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chalkboard coffee table {a tutorial}

An easy and non-messy DIY chalkboard coffee table, perfect for kids rooms or playrooms. You’ll love how chalkboard takes a thrifted coffee table to a whole new level!

chalkboard coffee table burlap

Hello, friends! I am so excited to share today’s tutorial with you all…what kid (or anyone, really) wouldn’t love this brightly painted, chalkboard coffee table?  Here’s the how-to:

Step 1: First, find a coffee table, end table, or other piece of furniture with a flat surface to use for this project. I found the coffee table I used from Craigslist, but this is also a great project for that piece of furniture sitting in your garage or attic that you just haven’t figured out what to do with.

Once you decide on your piece, measure the top to figure out exactly how big your chalkboard vinyl needs to be. I got my vinyl from Belvedere Designs, but you can find chalkboard vinyl almost anywhere these days!

Step 2: Next, it’s time to prep and paint your coffee table. Here’s a before picture of my coffee table…as well as a close up of the spray paint I used.

chalkboard coffee table 4

chalkboard coffee table 3

While my spray paint claims to have the primer included, I did brush on a coat of primer since my table was in pretty rough shape. Two coats of spray paint and one shipment of chalkboard vinyl later, I was ready to get started.

Step 3: Your vinyl may come with an application squeegee (shown below), which is very helpful in smoothing out your chalkboard vinyl. Because of the size of my table, it took two of us to apply, so ask a friend for help!

We did not unwrap the entire vinyl sheet from the backing at once…we unwrapped a small portion, positioned and smoothed it onto the table, unwrapped a bit more, smoothed it out a bit more, etc.

Lastly, be sure to prime your chalkboard vinyl by taking a piece of chalk, lay it on it’s side and rub your entire piece of vinyl with it. Erase, and do this twice more. Now you’re ready to let your inner artist loose! Stand back and marvel at what a huge impact you can make with such a small investment of time and money.

chalkboard coffee table 2

As I’ve said before, EVERYTHING is better with spray paint!

Here’s an easy idea for another home spray paint project: spray painting door knobs!

Have a great Monday!