Have you ever wished you had a chalkboard wall in your home? But, those bumpy textured walls or damaged drywall are not smooth enough? Well, today I’m about to rock your world by showing you How to Make a SMOOTH Chalkboard Wall For Imperfect Walls!

SMOOTH Chalkboard WallHow to Make a SMOOTH Chalkboard Wall {For Imperfect Walls}

I feel your pain! We have a little wall between the kitchen and the dining room that was the perfect spot for a chalkboard wall. But the drywall was ripped from the removal of the beadboard. Sure, I could have ripped out the drywall and added new, but honestly I was beyond drywall in our kitchen renovation process and I didn’t want to back track.

I’m cringing at the photo below because the pantry looked like that long after we finished the kitchen. Luckily, I finished the pantry last year. You would not recognize it as the same space!

SMOOTH Chalkboard Wall

But enough about the kitchen renovation. I came up with a new solution for making the wall smooth enough for a chalkboard! You could also use this technique if you wanted to remove the chalkboard in the future if you live in a rental and aren’t allowed to paint walls.

Ready? Alright, let’s get this chalkboard party started now!

SMOOTH Chalkboard Wall Materials:

(I’ve included affiliate links for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)

Optional (if you have an outlet or switch to work around):

SMOOTH Chalkboard Wall Instructions:

Cut Your Pieces:

Cut your masonite to size. (Or bring your measurements and ask the store to cut it to size for you.)

SMOOTH Chalkboard Wall

Use a jigsaw, circular saw, table saw, or other power saw to cut each panel. Dry fit the panels on the wall and make any adjustments as necessary.

SMOOTH Chalkboard Wall

Plan your sections:

Use one large sheet to cover as much wall as possible. The fewer the seams the better.  Plan to hang a small piece for over any doors. (Note: The skinny little section on the left side of the door was left blank, no one has noticed after it was painted black.)

SMOOTH Chalkboard Wall

If you have an outlet or light switch, you need to cut a hole in the masonite to accommodate them.  To cut the hole, smear lipstick around the edges of the box (or you can smear it on an outlet as shown in this post.) Hold the masonite panel in place and push against the outlet box. When removed you should  see the lipstick impressions. (I used an extra outlet box to trace around for lines that were easier to see.)

marking_outlet_location_lipstick

Drill holes in the corner of the outlined shape. Use a jigsaw to cut from hole to hole. Test fit your panel.

drill_holes_for_outlet

Install Panels:

Time to hang the masonite panels. For a permanent hold, use construction glue and then secure with finish nails. If you want to be able to remove the panels later, skip the adhesive and use only finish nails.

glue_and_nail_board

Fill nail holes and seams with wood putty. Lightly sand smooth after the putty has dried.

SMOOTH Chalkboard Wall

Prime and Paint:

Using a foam roller, prime the chalkboard with tinted primer (ask your paint department to add as much black as they can to a small can of primer. This will reduce the number of coats of chalkboard paint needed.) My Lowe’s store was able to produce a 50% gray color.

SMOOTH Chalkboard Wall

After the primer dries, lightly sand, and wipe clean. It’s important to sand between coats because this will give you the smoothest results and it gives a little tooth for the next layer to adhere to. You’ll need at least two coats of chalkboard paint.

SMOOTH Chalkboard Wall

Seasoning the Chalkboard:

After the paint has dried thoroughly, enlist the help of your son or daughter to help season the chalkboard (rub chalk on its side over the entire surface.)

SMOOTH Chalkboard Wall

Then wipe off the chalk using a completely dry rag.

SMOOTH Chalkboard Wall

There is beauty in the gray movement on a chalkboard wall, wouldn’t you agree?

SMOOTH Chalkboard Wall

Don’t forget to add  your outlet covers. You can paint them with chalkboard paint to match the wall.  (Important: Do not paint the actual outlet, this violates electrical codes.)

chalkboard_open_dining_rm

Christen your chalkboard with drawings or your to do list.

kitchen_to_do_list

Within two hours I had to erase the list because I was feeling a little stressed by all the things I needed to complete in our kitchen renovation.

This fun quote was a lot less stressful!

