Monday, August 30, 2010

Chalkboard Paint~ Dining Table.

My dining room table was in pretty bad shape.  It has been moved MANY times and has suffered the consequences of the moves and a large family.  This summer, I decided to have some fun with the table.  Why not make our dining room table one big chalkboard???  The kids have LOVED IT!

The first thing I did was lightly sanded the table so that the chalkboard paint would "stick" better.

After sanding, I wiped the table down really well and then applied 3 coats of chalkboard paint.

After the paint was dry, you need to prime it.  You prime the chalkboard paint by rubbing a piece of chalk across the entire surface.

I learned a valuable lesson since having a chalkboard paint table top.  If you wipe it down with a lint-free cloth, you won't get any of the "hazy" effects from the chalk like you see in this picture below.  It will just look like a plain black table top.

My kids (teenagers included) have spent countless hours drawing and creating at the new table.  It has been a great way to spend some of the HOT Summer afternoons.  The teens friends have made comments like, "This is the COOLEST table ever!",  "I LOVE this table", "This is awesome!".

Will I keep my table this way forever???  Hmmmm, time will tell.  Maybe just for the summer.  Maybe longer.  My son wants me to keep it this way so that he can use the chalk to figure out his math problems when he is doing his homework.  Haha.  Sounds like a great plan to me :)

I LINK UP HERE and BLOG HOP HERE.  If you host a blog party or linky party, PLEASE feel free to link them up to my library :)

PS- MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!  THRILLING THURSDAY Linky Party begins here THIS Thursday.  Come link up your projects, crafts, photos, etc.  Hope YOU will join in on the fun!


90 comments:

Georgia said...

this is great. I had a chalkboard coffee table last year. Someone fell on it (on purpose) and it smashed in half.

xxx

Stacy Rajab said...

Wow - Lori, that table is great! What a neat idea. Thanks for sharing. New follower from monday blog hop:)

http://retromodernprojects.blogspot.com/

Brooke said...

What a great idea! You are so creative. My kids would think that is the coolest thing ever!

Marissa said...

what a GREAT idea and it turned out super cute :) Newest follower from meet me monday!! Love your blog design and all of the posts I've been reading...you have me hooked! have a great day!!

Nickie said...

That's a great idea! I've thought of doing chalkboard walls but not furniture!

