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My Screen Door Turned Chalkboard

By Anita 44 Comments

I love a good DIY project and turning a screen door into a chalkboard is my kind of project.  Using left over salvage and turning it into something useful is green too.
 
I was walking through my new house with my builder when I mentioned that I was looking for a screen door. He didn’t know where I could buy one, but he was working on a hundred-year-old house nearby, and it had a screen door he didn’t want. Did I want that door?  I did!   
 
 

We drove over there to get it. There was a very chatty neighbor who came over to talk while we were removing the screen door. My builder mentioned he was building a house for me around the corner.  So she asked if the screen door was for my new house. No, I said I was going to hang it on the wall like artwork. The woman screwed up her face exactly like one does when asked to sit on a pickle. (Don’t ask how I know this.)


I looked at Rit for some support, but he was walking away by now with his hands in the air to signify that I was on my own.  Of course, I was not deterred, I was a woman with a plan. 

Here’s what I did in 10 easy steps.

Needed:
1 old wood screen door
1 large sheet of pasteboard
jigsaw
drill
hammer
box cutter
paint
chalkboard paint
wax
screws
hanging hardware
lots of white chalk

Step 1. Remove odd lattice work from the bottom of the screen door  that shouldn’t have been there in the first place. (Now that’s weird.)

Step 2. Use the box cutter to remove the screen from the screen door, and the door handle from the back of the door. This way it will lie flat against the wall. I was able to use a box cutter because the screen on the door was the flimsy sort. Some screens may require more equipment to remove. 
 
 
Step 3. Paint door with my homemade chalky paint, recipe here, then wax and distress door.
 
 
Step 4. Cut paste board to same size as screen door, minus 1 inch on the length and the width. 
Step 5. Paint one side of paste board with chalkboard paint. I used three coats. (Yes, I know it’s time to pressure wash the patio. It’s on my list.)

Step 6. Position pasteboard on back on door with blackboard side face down.

Step 7. Attach board with screws every 10 inches or so.

Step 8. Add hanging hardware and hang on the wall. 

Step 9. Allow chalkboard paint to cure for three days, then prime chalkboard. This is done by using the chalk sideways and coating the chalkboard with a layer of chalk. Then use a dry cloth or paper towel to wipe off the excess chalk.

Step 10. Grab a piece of chalk, and create your masterpiece. 

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Filed Under: homemade chalky paint, Project

Comments

  1. homeologymodernvintage.com says

    April 24, 2013 at 12:33

    with the million+ chalkboard tut’s out there, this one is by far my favorite! love it!!!

    Reply
  2. Robin Johnson says

    April 24, 2013 at 12:45

    This is amazing! You should invite the lady over to take a look. Then she’ll know your not crazy! I love it.

    Reply
  3. cippy says

    April 24, 2013 at 12:45

    I love it! What a fabulous idea! 🙂

    Reply
  4. Peggy says

    April 24, 2013 at 12:47

    That is so cool – can’t wait to finish my old screen door up.

    Reply
  5. Designs By Pinky says

    April 24, 2013 at 12:51

    This is FABULOUS!!!!!!!!! I love it! Now I am wondering where it will live in the new house? Same spot? XO, Pinky

    Reply
  6. Anita @ Cedar Hill Ranch says

    April 24, 2013 at 12:54

    Pinky, it’s at the ranch. I’ll keep it there.

    Reply
  7. denise...on a whim says

    April 24, 2013 at 13:14

    Looks great!

    Reply
  8. Laurie Ritchey says

    April 24, 2013 at 13:17

    I love this! laurie

    Reply
  9. Lisa @ Fern Creek Cottage says

    April 24, 2013 at 13:39

    What a great piece! I love it! It looks terrific!

    Reply
  10. Karen says

    April 24, 2013 at 13:46

    What is pasteboard? My husband and I are in the process of tearing down a 100 year old cabin and it has two screen doors! Struck gold! Can’t wait to make one of these.

    Reply
  11. decoratewithalittlebit.com says

    April 24, 2013 at 13:58

    So Cute!! I’m pinning. Is ‘paste board’ what we call ‘hard board’ up north? It looks like it in the picture…? Little Bit

    Reply
  12. Ann@A Sentimental Life says

    April 24, 2013 at 14:00

    Love it! and I have our old screen door on the porch of my cottage..may have to copy!

    Reply
  13. Linda@Coastal Charm says

    April 24, 2013 at 14:02

    Anita,
    Awesome idea you had here and it looks outstanding!!! Maybe you should invite her over for a cup of coffee:)

    Blessings,
    Linda

    Reply
  14. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    April 24, 2013 at 14:02

    Oh, I love it. So cute and funny that the lady looked at you like you were crazy.

    Reply
  15. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    April 24, 2013 at 14:18

    I LOVE this, Anita! It looks so great above your couch, too. I could just see this also being used as a pantry door. What a great way to keep track of what you need to add to your shopping list.

    Reply
  16. Patti@OldThingsNew says

    April 24, 2013 at 14:51

    What a great idea! I love decorating with chalkboard and this one is awesome. Blessings, Patti

    Reply
  17. Laura Joiner says

    April 24, 2013 at 16:03

    Love it- also love the white couch. Is that a converted baby bed? I have ours and would live to do something like that.

    Reply
  18. Laurel Stephens says

    April 24, 2013 at 16:27

    I cannot believe how perfect your screen door chalk board looks in this room over your sofa. What a great vision you had. I laughed at your description of your new soon to be neighbor when she heard what you had planned. My daughters tell me they can instantly tell which pins are mine on their Pinterest because it’s the only old stuff. Hah! Yes, it is!

