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Painting this sweet little chalkboard door hanger was so much fun — and I know you’re going to love creating one of your own! Whether you use it to jot down daily reminders, write a seasonal message, or just add a pop of color to your space, this project is packed full of personality and color.

I kept the center as a chalkboard circle, but if you’d rather pop a monogram or a quote in the middle instead, that’s totally up to you! The fun part is learning this gorgeous feathered background technique and seeing how all the colors come together. Let’s walk through it step-by-step — mistakes and all — and create something you’re proud to hang on your wall!

Supply List for Your Chalkboard Door Hanger

Here’s what you’ll need to recreate this project at home:

• Wooden blank (you can grab a pre-cut one from our shop or cut your own using our template!)
• Graphite paper and template (for tracing if DIY’ing your wood blank)
• Chalkboard paint (I used one from the DecoArt Americana line)
• Basecoat paint – DecoArt Outdoor Living in white or any white craft paint
• Acrylic paints in:
  • Brilliant Purple
  • Sizzling Pink (neon)
  • Citron Green
  • Teal Mint
  • Sea Breeze
• Paintbrushes:
  • Large flat tip brush (for base coat)
  • Filbert tip brush, size 11 (for feathering technique)
  • Filbert or round tip brush, size 8 (for detailing the frame)
• Baby wipes (for easy cleanup)
• Chalk or chalk marker (for writing on your finished board)
• Posca paint pens (black and white)
• Clear sealer – DecoArt DuraClear Gloss Varnish or Starlight Varnish for sparkle
• Hair dryer (optional but helpful)
• Staple gun and jute string (for hanging)

Head’s up — you can find most of these supplies on my Amazon storefront. 

Step #1: Prep Your Wood Blank

If you ordered your blank from our shop, it ships to you ready to paint. It includes a lightly etched circle for the chalkboard center, so it feels a little like paint-by-numbers!

If you’re cutting your own, use our printable template and graphite paper to trace your shape onto the wood, then cut with a jigsaw or scroll saw. Make sure your surface is clean and sanded, then start painting!

Step #2: Paint the Basecoat

We’re painting the outside portion of the circle white. This gives us a clean, bright base for all those gorgeous colors we’ll layer on next. Use a large flat brush and apply in smooth, even strokes. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect — we’ll be layering lots of color on top!

PRO TIP: Only load paint on the bottom 1/3 of your bristles. You’ll have more control, keep your brushes in good shape, and avoid the dreaded “paint gunk!”

Step #3: Feather on Your Colors

Now comes the FUN part! Grab your filbert tip brush and let’s add color with a feathering technique that gives it a soft, blended look. You’ll use sweeping or flicking motions to “feather” the paint outward.

Here’s the order of colors I used…

Brilliant Purple

Start with your darkest color first — this gives a nice foundation. Use the “sweep like a broom” motion for wide areas and a “narrow sweep” for more detailed flicks.

Teal Mint

This adds a rich pop! Let it meet the purple and gently blend the edges.

Citron Green

A little of this goes a long way. This bright, punchy green adds energy — use it sparingly for the best effect.

Sea Breeze

This light teal softens everything. Water it down just a bit if it feels too thick.

Sizzling Pink (Neon)

This one’s bright! If it feels too bold, tone it down by mixing in a little Magenta or Peony Pink.

And Finally, a Little More White

Go back and add white in any areas that feel too crowded with color. This helps balance the whole design and gives your eyes a place to rest.

Step #4: Add Black Dots

Dip the end of a large paintbrush handle into black paint and dot it around the outer edges and lighter areas. Vary the sizes for a playful, whimsical look. Don’t overthink it — just scatter them like confetti!

Step #5: Paint the Chalkboard Center

Use DecoArt Chalkboard Paint and a flat brush to fill in the circle. You’ll need two coats: one vertical and one horizontal. Be sure to shake the bottle first for good coverage (trust me on that one!).

Let it dry completely before writing on it with chalk.

Step #6: Frame It with a Pop of Color

To make that chalkboard center pop, I framed my door hanger in Citron Green (but you can use whatever color speaks to you! For best results:

• First, paint a white base around the edge (especially if your colors underneath are dark).
• Then, layer the green on top using a small filbert or round brush.
• Rotate your door hanger and pull the brush toward your body for the smoothest line.

Step #7: Add Final Details with Paint Pens

Use black and white Posca paint pens to add loose, playful outlines around your painted areas. Don’t try to be perfect — just have fun and let your hand move freely.

You can outline:

• Around the chalkboard circle
• Around the green frame
• Any areas that need a little extra “pop”

The choice is yours

Step #8: Add Sealer (Optional, but Recommended!)

To seal your door hanger, mix DuraClear Gloss Varnish with Starlight Varnish for a subtle sparkle. Use a flat brush and apply in thin, one-directional strokes around the painted areas. Avoid the chalkboard center.

IMPORTANT: If you used paint pens, swipe your brush gently over them. Too many passes can cause bleeding.

Step #9: Prime Your Chalkboard and Add a Hanger

Before writing on your chalkboard, “prime” your chalkboard by rubbing the side of a piece of chalk all over the surface, then wiping it off. This helps prevent leaving chalk marks in the shape of your first phrase from sticking around. 

Then, staple jute string to the back for hanging. Just be sure to avoid the staples poking through by stapling over the knots or adding cardboard underneath.

Join the Painter’s Clubhouse for More Projects Like These

Isn’t it beautiful?! This colorful chalkboard sign is so cheerful and fun. You can change up the colors to match your decor or use it for seasonal messages. It’s such a fun way to add a pop of personality to your space.

And if you’re sitting there thinking, “I want to do more of this,” you are in the right place — join the Painter’s Clubhouse!

Come hang out with us and get: 

• Step-by-step painting tutorials
• Access to our private Facebook community
• Encouragement, accountability, and new friends who get your creative heart
• Monthly Zooms and live Q&As
• Tips for turning your hobby into a little business (if you want to)

It’s a real community full of other makers like you, with projects for any season or celebration you can think of. Click here to learn more about the Painter’s Clubhouse!