Have you ever made a chalkboard? They are so easy to do with chalkboard paint. Today I'm sharing how easy it is to repurpose thrift store platters into chalkboard signs.

I'll be sharing how I upcycled a plastic charger plate and a small silver tray from Goodwill and turned them into small chalkboards. They make the cutest kitchen message boards, chalkboard menus, or chalkboards for seasonal decor signs.

Upcycled Charger Plate and Silver Platter Chalkboards

I incorporated my upcycled chalkboard signs with my Spring and Easter decor but I pretty much use them year-round. The possibilities for the chalkboard platters are endless and they have such lovely farmhouse charm.

These are the two thrift store plates I'm using for the handmade chalkboards. The one in the background is a plastic charger plate and the one in the foreground is a small silver serving platter.

They are cute displayed on plate stands like I did or hung on a wall. The banner displayed above the chalkboards is also handmade. You can see how I made it in my Vintage Style Spring Banner post.

These little upcycled chalkboards are a great gift idea too. The possibilities are endless for these adorable chalkboards.

They also make lovely wedding signs painted white with pearl wax for the guest book table and more. Besides weddings, they are such pretty signs for any special occasion or gathering.

What You'll Need To Make Them

This post contains affiliate links so you can see what products I used or recommend for this project. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Supply List

• Charger Plates or Platters (thrift store or dollar store)
• Primer
• Serene Blue Chalk-style Paint
• White Chalk-Style Paint
• Black Chalk-Style Paint
• Clear Wax
• Pearl Wax
• 220-grit Sandpaper

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of how to make the DIY Chalkboard Signs, almost all of the DIY projects shared here at Interior Frugalista have step-by-step tutorials so why not get your budget DIY on and subscribe. You can also follow us on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Here's How I Made Them

We'll start with the most important step, prepping the platters for paint. This will provide the base for chalkboards that will last for many years.

Step 1 - Prepping The Platters For Paint

Clean plastic platters or faux silver platters with soap and water. But the metal platters should be cleaned with denatured alcohol. You can paint directly over the plastic platters with chalk-style paint.

But take caution with the metal platters. If you brush over the same area twice before the paint dries it will start to peel and you'll end up with a hot mess on your hands.

Pro-Tip

To avoid this prime the silver platter first and you can do it one of two ways. Either prime the plate with Zinsser Bullseye 123 Primer OR spray them with primer spray paint.

If you plan on distressing your plates then I would suggest spraying them with black spray paint rather than white like I did.

Step 2 - Turning Them Into Chalkboards

To turn the plates into chalkboards you can use black chalkboard paint, flat black latex paint, or black chalk-style paint.

If you use chalkboard paint, there is a longer dry time between coats. I painted mine with two coats of black chalk-style paint because it dries so quickly between coats.

Once the black chalkboard centers are finished, we're ready to paint the rim of the plates in the colors of your choosing. I've included instructions below for each chalkboard.

Upcycled Metal Platter DIY Chalkboard

I kept the silver plate black and simply dry brushed white paint along the rim. To do this dip the tips of your brush into white paint and offload the excess onto a paper towel. With an almost dry brush, apply light pressure and swipe your brush across the raised parts of the rim.

You'll need to protect the paint on the rim ONLY. I applied clear wax with a lint-free rag, being careful not to get any wax on the chalkboard center.

Upcycled Charger Plate DIY Chalkboard

I painted the rim of the charger plate with two coats of Americana Decor Chalky Paint in the color Serene. Next, I distressed the paint on the raised details only with 220-grit sandpaper.

To protect the paint on the rim ONLY, I applied pearl wax with a lint-free rag, being careful not to get any wax on the chalkboard center.

How To Season New DIY Chalkboards

Before you embrace your inner chalkboard artist, it's important that you season the board. If not, you risk ghostwriting on your nice brand new chalkboard.

To do this you simply run the side of a stick of chalk all over the board both vertically and horizontally. Rub the chalk with a clean cloth or paper towel.

Tips For Drawing Like A Chalkboard Artist

Judging by the photos in this post it is obvious I freehanded my typography. But if you want your chalkboard art to look like a professional chalkboard artist did it, here's a tip on how to look like a pro.

In PicMonkey (or your favorite graphic software), design your artwork and print it on regular bond paper. Hold the paper up to a window and rub chalk on the backside directly over the graphic.

Place the chalk side of the paper against the chalkboard and trace over the graphic with a pencil. Now with sharpened sticks of chalk or liquid chalk pens fill in your design.

I hope these DIY chalkboards have inspired you to look twice at inexpensive plastic or metal platters and plates at your local thrift store and/or dollar store.

For more DIY chalkboard inspiration see how I repurposed thrift store art into a Faux Oyster Shell Chalkboard Menu. I also upcycled large bedroom dresser mirrors into two Vintage Dresser Mirror Chalkboards.

Here are two more large handmade chalkboard ideas. This Large DIY Wood Framed Chalkboard does not require power tools to build. Here's an idea for how to make an entire DIY Chalkboard Wall.

Thanks for stopping by the Interior Frugalista today! I hope you were inspired by these upcycled platter chalkboards. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comment section below or the Contact Me tab at the top to drop me an email. I love hearing from you!

If you enjoyed this easy DIY chalkboard idea, I'd be so thankful if you shared it with a friend and pinned it to your DIY Chalkboard Ideas board on Pinterest.

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