It took me 3 years to pick out a paint color for the kitchen and at least another year for things to hang on the walls, so when one of my favorite pictures started peeling I tried to save it. I hate to throw things out if it seems like it can be used for something else or changed with some paint.
The laminate starting to come off this picture, but if you pulled it then it ripped (as you can see).
I ended up using a glue stick to hold it together for another year or so, but it finally had it.
I ripped off the picture, sanded the paper remaining on the board, and started to paint. I have had this can of chalkboard paint for more years than I can remember. 
The pad brush worked well for smooth strokes. I did two coats (good for this test), and then had to fix my trim. Some paper and tape to protect my chalkboard and spray paint made that an easy task.
Now I have this message board. I believe it needs more coats of chalkboard paint. I have notice some green on my when I clean it. This could be because paint is old, just how it is, or what I found online at Benjamin Moore.
They say:
“Step #4: Ensure Lasting Durability For best results, allow the painted area to cure for 3 days before using it as a chalkboard. Then, prior to initial use, rub the entire surface with a piece of white chalk. Chalk materials on this website are highly recommended.
Helpful Hints:
For erasing, we recommend using a clean, damp cloth or paper towel. We do not
recommend using a chalkboard eraser. Because of the additives used in some varieties of chalk, which can leave a residue when erased, we recommend using light-colored chalk designed for use on chalkboards.”
I love this spot, and being so small who knows when I would find that perfect thing to fit in place. This way I know it fits and no new nail to put in the wall. Also nice is it’s right next to the microwave (or as I call it Coffee Central) so I can write a menu or holiday message. The Halloween menu that was up had “Frog Brains, Eyeball Chutney, and Slime-Aid” listed…got reaction out of my picky eater!
About Laura:
I’m a stay at home mom to my son and daughter. I’ve been writing/running Dealin and Dishin since June of 2011. My focus is food, crafts, and being frugal everywhere. Whenever I have free time when I’m not running my daughter to Pre-K, planning scout stuff for my son’s den, writing here, errands, etc. I love to sew and starting to scrapbook.
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Cool idea! We painted a wall of the boy’s playhouse with chalk board paint. It’s not quite perfect–we painted on plywood afterall–but it’s still pretty fun. They’re right, erasers just don’t work on this stuff. We have to use an old towel and a spritzer of water.
I have never used chalkboard paint, but have seen many neat crafts I would love to make using chalkboard paint. I like the message board idea and would love to have one in my kitchen. Thank you for sharing this great idea!
that was a great idea–I hate throwing things out but this I could use in our home school works for the kids –so I am a little afraid that I’ll make some kind of mistake–but you made it sound pretty easy–Thanks for the idea.
Thanks for the idea
I do plan to add more coats of paint (new paint this time!) and do like they suggest with the chalk and no eraser this time. It really was so easy to do..this wasn’t even primed first. I am kind of impatient so I’m really happy it turned out. However the state the picture was in already it wasn’t a big risk.
I can’t bear to throw out something that could have use.
That was great thinking. I would have just figured it needed to go in the garbage! Love the repurposing and when I have something similar next time, I might just do the same.
I like this idea a lot! To take an old picture and make it a chalkboard! Great place that you put yours, now you can write down things. I would love to make this!
That’s so useful now that you can write things down. I love the placement.
I’ve been in homes where chalkboard paint has been used in ways that is so nice! Yours came out super – good idea!!!