I'm a new follower from Follow Us Monday!
~~~~~~~~
Visit me at Southern Expressions

Tara said...

What a cute blog! New follower here from Making Friends.
Check out my blog:
Liveeverymom@blogspot.com

Liz said...

New follower stopping by from Marvelous Monday BH. Love the Chalkboard table, I might have to do that for our new playroom! Love it!!

http://chalkboardstostrollers.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

Awesome use of chalk board paint! I wanted to do that to a little table I have, but hubby vetoed. I was sorta sad, but oh well! I would love a table like this! Great job!

Shanti said...

Your newest follower on Making Friends! Love your blog and your ideas are wonderful!
http://purelyforfun.blogspot.com/
Hope you'll stop by and follow back:)

Donna @ The House on the Corner said...

Great idea to have the kiddos all spending time together.....and anything you can do to help with the math is a great idea!

DIAPERS in the DESERT said...

I am so happy to see that someone successfully used chalkboard paint... My daughters room has ugly paneling and I was planning on using chalkboard paint on her closet doors but wasn't sure if it was as easy as it looked. You are always so creative.

Twin Inspiration said...

What a great table. My kids would love that. I found your blog through Mingle Monday. I hope you stop by.

Lisa
www.twininspiration.blogspot.com

Nicki Woo said...

Loving the table. Great idea! I've used the paint before on other projects, but never a table. That looks really cool.

Heidi said...

That's really a clever use of chalkboard paint! I've got to jump on the bandwagon and use that paint on something!
Stop by for a visit sometime.
xo
Heidi - Heart and Home

Bethany said...

That is an awesome idea...I think I wanna try it, and I am so not the build, fix, paint, craft it momma...=)

Ma What's 4 dinner said...

How awesome is that???? Brilliant. New follower here from the Monday Blog hops. Hope you'll come by to say hi and maybe return the favor?

Lots of yummy love,
Alex aka Ma What's For Dinner
www.mawhats4dinner.com

Aimee @ Explore, Learn, Have Fun! said...

That is a fantastic table!! I'm going to be searching for a table I can convert now - my kids would have so much fun!
New follower, please stop by my blog & follow back if you would like! : )
Aimee

Closer to Lucy said...

I love it! Looks great! I'm gonna make one for my sister's little people (mine are getting too "big")!

Should workout to a super cool auntie Christmas gift!

Out meet and greeting, following now.

Kaysi @ Keeping it Simple said...

that is awesome and so fun!

Melissa said...

Your son might be onto something - the new greatest way to do homework.

Christy said...

This is one of the neatest ideas I have seen - I love it!!! I would love to do this to my table.

Anonymous said...

Awesome table!

Stopping by from Making Friends Blogger Style. I'm your newest follower!

Stop by if you get a chance:
www.couponclippindaddy.com

Anonymous said...

What a great idea! LOVE it :) I'm your newest follower- Saw you on Mommy 2 Two Girls- Monday hop... follow back if you'd like :) I love new bloggin mama friends.

Unknown said...

Im your newest follower from monday blog hop! That chalkboard table is awesome- what a great idea!
I would love for you to follow back at threecrazymunchkins.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

Love that table! My grandkids would go nuts for it.
Following from Trailing Tuesdays....would love to have you follow back.
http://funfritzfamily.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

This is awesome!! Looks like hours of entertainment even for me (and im 26!)

I'm a new follower, found you at Marketing Monday!
Hannah @ www.peggyanndesign.com

brandi @ tales of a domestic goddess said...

what a great idea!!! =)

Courtney Brake said...

That is such a great idea! Might have to do that when we start homeschooling!

I'm your newest follower.. found you on Tuesday Tag-Along :)

http://cheeriosandtricycles.blogspot.com

decorating diva {aka deanna} said...

GREAT IDEA!

Monique said...

Hi! Found you through TTA blog hop although I'm not too sure about being follower #666 :/ Monique xx
http://originalmischief.blogspot.com

Kari @ Mommy's Fabulous Finds said...

I'm your newest follower from the blog hop. Hope you can come visit me.

Mommy's Little Dinos
http://mommyslittledinos.blogspot.com/

"Iowa Mom" said...

Stopping by to say hello from Follow Back Tuesday. It you have not visited me lately, please do so today. Your follow back is always appreciated!
http://momtobedby8.blogspot.com/2010/08/follow-me-back-tuesday-august-31st.html

Wendy said...

Oh, how fun is this! My kids would LOVE it!

Carole Davids said...

Love the chalkboard table.

new follower from the monday link up

Carole
www.frogbellysoup.blogspot.com

Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures said...

Wow, great idea. It's amazing that a simple chalkboard in a unusual form can keep them busy for hours. It looks good too:-)

Mad in Crafts said...

Chalkboard tabletops are good for homework AND game nights! Thanks for linking up to the Mad Skills party!

Missy Salsa said...

Great idea! New follower from Follow me back Tuesday!

www.missysalsa.blogspot.com

Kara said...

Wow Lori! This is brilliant! I'm sure you're the coolest Mom on the Block with this table. Such a great idea...I love it!

Unknown said...

Hi! I am hopping over to follow you from Follow Me Back Tuesday! I really like the chalkboard table.

Have a great Tuesday!

Kristine (c:

Christy said...

that is an absolutely wonderful idea! thank you for sharing!

Let'sMakeADifference said...

I'm following!! Visiting from FMBT!!! Would love you to visit me and do the same! Love the table!!

Betty said...

I'd love to come over and draw on your table! Great idea. If I had one I'd probably never get anything done I'd be so busy drawing all the time.

Jeanne said...

I never would have thought of this. I'm thinking my five kids would have loved it. Great idea for a fun way to create.
Hugs, Jeanne

*ashley* said...

that looks awesome! new follower, just saying hi! love all the crafts on your blog!!
~ashley

Amanda Tempel said...

HI There! :)

I'm stopping by from Tuesday Tag Along (I was already following you) and I wanted to take a minute and remind you to feel free to join in my new blog hop, Wobble Over Wednesday. It's a great way to make new friends and get new blog followers :).

