Make a chalkboard menu board
I find chalkboard menu boards very useful. You can hang them in the kitchen to remind you of groceries to buy, or what's for dinner, hang them in the laundry or home office, or make one for the kids to use. Grab a can of Rust-Oleum Chalkboard spray paint at your local Builders Warehouse and start spraying...!
YOU WILL NEED:
3mm white-coated masonite cut to 500 x 650mm
2 of 12mm SupaWood cut to 60 x 650mm – sides*
5 of 12mm SupaWood cut to 60 x 380mm – top/bottom and embellishment*
500mm length of quarter-round pine trim
2 of 650mm length decorative trim
Rust-Oleum Chalkboard spray paint
No More Nails adhesive
Modo low-sheen paint - white
120-grit sandpaper
TOOLS:
Quick clamps
Jigsaw and clean-cut blade
Workbench
Paintbrush or foam roller
* You don't have to use 12mm SupaWood - any offcuts you have lying around would be perfect for this.
Your local Builders Warehouse offer a cutting service and will be able to cut all the pieces required for this project to size.
HERE'S HOW:
1. Place the cut board on a workbench, or cover your work surface with newspaper to protect from over spray. Spray on a light, even coat – working from left to right – as you spray from the top to the bottom. Let the first coat dry before applying a second coat of chalkboard spray.
2. Apply a zig-zag of No More Nails to the back of the sides, top and bottom sections. You want to ensure that you get as close to the edges as possible to ensure there will be no gaps between the masonite board and the SupaWood on top.
3. Working on a flat, level surface, place the frame sections on top of the sprayed masonite board. Press down each piece onto the masonite to ensure a firm bond. It may be necessary to use clamps, or heavy objects, to hold the pieces down until the glue has dried. Leave overnight to dry completely.
4. Apply a bead of No More Nails adhesive to the back of the quarter-round pine trim and press in place. Again, you may need to use clamps to hold in place until the glue has dried.
5. While you are waiting for glue to dry, take the remaining piece of 60 x 500mm SupaWood and draw out your design. Clamp firmly to a workbench and use a jigsaw to cut out the shape. A light sanding with 120-grit sandpaper will get rid of any rough or uneven spots.
6. Apply two coats of white paint, allowing sufficient drying time between each coat. Use a paintbrush for painting around the edges and decorations and a foam roller for the large, flat areas and to smooth out your brush strokes. Once dry, rough up the edges with 120-grit sandpaper to have a distressed finish. Screw two picture hangers to the back of the menu board and hang onto the wall.