GETTING STARTED

Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials close by, and that any surfaces you’re planning to paint with MagnaMagic paints are smooth, and free of dirt and oil. Prep your workspace before you begin using a drop cloth to project your work surface. If any paint spills or splatters, wash it off with soap and water while it’s still wet to ensure an easy clean up. Have fun!

MATERIALS

Medium sized frame

Roll of magnetic strip tape

Pack of colored chalk

Chalk eraser

Variety of magnet (read our blog post “Top 10 Fun and Functional Magnets” for more)

OPTIONAL: Chalk holder with a flat back

PAINTS

1 quart MagnaMagic Magnetic Receptive Chalkboard Paint

TOOLS

1 small foam brush

STEP 1: PREPARE FRAME

Remove the backboard of the frame by lifting any clips or nails on the back of the frame and gently pulling the backboard away. Place the backboard down on your work surface and move the frame aside.

STEP 2: STIR PAINT

Open the can of paint and place it down on a flat, covered surface. Stir the paint using the stir stick until it becomes one consistent color and texture. This may take several stirs to achieve. Put the stir stick aside when you’ve finished stirring. Be careful of drips!

STEP 3: APPLY CHALKBOARD PAINT

Dip one of your foam brushes into the chalkboard paint until it is well saturated and begin painting your surface. First, paint in one direction going up and down across the entire surface of the backboard. Then, paint in the opposite direction, going from side to side across the entire surface. When the paint is wet, this should create a look similar to crosshatching. It is important to get the painted surface as smooth as possible, so try to apply even pressure using a roller that has been well coated with magnetic paint. For more detailed instructions on painting with magnetic paint, visit our How-To guide.

STEP 4: FEATHER CHALKBOARD PAINT

Once you have painted in both directions, do not dip the foam brush back into the chalkboard paint, instead use the dry brush to gently smooth out the painted surface. This technique is called ‘feathering.’ To feather, lightly drag a dry foam brush in one direction across the surface of the board.

STEP 5: LET DRY AND APPLY TWO MORE COATS

Wait for your paint to dry and repeat steps three and four until you’ve achieved three full coats of chalkboard paint.

STEP 6: PLACE BACKBOARD INTO FRAME. HANG FRAME ON WALL.

Once your backboard is fully dry, place it back inside the frame and secure it using the clips or nails. Next, hang the frame on a wall like you normally would.

STEP 7: ARRANGE MAGNETS. GRAB A PIECE OF CHALK AND DRAW.

Arrange your magnets on the board so that you have somewhere to leave your notes, receipts and lists. Next, grab your piece of chalk and draw. You’ve just created a quick and easy chalkboard! Leave a note pad and pen close by so that you always have paper handy nearby. We recommend applying strip magnet to the back of a flat chalk holder so that you have somewhere to store your chalk pieces. Woo, baby! Don’t forget to snap a picture and send us your vision board project images so we can share what you’ve created with the world.