HOW TO TURN A SALVAGED MIRROR INTO A FUN DIY CHALKBOARD!

Hi sweet SI family, I hope you’re doing well and staying safe. I have a fun Trash To Treasure Tuesday for you today. My trashy pick is this salvaged mirror that’s been turned into a fun and usable chalkboard along with a full step-by-step tutorial! I’m also sharing my favorite brand of Chalkboard paint, my go-to nonwaxy chalk, and how to season your chalkboard. My talented T2T blogger friends also have amazing before and after’s that I’m linking down below… so let’s get this party started!

I don’t remember what dresser this vintage mirror belonged to. But I do remember the family I bought it from said the mirror had been shattered years ago which isn’t uncommon with these older frames.

Here’s her new look. I straightened the lines and added a large floral pattern.

She’s been turned into a beautiful chalkboard!

I think it’s going to look great in someone’s office, kitchen, or mudroom!

THIS POST IS SPONSORED/CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS TO PRODUCTS I USE.  YOU CAN SEE MY FULL DISCLOSURE HERE.

SOURCE LIST

• • Vintage Dresser Mirror – SALVAGED
  • Mini Angle Paint Brush
  • 4″ Foam Roller
  • Sandpaper | Shop Towels
  • Skill Saw | Orbital Sander
  • Bondo
  • KILZ Primer
  • Measuring Tape
  • Framing Square
  • Rustoleum Chalkboard Paint
  • Crayola Chalk
  • Walnut Gel Stain
  • Coffee Bean Chalk Mineral Paint
  • Water Lily Flower Stencil

DIY Chalkboard

Like so many projects, the time-consuming part was the prep before the paint!

To clean this mirror up, I started by removing all the loose veneer on the back, removing the nails, wood appliques, and screws. These old claw fasteners took the most amount of time.

I had to drill a hole and then pry them up. I’m always amazed at how well-built these old pieces are. Years later, it still takes some muscle, elbow grease and patience to get take these beauties apart!

Once all the screws and old veneer were off, I measured a 3-inch border along the bottom and the two sides. Using my framing square, I penciled a straight line that I cut using this skill saw.

Here’s what it looked like squared at the bottom and sides. A much cleaner look.

There were a few screw holes that needed filling so I used this Bondo. I have a full tutorial on how to fill holes and repairs with Bondo here.  It’s the only filler I know of that dries and sands within 10 minutes!

After sanding the Bondo, I gave the entire piece a quick once over with my orbital sander and a 220 grit. This removed some of the old orange stain and topcoat so I could add a coat of Walnut Gel Stain.

Then I went ahead a primed the middle inset board using this KILZ Primer to prep it for the chalkboard paint.

After a few hours of dry time, I painted two coats of my favorite Rustoleum Chalkboard Paint. I’ve used this brand on numerous DIY Chalkboards and it’s fabulous. It’s easy to apply, readily available at Home Depot, Lowes, and online, and gives great results.  I used a brush for this project but I’ve also rolled it on with a high-density roller. Both work great.

I painted two coats for this chalkboard and sanded in-between.

Here are a few tips when using this Chalkboard Paint…

• Clean the area well

• Prime using a latex primer for better adhesion

• Stir the Chalkboard Paint thoroughly before using

• Paint 2-3 Coats of Chalkboard Paint leaving 4-5 hours of dry time in-between

• Use a good quality synthetic brush or foam roller

• I like to sand in between coats (but I don’t sand the last coat)

• Let the paint cure for 3 days before seasoning or using it.

Chalkboards need seasoning or conditioning before use otherwise when you write something in chalk on an unseasoned board, it will be hard to erase, and/or you’ll be left with a ghost image. To season or condition your board, rub the side of your chalk (this is my favorite non-waxy brand!) all over your board, and then rub it off with a soft cloth or chalkboard felt eraser. I have a full tutorial on How To Season A Chalkboard here.

For the final step, I stenciled the frame with this bold chunky Water Lily Flower Stencil. I used this Coffee Bean Chalk Mineral Paint and my favorite 4″ foam roller for fast and easy coverage. I’m loving the dark floral on the rustic wood. It’s also a perfect way to hide the Bondo that filled in the screw holes.

This is such a fun and beautiful floral pattern!

Here’s the finished look…

ANY salvaged mirror or mirror frame can be turned into a fun and usable chalkboard. I really hope this has inspired you to give it a try!

And now for some TRASH TO TREASURE FUN!

I know you’re going to LOVE what this talented team of ladies can do. They always surprise me with their creativity!  Below are their BEFORE photos. Visit the links underneath to see the amazing AFTERS and to learn how they did it. I’m heading over to take a peek right now myself! x

1. Girl In The Garage

2. Artsy Chicks Rule

3. Confessions Of A Serial DIYer

4. Prodigal Pieces

5. Salvaged Inspirations (I’m so happy you’re here!!)

Thanks for joining me today. I’d love to hear what you think of this mirror turned chalkboard or any tips or tricks you may have for creating DIY Chalkboard Projects. I’ll be back next week with my NEW ReStore furniture find that I can’t wait to share. See you then!

Thanks for reading. 🙂
Wishing you a beautiful day and Happy Painting friends!

Denise XO

RELATED POSTS::

How To Season & Condition A Chalkboard

Mirror To Chalkboard To Profit

How To Distress A Mirror

How to Paint A Mirror Frame

How To Antique A Mirror – Video

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