Chalk Board Trays are a GREAT gift for teachers! Super Simple too! First- go to a VOA or Salvation Army and purchase a bunch of funky vintage silver trays. Purchase some Chalk Paint™ by Annie Sloan….in any color you love. Think out of the box when it comes to the color of Chalk Paint™ for your black board. It does not have to be the traditional Graphite. Darker Chalk Paint™ colors like our Florence, Aubusson Blue, Provence, Olive, Primer Red and Greek Blue would be great too!
Paint 3 to 4 coats – let each coat dry in between the next. Once done- let the paint cure for a day or so. Some people will take the side of a stick of chalk and rub it all over the chalkboard first – as so to “prime” it. I don’t think this is necessary- but feel free. I do suggest rounding the tip of a new piece of chalk prior to using so the corner is not sharp.
If you want to make the most of this idea….buy a Chalk Paint sample pot and make a gift “basket” for your favorite teachers. Take the tray- set flat on table. Place sample pot, sponge paint brush and box of chalk in to a tulle gift bag from Hobby Lobby or Micheal’s Crafts and tie to silver tray with ribbon OR place all items on the unpainted wrap tray and then wrap with either mesh ribbon or a large piece of tulle.
Important note to share on the gift card is to please do not use chalk markers. Traditional chalk pieces were best in regards to clean up. And for cleaning your Black board….use a wet/damp cloth. The first time you clean your Chalk Paint™ Black Board- you may get a small amount of residual color…but from that point forward- you will not.
This same application concept of making a Black Board applies perfectly for walls, or any other surface like clay pots, glass containers, etc. The one below is what I painted in my store workshop area. This “chalk board” gets some serious use and holds up incredibly!!!!!
I am so confused! I have been informed by very popular bloggers that chalk paint and chalk board paint is two different things! And that ASCP is NOT for chalkboard type projects! Is it or is it not chalkboard paint?
Hey Kendra …thanks for your note! You are right that Chalk Paint™ by Annie Sloan is very different than let’s say- the paint you purchase at Home Depot or Lowes that is specifically for painting a blackboard. Although Chalk Paint™ by Annie Sloan can be used to create a chalk board….the qualities of the paint go far beyond that and the adhesion qualities of it are amazing. Annie Sloan created Chalk Paint™ over 20 years….she has trademarked, patented, and copyrighted through US requirements “Chalk Paint.” Her paint can be used inside and outdoors. “Chalk Board” paint sold at Lowes or Home Depot is not created for that type of use. The superior finish and colors of Chalk Paint™ by Annie Sloan make it a product that rivals any high end paint that is applied within a factory for luxury furniture. So, although most people are not purchasing Chalk Paint™ by Annie Sloan to create “silver tray chalk boards”….if they however would like to- they can! I used Graphite in my shop on my walls and use that as a chalk board when I have classes. But what I love to use Chalk Paint™ by Annie Sloan for- is finishing furniture. The fact that I can sand it and make it smooth as glass is impressive to me. I love the ease of application, the speed it dries, its versatility and ability to create depth and rich uniqueness. So, yes- you are right….from a chemical composition Chalk Paint™ by Annie Sloan is different than generic “chalk board” paint- but that doesn’t mean you cannot use it to make a “chalk board” if you would like. : )