DIY // Over-sized Magnetic Chalkboard

As soon as I saw this jumbo framed chalkboard in the Pottery Barn Kids catalog I knew I had have it.  But when  I saw the price tag of  $299 plus $29 shipping for it - not to mention it only came in red - the thrifty person that I am I wasn't willing to throw down that kind of money .  Plus I'm the kind of person that thinks  I could probably do it even better and for way cheaper.  So with that I decided I would make ours magnetic!

Pottery Barn Kids - Jumbo Chalkboard

I then racked my mommy brain thinking of what is magnetic but large enough.  I've used the magnetic paint before and didn't care for the results (I followed the instructions to a T but it turned out bumpy and wasn't very magnetic)  I knew Home Depot and Lowe's sold sheets of metal in the heating and air section but they weren't quite big enough.  That's when I decided to Google search local heating and air companies and see if any sell large sheets of metal that I could then cut down to size.  I was in luck!! They not only sold large sheets of metal in many different gauges they would cut it down to whatever size I wanted.  I went with a 3 feet x 5 feet and was able to pick it up later that day.  While waiting for my sheet metal be be ready I headed over to my local Lowe's and picked up the supplies I needed.

Here's the supply list for this project:

*Sheet metal, chalkboard paint, molding, wood glue, pegboard to use as a backer and paint of your choice

Now that we have our supplies lets get started...

1. Scuff up the metal with medium grit sandpaper then wipe it down removing any dust particles.

2. Using a foam roller, roll on a thin coat of chalkboard paint.  Let dry and repeat several times. I applied 4 coats.
3. While waiting for the chalk paint to dry measure and cut the molding to go around the chalkboard.   I used a miter saw - I LOVE using power tools - but if your molding isn't too wide you can easily cut them using a miter box and hand saw.  (This is where I will give you a tip that has helped me on numerous projects - save yourself from having to go back and get more molding, measure twice and cut only once!!)
4. Paint the molding and let it dry. (Since I only needed a small amount of paint I purchased a sample size in the color of my choice)

5.  Once the chalk paint has dried, glue the sheet metal to your backer board making sure you use glue that works with metal and wood.

6. As the glue for backer board and sheet metal is drying carefully carefully glue the molding to the front of the painted sheet metal.

7.  Allow the glue to dry and cure for the appropriate time (I waited 24 hours) then attach the system you plan on using to hang the magnetic chalkboard and your all done!!

It's on a diagonal wall so it's a bit difficult to photograph but doesn't it look lovely?And it only cost about $50 to make!