Chalkboard & Clip Rail: Part 1

That is not happening. I’m making a chalkboard AND a clip rail art display board for a grand total of $12. Disclaimer: that total is because I already had some of the stuff I needed, but even if you had nothing, you could make these for under $30. See:

Materials:

Chalkboard Paint $2.50 (It’s $10 a can, but you will only use about 1/4 of the can)

2’x2′ 1/4″ oak square, under $5 at Lowes.

2 furring strips, under $2 each- $3.75 (ask specifically for furring strips. They are about half the cost of the other boards.) Two is enough for the chalkboard frame and the clip rail.

Paint or stain $5 (You will only need about a pint. You can get oops paint very cheaply.)

Paintable caulk $3

Picture hangers $3

Wood Glue $6

Clothes Pins $1

Rag

Small paint brush (one that you are willing to throw away) & roller

Total: $29.25

And that will leave you with extra caulk, wood glue, paint, and probably some clothes pins for other projects.

Let’s get started!
It’s easy, but it takes a few days because there is a lot of wait time between steps.

Day 1:

1. First I had them cut the wood for me at Lowes to fit around the oak square like a frame. 2 furring strips is enough to frame the square and have plenty left over for the art rail.

2. Then I rolled 3 coats of the chalkboard paint onto the square and let them dry for about an hour.