I hope to see you there!
-Amanda T
http://mylifewithratsandmore.blogspot.com

cherry said...

what an awesome idea I could spend hours drawing on your table ..lol

hugs from Savannah, Cherry

niartist said...

I just love the way this turned out! It's really beautiful, and something I think I can do too - which makes it even more inspiring! Thanks for sharing, and as always inspiring!
Artie
P.S., stop by and let me know what you think of my little video I did of my house. I hope you like it - would love to know what you think!

Ashley said...

Very cute idea! Don't you just love chalkboard paint?!

I am your newest follower from Mingle Mondays.

Ashley
http://afortyyearoldranch.blogspot.com/

Melissa said...

I love love the idea of using it as a homework table! Totally bookmarking this one!

Homemade Heather said...

Love it! I have a table that could use some inspiration! Thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

This is SO COOL! I would love to do this, but I think my hubby might have a stroke. LOL

Corinna
www.myscrapbooklife.com

Robin Ange said...

My kids would love this!

Ginger said...

Thanks for linking up to Mad Skills Monday!

Mom2my10 @ 11th Heaven said...

That is so awesome! I must now find an old table and do this!

Show Me Mama said...

Oh, my oh my, i love this idea!!!! You are amazing! I have to try this one out. Thanks for sharing :)

Roslyn said...

cool idea for a family or for a little kids table.

the cape on the corner said...

how fun! coming over from fun to craft.

Tricia Rose said...

That IS the coolest table ever! MInd if I copy?

Sue said...

It looks fabulous! I did the same thing to a door in my kitchen:)

Allison said...

Wow a fabulous idea! Do you have any problems with chalk dust? I came here through the Vintage Suitcase Linky Party!

Katie said...

Wow that is such a cool idea, once we finishour basement our kitchen table is moving down there and this would be a fun thing to do to it! Thanks for the cleaning tip☺ and for linking up to A Crafty Soiree.

Threeundertwo said...

What a fun idea! That chalkboard paint is great stuff. Thanks for linking up to Finished for Friday!

Debbiedoos said...

Well that sure is one inspiring idea...it turned out great. Thanks for sharing on my before and after party.

Ashlee Marie said...

Lovely! I totally thought about doing this. It's such a fun idea! I really enjoy chalk board paint. Way to go for being so brave! Thanks for linking up to Topsy Turvy Tuesday!

Julie @ Frugal and Fabulous Design said...

What fun and clever idea - I love it!

Thanks for linking up to Fab Friday -

Cheers!

Tara Beaulieu said...

What a clever idea! And really, if it gets the kids inspired to work on homework? Keep it! Happy VTT! :)

Debby said...

Wow!!! I totally love this idea! Thank you so much for sharing it!!! I totally want to do this!And this would be perfect for tables in a Sunday School room, or school classroom...Love it!

Kelley said...

I love it...what a great idea to keep everyone at the table.

have great weekend.

Leah said...

Love it! I think we might have to do this to our school table!

idesign said...

so fun! :)

Anonymous said...

Love it; great idea!

KimMalk said...

What a fun idea - my kids would love it, too. You're a cool mom :).

Susan @ Oh My! Creative said...

A very fun and cool idea!

Susan,
http://entertainexchange.blogspot.com/
Party and Entertaining Inspiration

Colie's Kitchen said...

Cute blog!! I am now a new follower!! Nicole @ colieskitchen.com Relax and Surf Sunday!!

Crystal said...

Wow you must be the coolest mom ever! This looks like so much fun.

My Dream Canvas said...

This is beautiful!! I m hosting a 50 dollar CSN Giveaway and would love for you to stop by. Thanks Anu!

Anonymous said...

Wow, I love this! Great idea. Thanks for linking up. PS I love your blog. Its so neat and simple.

Samantha said...

Just saw this on the Shabby Nest and I love love love your dining table!

Laurel @ Ducks in a Row said...

Fun fun fun fun fun table!

Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage said...

That's a great idea. I can see how kids of all ages would love it. But how in the world do you deal with all the chalk dust?

Thanks for linking to my party. I would love to have you join me for one, or all three, of my parties each week.

Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage
http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

This is so awesome, I would have never thought of putting chalkboard paint on the table! Thanks for linking up to Sister Sister Sunday!

MBC Scrapbooking said...

Hi Lori! This table ROCKS!!!!! Thank you for linking up and for the best idea ever- I am definitely doing this for my kids to keep them occupied in the winter:)

Memories by Christine scrapbooking
http://mbcscrapbooking.blogspot.comLink up your projects every Thursday!
Make your baby album with MBC! Workshop begins September 13

Roberta said...

Just love what you all are doing with chalkboard paint...and why not redo a table with it...great for the kids! Wish I had this when my kids were little ;) I just posted about using chalkboard paints as well yesterday and I'm sure you will enjoy these as well: http://con-tain-it.typepad.com/my_weblog/2010/12/typical-tuesday-6-fun-ways-with-chalkboard-paint.html#tp

Happy Holidays, fondly, Roberta

dancilhoney said...

I just love tables! I enjoy the lines they contribute to a room. round dining tables

Spring said...

What a cool idea! I think my kids would give me a medal for doing this project. :)

Theresa said...

Hi, I just found your blog and I love it. I love, love, love the chalkboard table. I thik that would be a great idea for my playroom. I am now on a search for a table!

The BU Attic Blogger said...

I LOVE this idea, but I am worried about the chalk dust. I even went out and bought "dust less" chalk, but chalk is chalk, it's dusty!! Any tips for the dust?

Allison said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Allison said...

Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon the blog and wished to say that I’ve truly enjoyed browsing the blog posts. click this site

Home Stars said...

absolutely beautiful. thanks for posting them.
Small Kitchen Tables For Sale
8 Chair Dining Table
Furniture Stores Denver
Bench Table And Chairs