Chalkboard Menu with Oyster Shell Patina Using Chalk Paint

It's Frugal Decor Tuesday and this week I'm sharing how I repurposed a metal picture frame from Goodwill and turned it into a Chalkboard Menu With An Oyster Shell Patina.  I challenged myself to create a look using what I already had in the workshop.  The magic was in the wax!

Chalkboard Menu with Oyster Shell Patina



Chalkboard Menu With Oyster Shell Patina


This is what the frame looked like before. I contemplated leaving it alone and just switching out the inexpensive mass-produced art for a chalkboard. To me, the scroll detail on the top was screaming Menu board.

Metal Framed Art from Goodwill Before Makeover

I planned on selling this frame and frankly, white sells.  Instead of spray painting the frame white and sanding it for a distressed look, I wanted something different.

I had seen a few furniture and home décor pieces on Pinterest with an oyster shell patina and really loved the finish but I didn't have the special paint products on hand to achieve the look. That's when I decided to try and replicate it with thick layers of chalk paint.

Oyster Shell patina with layers of chalk paint

First, I removed the Eugene Tava Circa 1947 print from the frame.  Starting with the color Hurricane by Country Chic Paint, a medium gray color, I brushed random thick strokes in every direction.  I repeated the process with the second coat.

Next, I dry brushed the color Simplicity White also from Country Chic Paint, in random strokes over the gray.  

Oyster Shell patina using chalk paint and pearl wax

It is the exact same paint colors I used to create a Driftwood Look On A Rattan Mirror.

Driftwood patina on oval rattan mirror

But the magic happened when I applied the wax!

Pearl Wax and layers of chalk paint for Oyster Shell Patina

I applied Pearl Wax by Country Chic Paint (it may sound like it but this isn't a sponsored post) using a lint free rag.  The paint colors instantly took on an Oyster Shell Patina and I was thrilled with the results.

Tip 1:

Did you know chalk paint in any color can be used to make a chalkboard?  A less expensive alternative to buying chalkboard paint!  


For my chalkboard, I used the color Liquorice by Country Chic Paint applied onto a piece of hardboard.  Normally I roll the paint with a foam roller when making chalkboards but this time, I applied multiple thin coats with a brush.  I let each coat dry for about an hour and lightly sanded with 220 grit sandpaper between coats.  If my memory serves me correctly, I applied 4 coats of paint to get complete coverage.

Black chalk paint to create Chalkboard Menu

Tip 2:
You must always season a new chalkboard before using it for the first time.  To do this you simply rub the side of a stick of chalk horizontally over the entire surface.  With a clean dry cloth, chalk brush, or paper towel wipe away the excess chalk.


Oyster Shell Patina Chalkboard Menu Before and After
Like I said earlier in this post, white sells and this sold very quickly at the outdoor market in May.

Which patina do you prefer?
The oxidized copper from before
or the new DIY oyster shell.

Before I say goodbye, sadly today is the final day of the Between The Lines series.


The tables are turned on our wonderful host, Katherine because today it's her turn to be interviewed by the participants.  You can catch her answers to our burning questions here at Katherine's Corner.

In case you missed it, you can catch up by pressing the links below:

Be sure to come back on Thursday when I'll be sharing an update on the most popular post on my blog.  I'm so excited because I'll also be sharing photos submitted by readers of their own versions of our Outdoor Water Wall.

You will find this project linked to these fabulous Link Parties

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