    Reply
  19. Fanciful Ponderings says

    April 24, 2013 at 17:07

    Fantastic idea and it looks great!

    Reply
  20. Jenny Lynn says

    April 24, 2013 at 17:26

    Great way to use an old screen door. I love it! Best of all it looks great on the wall.

    Reply
  21. On Crooked Creek says

    April 24, 2013 at 21:11

    Anita,
    Some don’t have vision and creativity as you do, dear friend.
    (For my response to the lady who didn’t get it!)
    I L O V E it…perfect Scripture!!!
    Thanks for sharing!!!
    Fondly,
    Pat

    Reply
  22. Cozy Little House says

    April 24, 2013 at 22:59

    Score! The oldies are always the best.
    Brenda

    Reply
  23. lynn cockrell says

    April 25, 2013 at 00:02

    That is some fabulous chalkboard, Anita. Love it! You did a wonderful job on building it. Thanks for sharing your amazing talent with your readers!

    Reply
  24. Anne says

    April 25, 2013 at 01:06

    Now that is thinking outside of the box! LOVE this Anita looks great!
    xx
    Anne

    Reply
  25. 20 North Ora says

    April 25, 2013 at 01:13

    What a cute idea! And it fills up so much space!

    Judy

    Reply
  26. NanaDiana says

    April 25, 2013 at 01:37

    Very, very, very cool! Love it and what a fun conversation piece- xo Diana

    Reply
  27. Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door says

    April 25, 2013 at 02:35

    Aren’t you clever! This turned out so cute! Love the story with the neightbor, too.
    My Mom has a screen door in her garage that my daughter has laid claim to. Mom’s in NC. Daughter’s in CA. Not quite sure how or when she’s going to get it home but it’s her’s! 🙂

    Reply
  28. Anita @ Cedar Hill Ranch says

    April 25, 2013 at 03:42

    Karen, pasteboard is a light weight material that is lighter than particle board. I’m not sure how to describe it, but maybe you can ask for it at Lowes.

    Reply
  29. Meredith @ The Laundry Can Wait says

    April 25, 2013 at 05:36

    W-O-W. Amazing, Anita.

    XO,
    Meredith

    Reply
  30. Botanic Bleu says

    April 25, 2013 at 05:44

    Now, can’t you just hear the stories that (1) the builder and (2) the older new neighbor have to tell their friends and family about this encounter?! 🙂 Shaking their heads and trying to explain (YOU) the eccentric (1) homeowner and (2) the new neighbor around the corner.

    Love the idea and how it turned out!

    Judith

    Reply
  31. Jana@Transformations From the Heart says

    April 25, 2013 at 12:36

    Looks great! I love taking old worn-out things and bringing new life back into them. I’ve also received those same looks that you did. Most of the time, I get them from my own hubby though.

    Reply
  32. Bliss says

    April 25, 2013 at 16:02

    It’s awesome, I’m pinning.

    Bliss

    Reply
  33. Cynthia says

    April 25, 2013 at 16:17

    Wow, great idea and way to repurpose. I love this!

    Cynthia

    Reply
  34. duklvr says

    April 25, 2013 at 18:29

    Think of a way to use the screen for a dry erase board, I don’t like the chalk dust that accumulates when erasing.
    U have lots of super dooper ideas for re-purposing!

    Reply
  35. Sue says

    April 25, 2013 at 23:49

    Sweet idea, Anita! Great way to recycle an old door. 🙂

    Reply
  36. Ramblings of a Southern Girl ~ Rhonda G says

    April 26, 2013 at 00:38

    Very cute!!! And I simply adore the white settee on the opposite side! 🙂

    Reply
  37. Dori at The Red Feedsack says

    April 26, 2013 at 01:36

    What a FUN idea. I love it. The problem I would have is that my handwriting is terrible, I’m not at all good at drawing…. wonder what I would write on it?! 🙂 Love it though. I especially love the white chalk paint with the red chipping through. ~ Dori ~

    Reply
  38. Kadee Willow says

    April 26, 2013 at 18:20

    Did you want the screen door… gesh!! Of course you did and with much enthusiasm! And I loved the part about the neighbor! How funny! Thanks for giving us another way to utilize doors. After all, one can never have too many of them!! LOL

    Reply
  39. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    April 26, 2013 at 23:04

    Hi Anita, I love your new chalkboard. I had to laugh at your comment about the neighbor because I get the same look from people all the time! Thanks for joining the Open House Party and have a great weekend.
    Hugs,
    Sherry

    Reply
  40. Elizabeth (Blue Clear Sky) says

    April 27, 2013 at 23:04

    You did a great job making over the old screen door. Some people just don’t get creative.

    Reply
  41. Anita @ Cedar Hill Ranch says

    May 1, 2013 at 12:43

    Laura, the white piece of furniture you see is not a baby bed, it’s a Swedish bed. It’s new not antique, but I think they were probably used as daybeds back in the day.

    Reply
  42. Jeanette@Creating A Life says

    May 1, 2013 at 19:10

    Genius, Anita. Love it! I sure wish someone would ask me if I want an old screen door!

    Jeanette

    Reply
  43. Stacey says

    May 2, 2013 at 22:02

    That’s wonderful! I love the size – it makes such a statement!

    Reply
  44. Shannon Fox says

    May 11, 2013 at 03:57

    Just lovely. What a treasured find. Such wonderful luck to happen upon a vintage screen!

    Reply

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