Transforming Treasures: DIY Upcycled Window Memo Board with Custom Chalkboard Paint

We’re thrilled to welcome Brittany from Pretty Handy Girl back to share another ingenious project! Her creativity and practical skills always inspire us, teaching us new techniques and sparking fresh ideas. Today, Brittany is here to guide us through creating a stunning upcycled memo board from an old window, complete with a fantastic tutorial for making your own chalkboard paint in any color imaginable. The possibilities for personalization and utility are truly endless!

Thank you for inviting me, Sandra, to share this exciting project with your wonderful readers. As the holidays approach, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about unique, handmade gifts, and this project fits the bill perfectly!

The Undeniable Charm of Upcycled Windows: A Treasure Hunt Find

In my experience, old windows possess an unparalleled charm and incredible potential, making them some of the best candidates for transformation into truly special gifts. Their sturdy frames and divided panes offer a built-in structure just waiting for a creative makeover.

My passion for upcycling often leads me to unexpected finds. Recently, I hit the jackpot when I spotted several old windows discarded by the side of the road. I practically squealed my tires to safely rescue these beauties from the trash heap! I couldn’t believe my luck – a collection of vintage windows, ready for a new life.

Among the many ways to repurpose old windows, transforming them into stylish and functional memo boards is by far my favorite. It combines practicality with rustic elegance, offering a perfect blend for any home or office. Let me walk you through the process of how I transformed one of these curbside treasures into a beautiful, personalized memo center.

Essential Materials for Your Upcycled Window Memo Board

Gathering your materials is the first step towards bringing your vision to life. This project uses readily available items, some of which you might already have on hand, making it a budget-friendly and sustainable DIY. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Old Divided Light Window: The star of our project! Look for windows with multiple glass panes.
• Sheet Metal: (Around $10 for a sheet in the ductwork aisle of hardware stores). This will create your magnetic surfaces.
• Tin Snips: Essential for safely cutting sheet metal.
• Work Gloves: Non-negotiable for protecting your hands when handling metal and old windows.
• 3M Duct Tape: For securing fabric to the metal, known for its strong adhesion.
• Scissors: For cutting fabric and tape.
• Unsanded Grout: The secret ingredient for homemade chalkboard paint. Choose unsanded for a smoother finish.
• Acrylic Latex Paint: Your choice of colors! I used Raspberry and a Lemon/Lime sherbet green. These will be for the frame and to mix with grout for chalkboard paint.
• Fabric: Select a pattern or color that complements your chosen paint colors and overall aesthetic.
• Paint Brushes: Various sizes for painting the frame and applying chalkboard paint.
• Mixing Cup: For preparing your DIY chalkboard paint.
• Scotch Blue Painter’s Tape: For masking off areas to create clean lines.
• Primer: An absolute must for good adhesion, especially on old wood and glass.
• Fine Grit Sandpaper: For smoothing surfaces and ensuring paint adhesion.
• Foam Double Stick Tape: For securely attaching the fabric-covered metal panels to the window panes.
• D-Ring Hangers & Screws: For easy wall mounting.
• Drill: To install the hangers.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Custom Memo Board

Let’s dive into the creation process. Follow these detailed instructions to transform your old window into a functional and beautiful memo board.

1. Prepare Your Metal Panels

Begin by carefully measuring the individual window panes. It’s crucial to measure close to the glass, where the window grille is widest, to ensure your metal inserts fit perfectly.

Transfer these precise measurements onto your sheet metal. Use a marker to draw out your cutting lines accurately.

Now, carefully cut the metal using tin snips. Safety is paramount here: always wear protective work gloves to prevent cuts, as the edges of sheet metal are incredibly sharp.

Once cut, double-check that your metal rectangles fit snugly into the window openings. Adjust if necessary.

2. Fabric-Covered Magnetic Panels

Lay your cut metal pieces onto your chosen fabric. Cut the fabric, ensuring it extends at least 1 inch wider than the metal on all sides. This extra allowance will make wrapping easier.

Fold the excess fabric neatly over to the back of the metal panel and secure it firmly with 3M duct tape. Pull the fabric snug to eliminate wrinkles on the front, but be careful not to pull too tightly, which could cause the fabric to tear at the metal corners.

Before proceeding, place the fabric-covered rectangles back into the window openings to confirm they still fit perfectly with the added fabric bulk.

3. Prepare and Prime the Window Frame

Thoroughly clean the entire window frame. If you notice any mold or mildew, use a bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) and scrub well. This ensures a clean, sanitary surface for painting.

Inspect the window glazing for any cracks or missing sections. You can easily repair or replace these using paintable caulk, eliminating the need to buy specialized glazing compound.

