DIY Easy Mirror Chalkboard

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 30 mins
  • Skill Level: Beginner

Transform an old mirror into something you can use every day by turning it into a chalkboard. This DIY adds an elegant yet organized touch to your interiors. Hang it in your kitchen, your home office, mudroom, or a kid's room for an at-a-glance reminder of what needs to be done on a day-to-day basis.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Microfiber cloth

Materials

  • Mirror or picture frame
  • Glass cleaner
  • Painter's tape
  • Spray primer
  • Chalkboard spray paint
  • Newspaper
  • Chalk
  • Small felt square

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Surface

    Clean the surface of the mirror, and dry it completely. Use a microfiber cloth instead of a paper towel, which will leave lint on the glass that can get stuck in the paint and primer.

    Using painter's tape, cover the edge of the mirror (where the frame meets the glass). Take the frame outside, and lay it down on some newspaper. Place the mirror on top. Cover any parts of the frame that are still exposed with newspaper or paper towels and secure. (Of course, you can always paint the frame if you'd like). 

    If you're using a picture frame instead, you can remove the entire glass or plastic piece from the front of the frame, so you won't need to tape and cover it.

    mirror frame edged with tape to be painted
    The Spruce / Caylin Harris
  2. Prime Your Surface

    Start priming the surface, following the directions on the spray can. For best results, don't spray too close to the glass, as it will cause the paint to run. Spray while moving across the surface in quick fluid motions.

    Let the primer dry completely. If it's cold outside, it might be smart to bring the mirror inside to dry. If the temperature is too cold or too humid, it will keep the paint from drying.

    mirror painted with chalkboard paint
    The Spruce / Caylin Harris
  3. Paint Your Surface

    Using the chalkboard spray paint, cover the glass surface completely with the same spraying technique that you used with the primer. For added durability, apply two coats of the chalkboard paint.

    Once both coats are complete, remove the painter's tape, and let it dry completely. While the paint might look and feel dry to the touch, let it sit at least 24 hours before you try using the chalkboard.

    spraypainted chalkboard paint
    The Spruce / Caylin Harris
  4. Season the Chalkboard

    After you've let it dry overnight, run the side of a piece of chalk over the entire surface of the chalkboard to ensure that you'll be able to erase what you write on the board. If you skip this step, the first message you write will always be visible on the surface.

    Erase the chalk, and enjoy. Cut a small square out of a piece of felt to create an inexpensive eraser. For a more finished-looking edge, cut with pinking shears. Use this new decor piece as a memo board, menu, or a place to jot helpful reminders.

    hand drawing on chalkboard with chalk
    The Spruce / Caylin Harris