Transforming an Old Window Frame Into a Magnetic Chalkboard

I recently converted an old window frame into a magnetic chalkboard using Rust-Oleum Magnetic Primer and Chalkboard Paint ... here's how I did it!
Below is what the window frame looked like when I brought it home from an estate sale ... After a good cleaning it was ready for two very quick coats of leftover gray paint.
Once the paint was dry, I heavily distressed the frame and attached two heavy duty eye hooks and heavy gauge wire so the frame could be hung on the wall.
We cut down six pieces of brown press board to fit snugly in each individual pane. Then I got busy rolling on Rust-oleum's Magnetic Primer -- five coats to be exact! FYI: I go into further detail with my experience and opinions on this product on the website ... Let's just say the packaging was a little misleading.
Because I wanted this to be a magnetic chalkboard, I then rolled on two coats of Rust-oleum's Chalkboard Paint, which has been around forever, and is a great product. Once dry, I "seasoned" the chalkboard pieces and stapled them in place.


The final touch was adding this awesome old rusty clip!
Cynthia - Clockworkinteriors
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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Frequently asked questions
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3 of 5 questions
  • Sla12497566 Sla12497566 on Oct 08, 2016
    Do you know how to clean the glass on old window panes?
  • Sjb266051 Sjb266051 on Nov 05, 2016
    Do you need the press board? Can you just use the glass after cleaned and paint?
  • Susie Koy Petlewski Susie Koy Petlewski on Dec 17, 2016
    Did the magnetic primer work by painting directly on glass?
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  • Linda Abate Linda Abate on Feb 23, 2018

    It is truly amazing how many different things we can do with old windows. This also is a great idea to have not only the chalk board but to be able to put notes and/or photos with magnets. NICE JOB.

  • Toby Morris Toby Morris on Jun 29, 2019

    Yes, using chalkboard paint is a good idea, and I will try this with the old window I have in the garage. Thanks!


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