MIRROR TO CHALKBOARD

I finally got around to making something out of chalkboard paint. I think I must be one of the very last people to do so. I wanted it to go on my sofa table and to greet people on the way into the kitchen with a happy message. I found an antique mirror that had a great shape but very unattractive (butt-ugly) gold color. I didn't take a decent  picture of the before but you can see it behind the candle in this pic.

I first gave the frame 2 coats of dark brown primer.  RustOleum of course. Didn't get a pic of this either but it was boring anyway. Next came two coats of Annie Sloan chalk paint in old white.

While that was drying, I gave the mirror a coat of the same brown primer (yes you can paint a mirror - who knew?) and then three coats of chalkboard paint. Two coats should have been enough but when I went down to put the frame and mirror together, I found two light paw prints and a couple of nail scratches on it.  Apparently my dog was doing some crafting while I was at work.   I used a little foam roller from Martha Stewart. I didn't want the paint strokes I got from using a brush so I used the roller. It had little bubbles in it when I rolled it on but they went away as it dried. I think a sponge cabinet roller would have been a better choice....maybe next time.  

Just in case you don't know, chalk paint and chalkboard paint are two completely different things.  If you are interested in learning about chalk paint check out Annie Sloan's web site.   Once the frame was dry, I gave it a coat of clear wax and added a little brown wax.

I then distressed it a little by rubbing the raised edges with a very fine grit sand paper.

I absolutely love how this turned out.  Glad I finally tried it.  I have another chalkboard paint (and another chalk paint project too) coming up so stay tuned....