Turning a mirror into a blackboard - help!

[Franticbutterfly]

I purchased a mirror ages ago with the intention of turning it into a blackboard but haven’t done it as I have no idea what to buy. I know I need blackboard paint, but which one? Spray or roller? And a primer? Too many decisions! I’ve been paralysed over this small craft job for over a year because I lack confidence to do stuff like this!

I think you need to remove the mirror glass, get a sheet of MDF (or similar) cut to fit the frame, paint this with blackboard paint (spray or roller will be fine- if it's big spray might be expensive though) and then fit the board into the frame.

I can't decide whether I would use a primer before the blackboard paint or not - I have a tin of primer so I probably would.

You don't need to use primer but you do need to remove the glass since the paint will just scratch off the glass.

I did the inside of my kitchen cupboards with blackboard paint (really useful for shopping lists etc). Its been on 5 years with no primer and only one coat. Still perfect.

Mine was just done with a tin of paint and a brush, not a roller - but if its supposed to be on display then a small roller would be best

I did a small picture frame into a blackboard with tacky back plastic, rather than paint. Much less messy!

www.amazon.co.uk/Blackboard-Sticker-Polypropylene-Material-Removable/dp/B07GNNRBBX/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=blackboard+fablon&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&qid=1582879306&sr=8-5

I didn't use that specific brand, ^^ I had a smaller sheet from the pound shop, but it worked really well.

Would adhesive blackboard contact paper be easier than trying to paint? I'm sure you can guys rolls of it.

OfficeTree Blackboard Wall Sticker 300 cm (118 inch) - Chalkboard Vinyl Self-Adhesive in Black - 43 cm (17 inch) Wide - for Writing, Drawing and Painting www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B06X92YB6B/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_donwEb7C139SF?tag=mumsnetforu03-21

Thanks for your responses. I just got the mirror out and realised that I could remove the mirror, flip it around and use the mdf backing as the chalk board. So I’m thinking I’ll need to prime with a wood primer? Then use a roller to paint on the blackboard paint?

As you can probably tell, I’ve never painted anything in my life (husband used to be tradesperson, so I don’t get a chance to do anything like this normally).

Yes, it will need primer if it’s bare mdf. I wouldn’t bother with a roller, blackboard paint is very thin so brush marks aren’t a problem.

I did it!

Yay!

Looks really good, OP.

Well done! It's very satisfying when you make something isn't it?

It really is very satisfying. It’s the first thing I’ve ever made. I’m really pleased with it.