SMOOTH Chalkboard Wall

We added a chalkboard calendar a few years ago and this has been the best way for our family to stay organized (also the kids love seeing what’s coming up each week.)

2014 chalkboard calendar wall

What would you use a chalkboard wall for? I’d love to hear your ideas.

PHGFancySign

Can You Create a Mirrored Window with Spray Paint

Can you really make a mirror with spray paint?Can You REALLY Make a Mirrored Window with Spray Paint?

I have to admit, I was skeptical when I picked up a can of Krylon Looking Glass spray paint. According to the directions, you can Make Your Own Mirrored Glass with Spray Paint. I decided to give this “magical” spray paint a try, and I’ll let you know how well it works. Luckily, I had the perfect project to use it on: a faux window on the back of our garden shed.

How to Build this Cute Garden Shed

When I built this cute garden shed, I was very concerned about the view from the neighbors’ house. The plans were to build the shed on the side of our property, but the back of the shed was facing my neighbor’s driveway. I wanted to make sure they had something pretty to look at instead of a big gray shed butt. I toyed with the idea of installing a trellis with a pretty climbing vine. But, that side of the shed gets very little sun. Ultimately my decision was helped by a trip to our local Habitat ReStore. While there I stumbled across a pile of old windows that were $10 each. Yes, $10! If you haven’t been to your local Habitat ReStore, you need to go right now. (Well, maybe wait until you finish reading this tutorial.)

Can You Create a Mirrored Window with Spray Paint

Mirrored Window with Spray Paint Materials:

(I’ve included affiliate links for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)

Optional:

Mirrored Window with Spray Paint Instructions:

Clean the window with windex to get rid of any dust, dirt, and grime. Pop out the glass panes (if the glazing is super old and cracked it should come out easily. If not, use a utility knife and/or a 5-in-1 Painter’s tool to cut out the glazing and then remove the glass.) Unsure which side of the window is the glazed side? Look for the smooth side vs. the wood profiled side.

Can You Create a Mirrored Window with Spray Paint

Set up an area to spray your panes of glass. Shake your can of Krylon Looking Glass spray paint for at least 2 minutes.

Can You Create a Mirrored Window with Spray Paint

I finally tried this HomeRight Spray Shelter pop up tent. It definitely helps control the spray and makes clean up easy. Plus, the shelter folds down into a little bag to store in small spaces. (Disclosure: HomeRight sent it to me to try out ages ago. I just got around to using it.  But, I’ll be using more often now.)

Can You Create a Mirrored Window with Spray Paint

To get the best results with the Looking Glass spray paint, spray several light coats onto the back side of your glass. While the paint is drying, it will have a mottled look (do not panic.)

Can You Create a Mirrored Window with Spray Paint

When you have finished applying several coats (and you have achieved an opaque mirror finish), let the glass dry completely.

Flip over your mirror spray painted glass. Secure the mirrored panes back into your window. Use a line of caulk on the back side of the mirrored glass where it sits against the window. (Yes, I forgot to take a picture as I caulked the window, this is a recycled picture from my artist inspiration board. You get the idea, right?)

Mirrored Window with Spray Paint

Hang your mirrored glass window anywhere you want a faux window.

Can You Create a Mirrored Window with Spray Paint

Are you wondering how good the looking glass mirror spray works? I placed one of the pieces of the spray painted glass next to real mirror. You can see that they are both reflective. But, the Looking Glass spray has a slightly muted look.

Can You Create a Mirrored Window with Spray Paint

To be completely honest, I actually like the look. It gives the mirror finish an aged appearance.

Can You Create a Mirrored Window with Spray Paint

You can see a good example of the finish here:

Can You Create a Mirrored Window with Spray Paint

It’s still reflective enough to act like a mirror, but isn’t a perfect reflection when you look up close.

Can You Create a Mirrored Window with Spray Paint

What do you think? Will you try the Krylon Looking Glass spray paint on something?

If you still have some mirror spray paint leftover, you can follow this tutorial to make your own mercury glass decor items (using a vinegar and water mixture.)

I am still debating whether to make some shutters to go on the sides of my faux window. What do you think?

