This is one of my favourite and easiest DIY’s EVER! I was specifically looking for a fridge side chalkboard to make but you could use it anywhere!
I’ve been wanting a big ass chalkboard in our kitchen forever but due to another downsizing dilemma we didn’t have the wall space. I mean I was even willing to compromise with a not so big ass one and had been scrolling and thinking about how I could possibly make it happen when BAM! I came across this pic and my prayers had been answered!
Now as much as I would LOVE to have one this big, I have dogs that eat their dinner right in front of this side of my fridge and lets be real, would I really get down on my knees to write on a chalkboard? That would be a hell no because I probably wouldn't get back up!
I knew I could tweak this idea to suit our kitchen and our fridge. I took some measurements and made a list and this is what I needed:
- 20x30 Foam Presentation Board
- Rustoleum Black Chalk Board Paint
- 3M double sided mounting tape
- wood scraps I had in my work room (cut from a 1 x .5 x8 piece of strapping)
Here are the step by step instructions that worked for me:
I sprayed the foam board with 3 coats of chalkboard paint which goes on so easy. I let it set for 24 hours (it dries in 20 minutes but I like to let it set for longer if i'm going to be handling it a lot)
My pieces of wood were stained in Rustoleum Varathane Gel Stain in Dark Walnut (Because it’s my go to and I always have it on hand)
We cut the wood according to the size of the foam board (20x30) knowing we wanted it to look like a frame.
Next I attached the doublesided table to all four sides of the back of the foam board and put it where I wanted it on the fridge. The key is to apply lots of pressure to make sure it is good and STUCK before you attach the pieces of wood. Even after I applied pressure for 10 minutes I left it for another 20 minutes before I attached the wood.
While I was waiting I attached the double sided tape to the pieces of wood, again using tapes the same length as each piece of wood. I attached them directly onto the foam board - using my level - one piece at a time. Again applying lots of pressure to each piece.
Voila! It's a work of art! And it’s still holding on this morning so I would say we’re stuck with it!!!
Here's a breakdown of costs:
- Elmers foam board - $12.99 at Michaels BUT I used my 40% off coupon making it $7.79
- 3M double sided tape from Home Depot $7.99
- Rustoleum Chalkboard Spray Paint - I had this on hand from my dartboard chalkboards but if you had to buy it, it around $9 at Home Depot and would last you for a couple of projects
- the type of wood I used for the trim comes in 8 foot lengths for under $2 at Home Depot
So for me because I used a lot of supplies I already had on hand, this project only cost me around $17. And that my friends is what I call a thrifty DIY!!!
What are you waiting for? This is the perfect DIY for a beginner and if you have the space, make it as big as you can, you won’t regret it!
