I have been craving a chalkboard door for a long time. They just look so fun. I was convinced our pantry door would look incredible with a coat of chalkboard paint. My husband was not so sure. I agreed an entire door with chalkboard paint seemed like, a) a lot of work, and b) too permanent. Instead, I opted for a cheap, quick, easily removable alternative.
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I used a roll of chalkboard vinyl on the top raised panel of my pantry door. I measured and cut a piece to fit the top half of the door. I peeled back the first few inches of the backing and carefully lined up the top of the vinyl with the top edge of the raised panel. After securing the top few inches, I simply pulled the backing off slowly and applied the rest of the vinyl. I used a credit card to gently smooth out any bubbles. I think I prefer the raised panel chalkboard look over the full door version. It seems a bit cleaner…chalk over an entire door could get pretty messy.
Chalkboard vinyl would work on most door styles. If you don’t have inset or raised panels to “frame” your chalkboard, then consider cutting the vinyl into a cool shape before applying to the door. For a classic look cut the vinyl into a large oval and apply to the flat door. For a little more interest, try cutting an ornate border or a shape like a star or animal.
We use our chalkboard to jot notes to each other, to keep a running list of things to pick up at the store, and occasionally the kids like to doodle on it. I have been toying with the idea of doing the bottom half of the door just for them.
Most recently I drew a sign on the chalkboard to welcome out out of town guests. I had a little fun with the sign, highlighting the crazy Minnesota government shutdown, which almost jeopardized our planned trip to the Minnesota zoo.
More recently, I’m using the chalkboard panel to display inspirational quotes related to my guiding word for my home.
That is a really cute idea! I might try it.
I’ve seen this before but worry about the vinyl over time. Have you had peeling? Does it continue to erase?
Hi Carrie,
We have had the vinyl up for over a year now and no issues with peeling. It also erases like a dream. The vinyl erases perfectly clean unlike chalk paint which gets chalky over time. I just use a damp paper towel to wipe the vinyl down.
Soo I kind of want to do this to every door in my house now!
J’adore c’est trop sympa
Love love love this idea. Can I use those bright dry erase markers on this vinyl? And would this work in a Cricut cutter?
Do you think this would work on a fridge?
Katie, I definitely think it would work and it is a great idea. It is removable vinyl, so you can put it pretty much anywhere. I think it would work best on a smooth surface, like the front of the fridge doors vs. the sides which usually have a textured surface.
Exactly what I have been looking for! Thanks for sharing.
Jackie–do you remember which section of Michaels you found this chalkboard vinyl? I was there the other day and the lady that works there told me they only carry chalkboard paint…?
Hi Melissa. In my Michael’s it was in the same aisle as the dollar/discount bins, across from those. It was on the bottom shelf under a bunch of kids stuff along with whiteboard vinyl rolls. I just saw them there recently. Hope that helps.
If you are open to buying online, here is a link to similar chalkboard vinyl – Chalkboard Contact Paper, 18″ x 6′
Thanks Jackie and thanks for sharing the online link.
I think I am going to try a piece of this on one of my fridge doors. It’s removable so much nicer than the paint.
It would be great for that Cathy. The vinyl is super thin too, so it will almost look painted on. My favorite is how it wipes completely clean with a damp cloth…no chalky mess.
I love this and want to do it!!! Is it easily removable? We have an apartment and I don’t want something that can not be removed easily or will ruin what it’s stuck to?
Allison, This vinyl is easily removable. I have only tried it on the pantry door and not a wall, so I can’t vouch for peeling it off the wall.
So My Michaels stores stink! I went to 3 stores AND Lowe’s and finally ended up in Target. I didn’t find that exact thing, but I found chalkboard flower pedals. They came 3 in a box. Cute but not what I wanted.I’ll keep looking
Stacy, I couldn’t find it in Michaels either and even asked someone and they told me they didn’t have that. But went to a different Michaels and asked someone again and they knew exactly what I was looking for. It was in the aisle of crayons/kids craft stuff if that helps?
Thanks girls. There is one huge one that I haven’t checked yet. Then im just sticking to my flowers.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_12?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=chalkboard+vinyl&sprefix=chalkboard+v%2Caps%2C356
Stacy, I looked for about 15 minutes! I know all Michaels are different but I found mine on the BOTTOM shelf in the crayon and chalk isle just like Melissa said also!
love the vinyl but I am TOTALLY in love with the color of your door and trim! do you know the name of the paint
Thank you Cate! All of the trim and doors in our home are Divine White by Sherwin Williams.
What are your ideas as to where to keep the chalk and eraser?
another idea would buy your favorite picture frame and put the chalkboard vinyl to the glass then you could hang it (just a idea)
Have you ever used the chalkboard markers on the vinyl? I was wondering how that compared to just using regular chalk. Thanks!
Great idea! I just did this on my pantry door and I love the way it looks. What kind of chalk do you use, anything special? I just used what I had on hand, I think it was crayola brand, and it won’t even write on the surface. It is very faint and you can’t even see the writing. Yours looks so vibrant!
This is really cool. I wonder if anyone knows how easy it will be to remove if used on dry wall.
Hi! I love this idea but am having trouble finding the width I need. I need one that is 24″ x 6 feet. Has anyone had any luck sourcing different sizes? The widest I can find online is 18″ and I don’t want a seam :)
Sarah, I have not seen it any wider than 18″ unfortunately. Your only alternative might be the paint, of course that is a more permanent solution.
I’m going to look in my Michael’s in the aisle where you mentioned. I have asked before and they claim they don’t carry it. I get confused about which you can use on this chalkboard..wet erase or dry erase chalk pens. I’d love to have the neon chalk pens but they appear to be a big pricy, so I might as well stick to white..but wet or dry erase?
Betty, Both wet and dry-erase chalk works on the vinyl.