How to Build this Cute Garden Shed

Let me know if you have any other ideas for using this fun mirrored glass spray paint.

Have a great weekend, friends.

Mirrored Window with Spray Paint

 

Aging and Antiquing Finishes Roundup Social Media Image

Aging and Antiquing Finishes Roundup Social Media ImageAging and Antiquing Technique Tutorials:

Do you love the idyllic vintage or rustic look? If your answer is yes, then this round up is for you! I’ve curated some awesome projects with full details for aging and antiquing techniques that every DIYer should know. Check them out!

wood_crate_on_coffee_tableThis Rustic Wine Crate with Rope Handles looks great after a little staining and distressing.

 

Faux Painted Fireplace from white to brownstoneConsider Painting a Brick Fireplace to Beautiful Brownstone rather than tearing out the brick you hate.

 

How to Age, Distress & Antique | Pretty Handy GirlLearn many of the best techniques for Antiquing and Aging Furniture here.

 

Repaint Dated Decor Pear and GourdCheck out how you can update your home just by Repainting Dated Decor.

 

Green and purple hydrangeas in rustic wood trough. Build Your own Rustic Trough Centerpiece tutorial.

Learn my go to products and tips for achieving the Perfect Rustic Paint Technique.

 

Antique Glaze from Asphaltum Learn how to antique beautiful furniture using Asphaltum Glaze.

 

white-washed-window-boxCheck out this White-washed Window Box and see how to get this finish on your next project.

 

paint-wash-stand-plant_in_dry_sinkRefinish your furniture in no time using the help of a spray gun used here for Painting an Antique Washstand.

 

Aged Painted PailFind out how to get creative and make An Aged Painted Pail using something you can find in the school classroom.

 

finished distressed dresserThis Shabby Chic Dresser is gorgeous, check out how Holly (a professional refinisher) achieves this finish.

 

Secret_to_aging_new_wood_pin

Learn how to make new wood look old, weathered and rustic.

 

chalkboard zinc cabinetLearning how to Faux Zinc will open so many doors for you! Be creative!

 

Distressed Picket Fence Planter BasketLearn how to get a distressed finish with this Distressed Picket Fence Planter Basket tutorial.

 

Table painted, stenciled and distressedThis Chalk Painted, Stenciled and Distressed Dumpster Table gives you all the details on how to make an amazing table like this one!

 

Rustic Pie Safe Painted with Milk PaintThis Rustic Red Pie Safe painted with Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint is a great way to learn about using milk paint.

 

Oil Rubbed Bronze Knobs HardwareDon’t buy new, learn how she refinished old hardware to get these Rubbed Bronzing Cabinet Knobs.

 

White-washed Patriotic Sign A slightly different finish can make any item a statement piece, like this White-Washed Patriotic Flag Sign.

 

Painted Distressed Wood PanelThe gorgeous technique on this Painted Distressed Wood Panel could be used for a huge variety of projects.

 

Rustic Wood HeadboardSee how they got this Rustic Wood King Headboard finish. Hint: it involves chains!

 

Painted Galvanized Storage TubChange up your metal bins with some paint, like this Galvanized Tub Storage.

 

Painted and Distressed - vintage oarsThese Vintage Painted Oars have an amazingly realistic finish and look so great! You’ll never guess what they used to be!

 

Faux Finished Weathered Wood GrainLearn how to Create Faux Finished Weathered Wood Grain. Yup, that’s not real wood grain and it looks amazing!

 

Faux Aged Galvanized BucketLearn how to Age Galvanized Metal Quickly, sometimes aging just gives extra charm.

 

Unique Wine Rack Distressed FinishCheck out how to accomplish this Unique Wine Rack Paint Finish, you’ll be glad you did.

 

Make vintage old sign from footboardWith a little chalk paint and sand paper, you can make a gorgeous old sign from a footboard.

 

Rustic Vintage Chalkboard Find out how to Build Giant Vintage Chalkboard and finish it off tonight.

 

Faux Copper and Patina This Faux Copper and Patina finish is stunning, learn how to make it happen on any surface!

