DIY Project - How to Make Chalkboard Kitchen Canisters

DIY (do it yourself) projects are very popular.  Along with informative home remodeling posts, I thought it would be fun to start including some popular DIY projects for your home.  Today's post is making chalkboard canisters.

Glass canisters are practical, inexpensive and readily available, but can be a bit boring. Chalkboard paint and an easy-to-apply stenciled detail will transform them into a unique accessory for any kitchen.

Materials Needed:

• glass canister(s)
• flexible measuring tape
• painters' tape
• glass-etching cream
• 1" paint brush

• chalkboard spray paint
• square or rectangular stencil that fits canister
• 2" foam brush
• latex or acrylic craft paint

Clean Canister

Clean each glass canister with soap and water then thoroughly dry with a clean cloth or towel.

Measure and Tape

Using painters' tape, make a square on the outside of the canister to the dimensions of the stencil. Make sure the taped-off area is level and centered on the canister. Tip: A flexible measuring tape used for sewing will be easier to use on the curved surface of the canister than a metal measuring tape.

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Apply Etching Cream

Brush on a thick coat of etching cream inside the taped area using a one-inch wide paint brush. Etched glass will provide tooth for better paint adhesion. Follow manufacturer's directions for activation time and etching cream removal procedure. Remove painters' tape after rinsing the etching cream. Thoroughly dry canister with a clean towel. Tip: Make sure to use etching cream, not a product that frosts glass or only simulates etching.
 

Spray Chalkboard Paint

Apply clean painters' tape surrounding the etched area and cover the rest of the canister in newspaper to protect it from overspray. Using long, steady strokes, apply the chalkboard spray paint in a thin coat to prevent drips. Allow ample drying time, then apply a second coat in the same manner as the first and repeat a third time if needed for full coverage. Carefully remove paper and painters' tape before the last coat is dry.

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Season Chalkboard

When the chalkboard paint has fully dried, rub a piece of chalk over the entire painted surface to season the chalkboard. This step will prevent writing from being burned into the surface. Clean chalkboard with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly.

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Paint Decorative Border

Tape stencil into place. Dip a two-hnch foam brush into acrylic or latex paint and remove excess on a paper towel, leaving just a small amount on the sponge. Using this dry-brush technique will reduce the risk of paint bleeding under the stencil. Apply paint perpendicular to the stencil surface in a pouncing motion. Carefully remove the stencil, lifting it directly off the canister, so paint doesn't smear. Tip: When using a stencil multiple times, rinse between uses. Allow time for paint to fully dry, then fill canister with kitchen staples and use chalk to label jar's contents.

To order your copy of Remodeling Hdll, CLICK HERE!

*DIY project found on HGTV.com

Half Day DIY Project for Your White Kitchen Cabinets!

Distressed and Antiqued Kitchen Cabinets

Add cottage-style charm to white painted cabinets by distressing then applying antiquing glaze. This quick and easy project will give builder basic cabinets a custom look in no time.

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Materials Needed:

• rubber gloves
• mocha-tinted antiquing glaze (available at most home improvement stores)
• smooth cotton rags
• painters' tape

• sanding block
• 80-grit sandpaper
• small paintbrush
• spray polyurethane

Clean Cabinets

Put on a pair of rubber gloves and wipe cabinet faces with a damp rag to remove surface dirt. Let the cabinets dry completely before moving on to the next step.

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Protect Walls

Use painters' tape to protect the walls around cabinets. Glaze dries slowly, so there is usually time to clean up an accidental mark, but it's better to be safe than sorry.

Sand Edges

Using a sanding block wrapped in 80-grit sandpaper, sand raised edges and corners of each cabinet door and/or opening. Sand until the wood under paint is fully exposed.
 

Apply Antiquing Glaze

Add a small amount of antiquing glaze to a smooth, clean rag. Begin applying the glaze to the front or side of one cabinet in small, circular motions until you've covered the entire section. Tip: A small amount of glaze will go a very long way. It's better to start with too little glaze rather than too much.

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Smooth Finish

Once the entire front or side of a cabinet has been covered in glaze, use a clean area of your rag and a very light touch to smooth out all the circular marks. Gently wipe the glaze in straight up-and-down or side-to-side motion until the desired effect is achieved.

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Darken Edges

Using a small brush, add more antiquing glaze to the distressed parts of the cabinets and/or doors. It's OK to apply the glaze liberally in these places because some of it will be removed in the next step.

Remove Excess Glaze

Wrap a smooth, clean rag around your index finger and carefully wipe off any excess glaze that's accumulated outside of the distressed spots created in the previous step.

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Distress Remaining Cabinets

Continue working, cabinet by cabinet, until every desired surface has been antiqued. Make sure to stand back every now and then to ensure the overall effect is consistent. When finished, let the glaze dry for at least 24 hours before sealing it.

Protect the Finish

Spray on a light coat of clear, non-yellowing sealer to protect the distressed finish from damage.  

Tip: It's very important to use a non-yellowing sealer as regular polyurethane will turn yellow if applied over white paint.

To order your copy of Remodeling Hell, CLICK HERE!  

*DIY project found on HGTV.com

Three Tips About Kitchen Remodeling

It's one thing to read about the remodeling process but it's a different thing entirely to have first-hand knowledge about kitchen remodeling from people who have done it themselves. Below are some top tips for kitchen remodeling given by men and women who have been through the process.

Add 15% to your total
No matter how specific or detailed your budget is for a kitchen remodel, you can almost guarantee it will be more expensive.   Add on 15% to your estimate to make sure you are able to complete the whole project without meeting additional financing.

Choose Value Over Cost
Just because something is cheaper initially doesn't mean it will make a good material choice.  Opt for the best building materials you can find and expect them to last much longer than cheaper choices.

Add More Lighting
Many kitchen remodelers mention that they wish they had more lighting, so avoid that regret and add plenty to begin with.  Under the kitchen cabinet is a particular favorite.

By following these three helpful tips from veteran remodelers, you too can have a kitchen remodel that goes smoothly! With products from leading manufacturers at savings up to 50% off,  there are many ideas for home improvement that will make a big difference in your design.

For additional tips you can order your copy of Remodeling Hell by clicking here and