Once clean and repaired, apply a coat of primer to the entire window, including the frame and all glass panes. Primer is essential for ensuring your topcoat adheres well and for uniform color coverage, especially over varying surfaces like wood and glass.

Allow the primer to dry completely according to manufacturer instructions. Once dry, use fine-grit sandpaper to gently rough up the primed surfaces. This creates a “tooth” for the subsequent paint layers to grip onto. Be particularly gentle when sanding over the glass to avoid scratching through the primer to the glass itself.

4. Paint the Window Frame

Choose your desired paint color for the window frame. I opted for a vibrant lemon/lime sherbet green to give it a fresh, playful look. Apply your chosen paint generously to the entire window – front, back, and over the primed glass panes that will not be chalkboard or magnetic.

Allow the first coat to dry thoroughly. For a durable and even finish, gently sand the painted surface again with fine-grit sandpaper, then apply a second coat of paint. This layering technique ensures a professional, lasting result.

5. Create and Apply Custom Chalkboard Paint

Once your main paint coats have dried, it’s time for the magic of custom chalkboard paint! First, use Scotch blue painter’s tape to carefully mask off the edges of the specific window panes you intend to transform into chalkboards. Ensure the tape creates crisp, clean lines.

DIY Chalkboard Paint Recipe: Pour 1 cup of your desired paint color (I used a raspberry shade) into a mixing cup. Slowly add 2 tablespoons of unsanded grout. Mix the paint thoroughly with a paintbrush. The goal is to eliminate as many lumps as possible, though a few tiny ones might remain – don’t worry, they usually smooth out during application.

Apply the chalkboard paint to your designated window panes. For the first coat, maintain all strokes in a vertical direction. You should find that any remaining small lumps can be smoothed out as you paint.

Allow the first coat of chalkboard paint to dry completely. Then, very gently sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper. This creates a slight texture, or “tooth,” which helps the second coat adhere better and results in a more effective chalkboard surface.

For the second coat of chalkboard paint, apply it in a horizontal direction. This cross-hatch technique further enhances the chalkboard’s durability and finish.

Once the second coat is fully dry, carefully remove the painter’s tape to reveal crisp edges. Touch up any small spots you might have missed. When everything is completely dry, it’s time to “season” your new chalkboard. Rub the side of a piece of chalk over the entire surface, then wipe it off with a dry rag. This primes the surface, preventing ghosting from your first drawing.

6. Assemble Your Memo Board

Now, it’s time to bring all the pieces together. Take your fabric-covered sheet metal panels and turn them over to the back side. Cut two pieces of foam double-stick tape and apply them to the back of each metal panel. Remove the tape backing, then carefully flip the metal squares over.

Press the fabric-covered metal panels firmly into each of the non-chalkboard panes on your window frame. Ensure they are centered and secure.

7. Add Hangers for Easy Display

To prepare your beautiful memo board for hanging, flip the window over. Measure down approximately 3 inches from the top on both sides of the frame. Mark these spots.

Using a drill, drive the screws to securely attach the D-ring style hangers to your marked spots. Ensure they are level and firmly attached to support the weight of the memo board.

And that’s it! Your stunning, customized upcycled window memo board is complete. You’ve just created a functional piece of art, perfect for organizing your thoughts, displaying photos, or sharing messages. This makes an incredibly thoughtful and personal gift!

Tips for Maximizing Your Memo Board & Beyond

A few extra notes to help you make the most of your new creation:

• Magnets Matter: I’ve found that heavier-duty magnets work best on fabric-covered sheet metal. You can find these at hardware stores or craft supply stores. For the adorable glass magnets often seen on memo boards, check out this fantastic tutorial for making glass bead magnets. They also make wonderful companion gifts!
• Caring for Your Chalkboard: To clean your chalkboard surface, simply wipe it with a damp cloth or a chalkboard eraser. For a deeper clean, a vinegar and water solution works wonders.
• Fabric Care: If your fabric panels get dusty, a lint roller or a soft brush can quickly refresh them.

Expand Your Creativity: More Upcycling Inspiration

If you enjoyed this project and the satisfaction of transforming something old into something new, you might also love these other creative ideas:

Discover how to create an artist’s inspiration board. I like to think of it as a real-life, tactile Pinterest board where you can physically pin up ideas, swatches, and images.

To view even more of my “curbside transformations” and see how I give discarded items a new lease on life, be sure to have a peek HERE.

A Heartfelt Thank You

It was a pleasure being part of your “Handmade Christmas in July” series, sharing the joy of upcycling and DIY crafting. I truly hope this project inspires you to look at old windows with new eyes and discover the creative potential in everyday objects. I look forward to connecting with you all again soon!