 

Restoration Hardware Stain Recipe Get the Gray Restoration Hardware Stain Recipe. It’s so easy to get the same finish as that coveted store.

 

Paint a Giant Mandala Deck Tattoo DesignLearn how to Paint a Giant Mandala Deck Tattoo and turn something ordinary into something elegant.

 

Aging and Antiquing Furniture Legs

Here are some tips and tricks (you don’t want to miss) for Aging and Antiquing Furniture Legs.

 

Faux Aged Metal PulleyThis Faux Aged Metal Pulley is just awesome. Find out how it was done.

 

Chalk Painted Wooden StoolLearn the technique for this Chalk Painted Wooden Stool, it will be handy for sure!

 

Rustic Painted Reindeer Sleigh Make something amazing with this technique, like a Vintage Rustic Sleigh Ride Sign.

Thanks for stopping by. Do you have any techniques we didn’t cover here? Feel free to share your tips for aging and antiquing in the comments! Don’t forget to pin this image so you can find it again!

Aging and Antiquing Finishes Roundup Pinterest Image

Like the vintage look? You’ll love this Vintage Map Lampshade project:

Vintage Map Lampshade | Pretty Handy Girl

 

Green and purple hydrangeas in rustic wood trough. Build Your own Rustic Trough Centerpiece tutorial.

The Perfect Rustic Paint Technique {with Video Tutorial}The Perfect Rustic Paint Technique {with Video Tutorial}

I have been painting and distressing furniture and home décor for almost ten years now. Over the years I’ve tried a lot of different techniques, but the one I’m going to show you today is the one I consider “The Perfect Rustic Paint Technique!” The reason I like this technique is because I get consistent results and it’s not as messy and time consuming as painting several layers and sanding back down to the raw wood. This isn’t to say that I don’t still experiment or sometimes go back to previous techniques. I just wanted to show you my tried and true technique.

Green and purple hydrangeas in rustic wood trough. Build Your own Rustic Trough Centerpiece tutorial.

You may have seen the DIY Trough Centerpiece I built last week. If you don’t have a piece of furniture you want to try this technique on, go ahead and build this quick little (or should I say long) DIY Trough Centerpiece to experiment on.

Finished trough build.

Then you’ll want to gather some materials and coffee (this is optional, but I find I enjoy DIYing with a cup of java.)

Materials:

(I’ve included affiliate links for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)

Instructions:

Want to cut to the chase and watch the video tutorial? Well, be my guest:

If you like to see the step-by-step tutorial, here’s the break down:

Step 1: Sand & Stain

Lightly sand your piece to remove any rough spots.

If you’re working with a pre-finished piece of furniture, clean well to remove any dirt or oils that would resist the stain. Then sand everything lightly to give the surface a little “tooth” for the paint to grip to. Skip the next step unless you have sanded down to bare wood.

Put on your rubber glove and grab a rag or slip an old sock over your hand. Dip the rag into the stain and wipe it on the wood. Wipe off any excess stain. If you want a darker look, apply a second or third coat of stain. Allow the stain to dry (overnight is best.)

Wipe on Minwax Early American Stain.

Step 2: Painting

A quick note about chalk-like paints: I have tried a lot of different chalk paints and still don’t have an absolute favorite. Personally I like to buy them based on a pre-mixed color I like. That being said, I do have some that I don’t like as much. Although the Annie Sloan Chalk Paints were first on the scene, I struggled with them having unmixed chunks in them and they tended to dry out too quickly for my taste. That being said, most chalk paints will dry out quicker than latex paint. So make not to leave the lid off too long (it’s better to pour a small amount onto a tray or paper plate.) And store chalk paint in a temperature controlled environment. 

Dip your chip brush into the chalk paint and dab off most of the paint onto rag. Your paint brush should have very little paint on it.

Lightly drag the chip brush over your piece following the direction of the wood grain. This technique is called dry brushing (in case you wondered.) Allow some of the wood stain to show through. This will cut down on the need to sand down to the wood later.

Dry brush Fusion paint.

Step 3: Adding Dimension

Allow the paint to dry (which shouldn’t take very long.) Dip another chip brush into the white color stain. Wipe off most of the paint and dry brush some “hi-lights” onto your piece. You don’t need as much coverage as the painting step. This is just adding some extra dimension to the piece.

