Chalkboarding

I have a commission from a bride to make a chalkboard out of an old sign (above picture) she gave me, then letter on it. This is exciting for me as this will be my first time to go through the process.

I talked with two calligrapher friends who had made chalkboard signs as well as researched the topic. I bought chalkboard paint from Michaels and a foam roller.  I taped the edges of the frame of this sign so that it would prevent the paint from landing there. Then I rolled on the paint, one thin coat, and let it dry the specified time. Once dry, I painted over it a second time and let it dry.

Once the chalkboard paint is done, you "prime" it by rubbing white chalk all over the paint. Once you wipe that off with a dry cloth, it is ready to be lettered upon with either regular chalk or chalk markers.