Chalkboards have come a long way from the tiny tablet Laura Ingalls hauled to-and-from school in LHOTP.
With the chalkboard trend showing no signs of slowing down, we see decorative chalkboards everywhere…offices, restaurants, bars, stores, boutiques, weddings, events and our very own kitchens and studios.
Because of the popularity, it’s easy to turn chalkboards to profit. {Or make a thriftabulous looking board on the cheap for your own home}
While you young’uns are trying to figure out “LHOTP”, let me show you how I turn a mirror into a chalkboard and a chalkboard into a profit.
How To Turn a Mirror into a Chalkboard
1. Find a mirror.
I’ve found gorgeous framed mirrors on the roadside, in thrift stores and at garage sales for next to nothing. I’ve also used mirrors from old outdated abandoned dressers and they’ve turned out beautiful.
2. Carefully remove the mirror from the frame.
I see you rolling your eyeballs… and yes, to get a professional paint finish on the frame and mirror it works best if they are separated. If you’re making the chalkboard for your own use you may want to skip this step but don’t be lazy and skip this step if you’re selling for profit!
3. Clean the mirror and frame to prepare them for paint.
Soap, water, vinegar and a brush to get into the grooves usually does the trick. You can also used a window cleaner such as Windex on the mirror prior to painting.
4.Paint the frame with the colour of your choice.
I use homemade chalk paint so I don’t have to sand or prime… yes, this is me being lazy. Rule of thumb: laziness is forgiven if it looks great! For added protection I use a wax paste for the finishing coat.
5.Roll on 2-3 coats of Chalkboard paint leaving ample drying time in-between coats.
The brand I like is Rustoleum Chalkboard Paint which dries to the touch in 30 minutes but takes about 2 hours to completely dry. The drying instructions will be on the brand of chalkboard paint you decide to use.
6. Reassemble the frame and mirror and add hanging hooks on the back if needed.
The mirror and frame will have some weight to it. I purchase these D Clips along with 35 gauge wire which easily hold up to 35lbs. They are very easy to assemble.
7. Turn a Profit by selling your chalkboards.
All these chalkboards have cost well under $10 to produce and excluding drying time, less than 45 minutes of my time painting each board and frame. They are selling for between $75-$125 each. You can list/sell your boards on E bay, Etsy, Kijiji or any local on-line service. If your willing to share your profits in exchange for “real-life” exposure, a local furniture consignment shop is a great option.
The above 6 steps describe how to turn a mirror into a chalkboard. You can use the exact same steps with pretty much any up-cycled framed item. Frames that are missing the artwork but still have the glass insert can be turned into chalkboards. Or maybe you have great frame adorning an outdated painting. Flip the painting around and paint the backside into a chalkboard.
FAQ
Does the mirror require a primer first?
With the Rustoleum Chalkboard paint – No. I’m not sure about any other brands.
How many mirrors can you paint with one can?
One can of Rustoleum Chalkboard Paint for $24 will paint 12-15 large size mirrors with 3 coats each. Each 877ml can covers 10 square meters or 112 square feet.
Is rolling or spraying or brushing better?
Personally, I don’t like brushing on chalkboard paint. Whether it be with a Purdy or foam brush I’m not fond of the strokes showing and even with the best of efforts, you still see them. I prefer to roll it on with a high density foam roller. You can buy chalkboard paint in spray cans which is not quite as economical but I’ve heard other bloggers achieving great results. I have not tried the spray cans yet, but what I am going to try is spraying it through my Husky Paint Gun. If any of you have tried this, I would love to hear how it went. Once I experiment with this, I’ll let you know how the finish turns out.
It’s pretty heavy, what sort of hooks should I use?
You can buy “D” hooks and 30 gauge wire which will hold up to 35lbs. Eash costs $3-$4
How do I season the chalkboard so I don’t get ghosting?
So easy. Rub chalk all over the board giving it a good chalky coat in all directions. Rub off with a chalk brush or soft rag and your ready to write, scribble and draw.
Are you feeling really creative? Follow me on Pinterest for some nifty DIY chalkboard inspiration!
If you have any questions or would just like to share your chalkboard creation secrets, drop me a line… your comments make my day!
Denise
Hello again... I'm so happy you dropped by! Let's keep in touch! Follow me on social media or sign up for a dose of furniture painting inspiration and diy tutorials. :) 
How do you put a price on your chalkboard mirror ? Thank you
That’s a loaded question because it really depends on your market, location etc. Here’s an article with some Tips on Pricing.
I painted part of my wall to make a chalkboard followed all directions but after seasoning it, it has bumps. Should I apply another thin coat and sand before?
Yes, good idea Dawn. It might also be worth noticing if it is the wall – some walls are not 100% smooth or the applicator you’re using. ie sponge brush or roller could be leaving some air bubbles. Hope this helps.
I just found your blog and have been reading several of your posts. You give great tutorials which are easy to follow. I am excited to try this. Now, I just need to find a framed mirror.
Hi Shani! Welcome…and so glad you’re finding the tutorials helpful. 🙂
I didn’t season my store bought chalk boards and now they have ghosting. How can I take the ghosting away.
