In this installment of Donation2Decor, a vintage manual typewriter from Goodwill
and a panel door from Restore morphs into a stylish home office organizer. Convert
the panel door into a magnetic chalkboard and salvage the typewriter keys to create
30+ unique magnets.
Project Instructions
Materials needed:
Panel door
Vintage typewriter keys
Rustoleum magnetic primer
Chalkboard Paint
Simple Green
Scotch-Brite
Sponge brushes
Stir sticks for paint
3M painters tape
Razor knife
Two-part epoxy glue
Hot glue
“D” ring hangers
Half inch round magnets
Magnetic Chalkboard:
Prep the door by removing any unwanted hardware, then wash
with Simple Green - a Scotch-Brite pad may be needed to remove tough dirt. Allow
24 hours dry time.
Mask door panels with 3M painters tape. This will protect
the finish and help achieve a straight edge.
Read and follow directions on magnetic
primer. Stir well before and during application. Apply four thin smooth coats to
assure maximum magnetic attraction. Wait 30 minutes between coats. Test with magnet
before continuing, apply extra coats to increase attraction.
Read and follow directions on chalkboard paint. Two coats are recommended for durability. Must wait
4 hours between coats. Warning: cure time on chalkboard paint is 3 days - do not attempt
to use chalk before then, as it will permanently scar the surface.
When chalkboard paint is completely dry, cut paint/tape edges with a razor knife to assure easy
removal of tape without damage to the painted surface.
Salvaged Magnets:
Remove typewriter keys with pliers
Backfill key cap with hot glue. This secures the
face of the key within the metal rim and provides a level surface for attaching
the magnet.
When hot glue has cured, attach half inch round magnets with liquid nails epoxy.
Attach “D” ring hangers, hang door and stylishly organize! Magnets may be used right away, but the chalkboard paint
requires 3 full days of dry time before chalk can be used. Note on magnets: Very strong magnets should be used if you plan
on haging notes or papers on your organizer. See the links section below for magnet retailers online.
