Chalkboredom

Everyone was busy yesterday so I decided to paint my thrift store coffee table. I think I paid $15 for it on some 50% off special. Its partner is still in my garage awaiting my genius/oops paint spectacular.

Someone pinned something similar on pinterest the other day. A chalkboard table. I had thought of that while staring wistfully at my bargain but nixed it because of the chalk dust and the idea of seeing the chicken scratch of two non-writers would distract me too much so I'd always be cleaning it. But, you know, boredom, monotony, the thought that if I left the house I'd be spending money all came together in my head in an explosion of energy. It's like my super power. Boredom turns into creativity. At least I'm not Aquaman.
One of the reasons the table was $15 was because it had large gouges scratched into the top from what I can only assume was a dwarf werewolf.  Small paws and all that. So I had to bust out the wood filler. It dried pretty quickly in the 10am sun of southern California. Two passes of that with sandings in between left me with a pretty smooth top.
The top wasn't as smooth as I wanted so I sanded between coats. I did around three coats and finally switched to a foam roller to get a clean top coat.
 Matte black!
This photo is after I primed the top with a piece of chalk. I just rubbed the chalk over the entire surface. Otherwise if you write something it stays forever until you evenly apply the same amount of chalk to the surface. So if you write, say, "knuckleheads" it will be there for months before it finally fades. Plus, now it looks a bit like a fancy zinc tabletop.
 I like the dark gray better than the matte black.
I had a friend stop by to help carry it in and before the legs hit the floor, Hartwell found the chalk and got busy.

Also, I realized that I was absolutely right, I have to wipe it down every night or go insane at seeing the mismatched scrawling from the short, drunken frat boys who live in my house.








14 comments

Jays said...

I love it. Now you need a perfect something to hold chalk. I'll drive you to Anthropologie and/or thrift shops to find it.

kristi@ishouldbemoppingthefloor said...

I think it looks so great!! I just bought a can of chalkboard paint last night...now I know what to do with it!! Would be delighted for you to link up with us over at Mop It Up Mondays (at i should be mopping the floor): http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/2012/02/mop-it-up-mondays-4.html

Have a great week!
{HUGS},
kristi

Melanie @ bear rabbit bear said...

The table looks great! It looks like a very upscale kids' boutique table!! :) www.bearrabbitbear.com

Kristi @ Addicted 2 Decorating said...

That looks great! Love the way it looks after being "primed" with the chalk. Good job!

SaltAndPepperMakers said...

What a great idea! Love that table!

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

Fun idea...it looks great

Simply Tasheena said...

Great transformation. I would love for you to stop by and link up at my linky party via: ourdelightfulhome.blogspot.com


Mrs. Delightful
Ourdelightfulhome.blogspot.com

Our Pinteresting Family said...

I love this project. I definitely pinned it. I am a new follower and love checking out your blog. ~ Megan

*Shabby LOCO!* said...

OMGEEEE, come party with MEE!
I luv those legs and the top? Geni-US!! LURV it!
<3
Melissa

http://shabbyloco.blogspot.com/2012/02/wtf-wednesdays.html

CailinMarie said...

yep, the dust would get me, but I think it looks great! I also think it looked great just matt black, I might just hide the chalk...

S said...

I love this idea! I picked up a $5 kids table last summer and have yet to paint it. It's old (probably from the 50s) and sits in our playroom, unloved. You've provided such inspiration for my next project!!! THANK YOU!

beachcomber said...

great idea! love it!
stopping by from romantic home.
now following on linky.
x

Unknown said...

Love this table! I'm your newest follower-stop by for a visit!!

Candy said...

What a gorgeous table. I can't believe you found it for only $15. I've just become your newest follower. Please, please come visit me and maybe follow back.