Time after time we choose to fix things up in our house based on resale. WHY? We deserve to have our home reflect us and to bring us joy because WE live there. Anytime someone purchases a house and moves in, they immediately get to work making the place reflect their style. Often this involves re-doing whatever was fixed up for selling in the first place. No more.
Take back your home and find joy in the things that make you happy because you live there. You deserve to do what you want in the space you live in because it is your place. Unless you plan to only live there a year or two, don’t fret about resale value. The best thing to do to sell your home, if that is the plan, is to make it clean, welcoming and feel like home.
Now that I got that off my chest, here is an easy and oh so quick pantry project. Add a chalkboard to your pantry door for an easy grocery list right where you need it, in the pantry. This project took a hour and a half from start to final clean up. Anyone can do this in only a few steps.
Supply List:
- Masking Tape/ Painter’s Tape
- Liquid Sandpaper (degreaser and deglosser)
- Gloves and Eye Protection
- Scotch Brite Pad
- Clean, Lint Free Cloth
- Chip Brush (cheap brush to apply liquid sandpaper)
- Small Tray
- Stir Stick
- Paint
- Paint brush
- Artist’s Brush
- Step Stool
- Wire brush for cleaning
Instructions
Step 1:
Use masking tape or painter’s tape to mark off the perimeter of the chalkboard area you wish to paint. I used the edge of the raised panel as a guide. If your door is dusty or dirty, it may need to be wiped down to help the tape adhere.
Step 2:
Once tape is securely placed, use the degreaser and deglosser to prepare the surface area. This is a crucial step because it will remove any oils, dirt, and build up from the surface while it helps etch the glossy surface. Removing the gloss from the surface will allow the new paint to adhere without crawling, peeling, or scratching off in the future.
Shake the closed bottle of Liquid Sandpaper for a few seconds. Open the bottle and pour a small amount in a paper bowl, cup, or plastic lid. Use the chip brush (inexpensive brush) to liberally apply the Liquid Sandpaper to the taped off section of the door. Once applied, use the scrub pad in a circular motion to ensure the entire area is covered. Wipe off with the clean, dry, lint free cloth. You may need to fold the cloth over a few times to get a dry area. If the cloth picks up a lot of grime, repeat the process until the surface is clean.
Step 3:
Once the surface area is cleaned and prepped, apply the first coat of paint. Be sure to stir your paint with the stir stick for about two minutes to be sure the pigment is thoroughly mixed into the paint.
Do not be concerned if the first coat is a little ugly. Often there will be thinner areas of paint or show through. That is why we do two coats. Let the first coat of paint dry for about an hour.
TIP: Wrap your paint brush in plastic wrap in between coats to keep it from drying out.Â
What kind of paint should be used? For my pantry door, I am trying out the Heirloom Traditions Paint in Polo (navy blue) that I had left over from the recovered kitchen chairs*. The brand claims that it can be used for a chalkboard without any additional preparation. So you know I have to test out that claim.
Chalkboard paint, like the kind I used in the dollar store glass bottle makeover* or pumpkin crafts* could also be used. Another option would be to use any color of paint you like and then go over it with a clear chalkboard paint like I did in the post about redoing a teenage boy bathroom*. The choice is yours.
*links also posted below
Step 4:
Once the first coat is dry, apply the second coat of paint. Be sure to paint each corner. Remove the tape before the paint dries completely to help eliminate any drying paint from pulling up on the edges.
TIP: If you pull off the tape towards the center of the painted area, it helps keep any wet tape edges from accidentally hitting a non painted surface and leaving a mark.Â
Step 5:
If needed, use an artist’s brush to touch up along the edges. Use a thin detail brush for this type of work because it is easier to control the paint line.
Step 6:
Let paint thoroughly dry and cure (may vary by manufacturer) before using as a chalkboard.
Think of it this way, letting the paint dry is similar to applying nail polish. The first coat is a base coat and not pretty on its own, the second coat gives a deeper color and you need to let the polish dry completely to set.
That’s all there is to it. A quick and easy DIY that anyone can do. I look forward to when the paint cures and I can use the chalkboard door for my grocery list. No more forgetting the list in the car, I’ll just take a picture before I head out to the store and then I’m set. I love, love, love having the freedom to personalize my house to make it feel like a home.  💙
Posts That Make DIY Easy
Find Your To Die For Light Fixture
Recover a Chair Seat (with video)
Foam Pumpkin Chalkboard Centerpieces
Dollar Store Glass Bottle Makeover
Small Tool Garage Organization
Inexpensive Upgrades for the Home
Installing Stick On Tiles (with videos)
What a great idea! I never would have thought of it, and it’s a very personal and fun touch.
Well, thank you! I thought it was a simple and fun thing to do. Hopefully the boys will utilize it better than the paper list. Fingers crossed!
Very cool!
Thank you!