Hi Beatriz! Sorry to hear this. You can try wiping it down with a soft cloth and warm water. Let dry. And then season it. But unfortunately depending on the board and chalk used, sometimes a little ghosting still may remain. I’ve also heard of spraying a cloth with Endust and wiping, but I’m unsure if this would get rid of ghosting. Good luck.
Are all the chalkboards in your picture already seasoned? I really like how dark black they are before seasoning- and they are so NOT black after! I’m guessing washing removes the seasoning so I’m left with a milky looking board. Suggestions?
Only the front chalkboard (the one where you can see some chalk residue) has been seasoned Peggy. To stop ghosting, a light layer of chalk dust is required.
I am SO excited! I just found a beautiful ornate silver frame I had forgotten about. I am painting it tonight! I will do aqua chalk paint on the frame and rub off the high points to reveal the silver underneath. I also just happen to have chalk board paint that I picked up at TJ Maxx! Oddly enough, I also paid $5 for my frame as well.
Question: Why do you use a brand name chalkboard paint for this project instead of using your own homemade paint?
DIY chalk paint (if left unsealed) can be written on, but for chalkboard projects, I prefer a chalkboard paint. The main reason – when mixing a black (or any super dark) DIY chalky paint, if not properly/thoroughly mixed, you run the risk of having little white specks show up after sanding. Just easier and faster to use this.
You wouldn’t happen to know how to REMOVE chalkboard paint from a mirror?
Louise, you could try a glass scraper, heat gun or paint remover/thinner. I would test a small area before proceeding on the full mirror though.
Hi! I was wondering how long it takes you to sell one of these on etsy. I’ve made one, and am almost done with my shop, and would like to know how long it will take until I see some reward
Meg, the $5 Thrift Store mirror sold withing a couple of days and the others within a few weeks. They were all posted on Kijiji – not Etsy. All the best selling yours!
I purchased (at an antique mall) a chalkboard that had previously been a dresser mirror. I don’t think the seller primed the mirror because the paint scraped off badly when I tried to write on the board with chalk. Now I’m left with either removing quite a few staples to take out the mirror (doubt it can even be done w/o damaging frame) or scraping off all the paint, and trying to properly prime & paint the mirror. What a pain! So, if you want to sell these please do a good job!
Hello Denise.
I was wondering how the painted mirror holds up to regular use. Does the paint scratch off easily? I like to draw elaborate pictures with chalk pastels which do require soap and water to remove sometimes.
Also I have had trouble with the texture of the painted boards, and have not been able to achieve the smoothness you get with the old fashioned slate. Any recommendations for sanding and application to get a smoother texture?
Your site is wonderfully informative. Thank you for putting these instructions out there.
If properly painted (ie mirror cleaned – no residue – ideal painting conditions etc) the painted mirror chalkboard holds up really well with regular use. However, the texture will not be as smooth as old fashion slate when using a brush or roller. A spray finish will give you a much smoother finish Mandy.
Thank you! You are so inspirational!
Thanks Denise I will give it another try today, hummity is low and temps are wonderful ( 75 ish my favorite weather )
Thanks for name compliment , I was born in 60’s my mother liked the Beatles lol have a fantastic day and thanks so much for your help.
Denise first off love you site, my question for you is, I painted a mirror with the rustoleum chalkboard paint I used a cabinet/door roller so it would be smooth but I still have the egg shell finish how can I get a smoother finish.. Thanks for sharing all your tricks
Sometimes the room temp or humidity doesn’t allow the paint to level perfectly. I’ve tried using different applicators (foam brush or soft paint brush) and I find it works best when I apply a few more thin coats rather than 1 or 2 thick coats. (what a different way to spell Meshell… I like it!)
If you have a frame, but no mirror or glass, can you use wood to put the chalkboard paint on?
Most definitely Stacy. 🙂
I have to say, at first I thought this was sac-religious because I’ve published a book about mirrors and how wonderful they are. BUT, I love this idea! Some mirrors need new lives!!
I agree Paula, mirrors are FABULOUS and this is another creative way to utilize them! What’s the title of your book… I’m a HUGE book-worm and would love to browse through it!
I wondered if chalkboard paint would work on the highly glossy glaze of bathroom tiles, like it does on mirrors? I have tons of the things in all sizes from leftover projects and could easily make frames with my new toys . . . . a table saw and compound mitre saw! What a cute way to reuse all my leftover pieces of scrap wood AND tile.
. . . . . if it would work???? What do you think?
Maria, I think it would work just fine. If you’re concerned about it scratching off or durability, give it a test run on 1 tile… or slightly sand before applying. I LOVE your “re-use” ideas and initiative!
Wow. I had no idea mirrors can be painted with chaukboard paint. “Like-a-Bunch!” I’ve been collecting frames for awhile. Most are empty (missing glass/artwork). What do you suggest I buy for insert? Thin craft plywood, glass, or mirrors?
Which ever is the cheapest…lol! The chalkboard paint will work on all of the above.
WOW just what I was looking for. Came here by searching for turn a mirror into a chalkboard