I am on a chalkboard kick! Yesterday I shared my junque makeover from mirror to chalkboard. Today I am showing you how to take an old window pane and turn it into a chalkboard.
Super easy. Even easier if I had taken more pictures. Sigh. Getting better!
I started with a pane that looked like these. My client who gave me this Window Pane that my dining room chalkboard is made of is getting this Redoux.
You can read about the “Always a Bridesmaid, Never a Bride Story”, HERE.
Her husband is a General Contractor and comes across these awesome old window frames from time to time.
If you want to turn the Old Pane into an awesome Chalkboard, like this one….you just need a few items.
-Glass cutter to remove old glass. (Can be purchased for under $4 at a home supply store
-Heavy gloves for removing the glass
-Sander
-Dust Mask. MUST HAVE!!!!!
-Big Chip Brush for dusting out the corners and tack cloth
-Thin piece of MDF measured to fit slightly smaller than the Pane. I go about 1/2″ smaller all around the pane.
-Chalkboard Paint of choice, you can even use CeCe Caldwell’s, just don’t sand it, it makes an awesome chalkboard
-Paint color of choice for Pane
-Wax or sealer for finish
-3/4″ screws and drill/screwdriver
Start by cutting the glass out of the Pane and removing it carefully!
Lots of Old Panes have lead paint on them, sand thoroughly with a small sander, 220 grit will make it smooth. WEAR A DUST MASK WHILE SANDING OLD PANES. LEAD PAINT IS EXTREMELY HARMFUL AND LEAD DUST IS EVEN WORSE.
-I like to finish with 320 grit to give a super smooth finish
-Paint your MDF with three coats of Chalk board paint color of choice
-Paint your frame color of choice, I used CeCe Caldwell’s California Gold and finished with a clear and dark wax
When both pieces are dry, lay your pane down on a clean, flat surface. Position the MDF, paint side down over the frame. Make sure it is straight on all edges.
Drill pilot holes, I did four on each side. Finish with 3/4″ screws to secure the painted MDF to the frame.
Voila! You have a new chalkboard Window Pane!
Because the wood was old, it was the perfect vehicle to use a little dark wax, I love how it “catches” in the divets and corners.
Now, that wasn’t such a pain was it?
Ce n’être pas beau ?
Sharing this “Pane” with these lovely parties:




This is the coolest Karen. What neat idea indeed. Thanks so much for sharing.
Love it! Now I’m on the hunt for an old window 🙂
Another cute chalkboard! I made one from a window pane last week too. But I have to say that the thought of lead paint scares me!
Cool. Really cool! I never thought of using a window fram for a chalkboard – now I have more creative ideas for some old windows I’ve been hanging onto!
Love the color! It’s awesome!
Very cool — love the old wood!
xo Heidi
Nothing makes my day like a repurposed item! Great job!
Fabulous Karen! Thanx for coming to party at THT! Hope all is well.