Use DecoArt white stain for highlights.

After the white stain has dried, dip another brush into the antiquing glaze and wipe most of the glaze off the brush. Once again, dry brush some areas on your piece to give some more dimension.

Dry brush Valspar Antiquing Glaze.

If you make a mistake or put too much glaze on, you can wipe it off within the first few seconds. Alternatively, you can always sand off any paint, stain or glaze you apply.

Sand smooth.

Once you’ve achieved your desired amount of paint, stain and glaze, get ready to seal in the beauty!

Step 4: Wax Finish Coat

Apply some dark wax onto a wax brush (or stencil brush.) Rub the wax on in a circular pattern.

Apply Dark Wax.

Then buff it off with a clean dry rag. The wax gives your piece a soft luster and protects it from water. If you are working with a piece of furniture, you may want to apply another coat of wax. And you will need to re-apply in a few years.

Buff off wax.

Now stand back and admire that Perfect Rustic Paint Technique!

She’s purdy, don’t you think?

Pin this picture to share the rustic love!

The Perfect Rustic Paint Technique {with Video Tutorial}

Liked this tutorial? I think you’re going to love my Secret Formula for Aging New Wood:

How to Re-Paint Dated DecorWant to know How to Repaint Dated Decor?

Raise your hand if you are a thrift shopper? No, what about yard sales? Have you ever seen any ugly ceramic decor items that shouldn’t have survived the 70’s or 80’s? Nodding your head YES? I thought so. Today I’m going to show you How to Repaint Decor. Those dated monstrosities can look like something you bought from Ballard Design or Pottery Barn! Don’t believe me, well check out this groovy pair (emphasis on pear. LOL.)

Would you believe this is the same fruit duo?

Yup! I scored them both for $5.

Now, have you seen these deliciously rustic pears from Ballard Designs? Yes? Did you happen to catch the price tags? $49 each!

Umm, no thank you, I’ll stick with my $2.50 fruit—Thank you very much. Let me show you how you can paint any ceramic, pottery, or china decor item to give it a new updated look. You’ll need a few things first.

Materials:

(I’ve included affiliate links for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)

Optional: Rustoleum Comfort Spray Paint Handle (saves your fingers from cramping!)

Instructions:

Clean your decor item with soap and water. Dry thoroughly.

Lightly sand the surface to give a little roughness.


Lay your decor item(s) on paper and spray with several thin coats of spray primer. Allow the primer to dry.


Spray several light coats of Rustoleum’s Heirloom White spray paint. Allow to dry.


If you want, you can leave the base color white. But, if you want to color your item, mix a base color with the acrylic craft paints. Using the fan brush use a “cross-hatch” pattern to apply the paint onto your item. (This gives more depth and interest than painting on a thick coat of paint.)

Next mix your glaze by combining acrylic paint (Mix raw sienna (dark brown), burnt sienna (red brown) and yellow ochre until you have a nice golden brown antiquing color.) Pour a small circle of glaze material onto your plate. Dip the fan brush into the glaze medium and then into the mixed acrylic paint. Dab off some paint onto the paper plate (you don’t want your brush to be saturated.) Brush the glaze onto the item and use the fan brush to blend the glaze around. Feel free to use the same cross-hatch pattern you did earlier.

Work in small areas and brush the glaze around until your brush doesn’t have any more glaze on it.
Then use a rag to dab around the decor item until you are happy with the results.

Paint any features onto your decor item (stems, branches, faces, etc.) To paint the pear’s leaf, try a dark brown (raw sienna) and a yellow ochre for the highlights. Acrylic paint is really forgiving. If you don’t like it you can paint over it.


I couldn’t be happier with the results of my repainted home decor! I saved myself about $95 for two decor items!
This fruit decor is perfect for any season . . .

But, I like to bring them out in the fall.


Happy thrifting y’all! Never leave cheap dated decor behind again.

Did you see that ladder above? It is the other half of this ladder and I added shelves to create my own ladder display shelves!

Ladder Shelves