DIY Chalkboard Signs

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Fortunately for me, we figured out how to make DIY chalkboard signs back in 2016 when Amanda got married! So in getting all of my wedding décor together, we just had to pick designs and execute! Making a DIY wedding chalk board can be super intimidating but it’s not as difficult as it looks. The hardest part is laying out your design.

Step 1: Create the Frames

We picked up a couple frames from different estate sales, but really you can get frames from anywhere! Pull over at the next yard sale you drive past and I guarantee they will have old picture frames you can commandeer!

We painted our frames gold to really make them pop. Then we cut a piece of plywood to fit the frame.

Step 2: Paint the Plywood & Attach to Frame

Before putting the plywood into the frame, paint it with Chalkboard Paint. We used a mini roller and did 2 coats. Allow it to dry for 2-4 hours between each coat but needs to cure for 3 days before you begin your design. Once it has finished drying attach it to the frame. I ran a bead of caulk to adhere the plywood to the frame.

Step 3: Design the Board

Designing the Board is really the hardest part, simply because there is so much you can do! We laid out several different designs using Microsoft Publisher but any program you are comfortable with will be just fine. The key is to ensure your design is the same size as your plywood. Layout your wording first, then add graphics to your design. Once you’re satisfied, print your design and ensure it fits the space on the board. With Publisher, if the design is larger than an 8.5” x 11 sheet of paper, it will print on several sheets and automatically figures out the overlap. Assemble your paper design using tape on the front side. We print on grayscale to save on ink!

TIP: If you see different chalkboards you like, you can snip together the sections to make your own board! Check out the below which shows our snipped together design and the final product!

See the below link for free downloads of the boards we have already designed!

Step 4: Chalk the Paper

After you finish taping together the design, flip it over and completely chalk the backside of the paper. Once you have it covered with chalk, place it on the chalkboard. I used sidewalk chalk for this step!

TIP: Put small pieces of tape around the design to hold it in place.

Step 5: Trace onto Board

With a ballpoint pen, trace the outside lines of your design. Make sure you are pressing firmly but don’t press so hard you rip the paper! I try to trace a minimal amount because this does leave a lot of chalk residue behind which you will need to clean up.

TIP: Do not let your hand rest on the paper as it will leave a chalk smudge on your chalkboard and make it difficult to see your design.

Once you have traced the entire design, remove the paper and viola! Your design will be duplicated on the board.

Step 6: Finish the Design

You’ll notice there are areas that didn’t transfer completely or transferred lightly. Trace over the entire design with chalk, pressing firmly. Once complete, you can add colors or whatever else you’d like! For one of my chalkboards, I plan to add little wooden cutouts of my dogs!

TIP: Once you are done with your diy chalkboard, use a wet paper towel or q-tips to clean the excess chalk off the board. It will not come off entirely, this is okay! When you’re done with that chalkboard, wipe the design down completely with a wet rag and repaint with chalkboard paint and you are ready to make new signs.

Looking for other DIY Wedding inspiration? Check out our other wedding DIYs here!

Chalkboard Signs DIY Links

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1/8″ Plywood