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    Home » Home Decorating » DIY Home Decor

    Published: Feb 7, 2023 by Rachel

    DIY Menu Board

    This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure.
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    A DIY Menu Board adds cozy charm to your kitchen or dining space. Stay on track of weekly meal prep goals and let everyone know what’s cooking with this practical and pretty kitchen art. Comprehensive supply list and step-by-step tutorial included.

    DIY chalkboard with white stenciled menu text and turquoise painted frame on gray wall in kitchen.
    Contents show
    1 WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS PROJECT
    2 Materials and Supplies
    3 Where to Find Stencils for Lettering
    4 More Decorative DIYs You May Like
    5 FAQs
    6 DIY Menu Board

    Of all the rooms in the house, I do find that the kitchen can be the trickiest to decorate. I am uncompromising about it remaining uncluttered – I need space to be a messy cook! However, I want cozy and charm, so the few decoration I have must earn their place.

    One I think I love is weekly meal planning, and this DIY menu board featured in our kitchen remodel adds charm while keeping our busy household on track. It’s simple to stay the meal prep course when our weekly menu is posted in black and white for all to see!

    WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS PROJECT

    1. Completely customizable for your aesthetic.
    2. Hang it for a dinner party or regular weekday meals.
    3. No power tools required.
    4. Budget friendly DIY decor- a great way to upcycle!
    5. Update the menu board with seasonal themes: Thanksgiving menu, hot cocoa bar, etc.
    Turquoise painted rectangular frame with burlap backer board propped on white wall.

    Materials and Supplies

    • Frame for your weekly menu. I bought this shadowbox for $18 at HomeGoods.
    • Paint scraper
    • Black Chalkboard Paint or Chalkboard Vinyl
    • Paint brush & Small foam roller
    • Chalk
    • Cutting Machine (Optional)
    • Multi-surface or Chalk paint
    • Transfer paper or Painter’s tape

    A step-by-step tutorial card is posted at the bottom of the page for your convenience. Feel free to print it out by hitting the print button.

    Where to Find Stencils for Lettering

    I try to make these little projects as versatile as possible for different situations. There are several ways to cut a letter stencil:

    1. Print out large letters from Microsoft Word, Google Docs, etc. Cut them out or use a simple transfer technique.
    2. A cutting machine such as a Silhouette Cameo or Cricut.
    3. Purchase a large lettering stencil. So many options available!
    Black vinyl with white menu lettering and decorative detail on marble surface.

    I purchased the laurels and menu stencils on our menu chalkboard from the Silhouette store. I cut them on transferable vinyl.

    More Decorative DIYs You May Like

    • Amazing DIY Refrigerator Makeovers
    • Easy Easter Table Decor Ideas and Centerpieces
    • DIY Welcome Sign for Porch
    • Why I will Never Stencil A Wall Again

    I’m so happy with how my chalkboard menu project turned out! That frame had me at “Hello.” I’m so glad I trusted my gut.

    Have you DIY’ed your own menu board? I’d love to see what you’ve created at home.

    FAQs

    What is the use of a menu board?

    Adding a menu board to your home is a charming way to incorporate your cooking routine into your decor. Display in the kitchen for weeknight meals or use it for your next big gathering. Let everyone know what’s cooking!

    What is the best chalkboard paint?

    There are many good options for different projects available. I used a personal fav, Black Chalkboard Paint by Krylon, for this project. My other top picks are Rust-Oleum Chalkboard Spray Paint and American Crafts DIY Shop Chalkboard Paint.

    Do I need to prime before using chalkboard paint?

    Chalkboard paint doesn’t require priming for most surfaces – a clean surface and 2-3 coats will suffice. However, check the back of the product for specific instructions.

    What is the difference between chalkboard paint and chalk paint?

    Chalk paint is a mineral based paint that often contains plaster of paris or calcium carbonate to give it a matte chalky finish. It’s often used for antiquing/refinishing furniture. Chalkboard paint turns any surface into a working chalkboard and is often water based.

    How Long does paint take to dry?

    Most paints are resistant to water after a day or two. However, paint won’t reach maximum hardness until about 21 days of air drying.

    Weekend DIY project. A pegboard organizer in the craft room above the desk workspace.

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    DIY chalkboard with white stenciled menu text and turquoise painted frame on gray wall in kitchen.

