality paint brush (if you're tempted to grab that $3 special, skip it and opt for the $9 one or face the wrath of loose bristles in your paint later) • Medium-grit sandpaper • Paint can opener • Damp cloth • Drop cloth • Semi- or high-gloss paint for the base (optional) Sure, you can use a roller, but our tabletop had grain running in two directions, and it was easier to simply stick with a brush. |
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by decordemon
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| It's unlikely that your top is already dulled down enough to take chalkboard paint without any prep. Make the entire process a bit easier by removing the top, then putting it on a flat level surface protected with dropcloths or contractor paper. |
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by decordemon
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| Step 1: First up, as far as prep goes, is the removal of the table's existing finish. Using medium-grit sandpaper, evenly sand the wood going in the same direction as the grain. |
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by decordemon
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| Step 2: Once the top is totally sanded, work on the sides of the table. While I highly doubt your kids are gonna chalk up their masterpieces within the 1-inch of surface of the sides, keeping the same color and finish through the entire tabletop looks much more sophisticated. |
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by decordemon
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| Step 3: With the tabletop surfaces sanded down, then wiped clean with a damp cloth, it's time to get crackin' on the paint. But here's a little trick: If you've got any flat white or black paint lingering in the garage, add a coat of that first. It will act as a primer and reduce the coats of chalkboard paint you'll need overall. |
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by decordemon
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| Step 4: Once the primer coat is totally dry, add chalkboard paint with the paint brush. On average, you'll need two coats. Once the second coat dries, allow 24-48 hours for the top to cure before getting down and dirty with chalk. |
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Step 5: If you choose to update your base with a new paint color, opt for a semi-or high-gloss finish. This will ensure that feet and chairs banging all about don't chip the surface. While a paint brush works well to get the proper coverage, a can of spray paint and a spray handle is much quicker and ensures a more even finish overall.
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Step 6: After 24-48 hours have passed, give your chalkboard tabletop a test-drive. You'll be delighted to find that milk, cookies and cereal are just as easy to wipe off as chalk remnants from a game of tic-tac-toe.
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Step 7: To see just how easy it is to switch from kid-and-play to grownup chowdown, drape a tablecloth over the chalkboard top. Only you will know what lies beneath.
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Once the great coverup is complete, there's no sign that seconds ago this same space was packed with sugar yummies and kiddie art supplies.
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| And when the kiddos are up and at it again the next day, let 'em go wild. A simple wipe with a sponge will bring you right back to Grownupville.
Anyone got any other creative uses for chalkboard paint? Next: Grownup ideas for chalkboard paint See more fun photos of chalkboard paint in home design |
Ideabook updated on Oct. 5, 2012.
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