    DIY Menu Board

    A weekly Menu Board with cozy charm to stay on track of weekly meal planning goals and let everyone know what's cooking in the kitchen.
    5 from 18 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 30 minutes
    Project Time: 1 hour
    Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
    Author: Rachel
    Cost: $25

    Tools

    • Paint Brush
    • Small Foam Roller
    • Stencil See post for ideas

    Supplies

    • 1 Shadowbox frame
    • 1 Chalkboard Paint or
    • 1 Chalkboard Vinyl
    • 1 piece Chalk
    • White Chalk Paint for any permanent markings
    • Transfer Paper or painter's tape

    Instructions

    • Prep the backing material if necessary. Clean and sand smooth. For a fresh or raw surface, prime with a high quality bonding primer.
      Scraping old adhesive from a cardboard background to prep it for painting.
    • Paint two coats of a high-quality Black Chalkboard Paint. A small foam roller usually provides the smoothest texture for the board. Allow to dry completely for at least overnight.
      High quality rustoleum Chalkboard paint on black background.
    • After the paint is dry, use white paint to add any decorative details that will be permanent.
      Stenciling a menu chalkboard
    • For intricate patterns use a stencil and lay the stencil using painter's tape or transfer tape. Make sure stencil is completely flat and attached to the board so that paint won't get under the edges.
      Transfer vinyl graphics with Blue Painter's Tape
    • Season the chalkboard. take a bit of chalk and rub it all over the chalkboard lightly. Then use a soft cloth to wipe it off in circular motions. It may take a few times of doing this to get the real chalkboard effect.
      Woman seasoning a chalkboard with a dry rag and chalk.

    Notes

    I highly recommend a roller rather than a brush to keep the chalkboard paint texture to a minimum. Vinyl also has a great smooth texture and you don’t have to wait for it to dry to use.
    Tried this Project? Tag me Today!Mention @CravingCreative or tag #CravingSomeCreativity!
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      Recipe Rating




    1. Melissa French, The More With Less Mom says

      April 28, 2015 at 2:43 pm

      5 stars
      Homegoods is dangerous, I can’t go in there alone. Thanks for posting. Hello from Nifty Thrifty Sunday.

      Reply
    2. TwoPlusCute says

      April 23, 2015 at 9:19 am

      5 stars
      Very creative and great design, too!

      Reply
      • Rachel says

        April 24, 2015 at 10:22 pm

        Thanks so much!

        Reply
    3. Cathy says

      April 22, 2015 at 10:21 pm

      5 stars
      This is awesome! What a creative idea! Pinned because I need to make this! 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing on Making Memories Mondays! 🙂
      Cathy

      Reply
    4. Debi @ Surroundings by Debi says

      April 20, 2015 at 9:39 pm

      5 stars
      Thanks for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop! Stopping in to let you know your wonderful menu chalkboard will be featured on Tuesday Treasures! Stop by and take a peek!

      Reply
      • Rachel says

        April 21, 2015 at 11:48 am

        Oh thank you! I will definitely be stopping by and thank you for hosting!

        Reply
    5. Carmia @ Clementine Creative says

      April 20, 2015 at 6:45 am

      5 stars
      Wow, what a great project! I never would have known how to make this myself. Thank you for the inspiration!

      Reply
    6. Jennifer Dawn says

      April 20, 2015 at 1:21 am

      5 stars
      What a gorgeous menu board! I do love a great chalkboard project! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    7. laci says

      April 19, 2015 at 7:31 pm

      5 stars
      So glad you posted this i have paint just sitting and need to-do this asap. glad you linked up @ the home matters party!

      Laci @ sequinsinthesouth.com

      Reply
    8. Katherines Corner says

      April 19, 2015 at 8:46 am

      5 stars
      it’s lovely! Thank you for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things blog hop xo

      Reply
    9. Amberjane says

      April 19, 2015 at 8:12 am

      5 stars
      I would be proud to have this in my kitchen it looks great – Thanks for linking up to Pin Worthy Wednesday, I have pinned your post to the Pin Worthy Wednesday Pinterest Board.

      Reply
    10. Jennifer says

      April 18, 2015 at 9:29 pm

      5 stars
      This is super cute! Love it! Visiting from the Friday Feature Link Party

      Reply
    11. Erlene says

      April 17, 2015 at 9:16 pm

      5 stars
      Looks great. I like the idea of using painter’s tape for transferring the vinyl.

      Reply
    12. Crystal {Penny Love Projects} says

      April 17, 2015 at 3:24 pm

      5 stars
      Thanks so much for linking up to our party! I have a giant chalkboard at home, can’t wait to try out your tips ❤️

      Reply
    13. Pam@over50feeling40 says

      April 16, 2015 at 1:18 pm

      5 stars
      Great project…it looks so good…thanks for sharing with the Thursday Blog Hop!

      Reply
    14. Carrie @ curlycraftymom says

      April 15, 2015 at 3:39 pm

      5 stars
      This is great! I never thought about using a shadow box so the chalk could set inside. I also like the Menu graphic from the Silhouette store! I love Silhouette projects! I just did a chalkboard project, too.

      Reply

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    Headshot of Rachel Beach, the author of Craving Some Creativity.

    Hi, I'm Rachel!

    Creativity makes me energized and fearless. My husband and I have been renovating homes for over a decade and love to share our passion for all things home. Follow along for remodeling tutorials, recipes, and entertaining ideas sure to inspire!

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