Cork Board Makeover

 

In my last post, I shared with you a picture of the bulletin board that I made over to match my new desk.  Well, I got so many comments here, on Facebook, and through email that I thought I'd share with you here how I did it.

Here is a photo of my ugly brown cork board and some of the tools that I used.  I regret that I left out a few items, but I'll be sure to mention them as I go along.

The first step to beautifying your cork board is to spray primer over the wood. (If your board has real wood for the frame, its best to sand it down a bit before you prime it)  This helps to give your paint better sticking power, which means it will be more durable.  It also makes it easier to hide the ugliness of what's underneath.  I choose to spray paint things outdoors because I know my limitations.  If you don't want to spray white lines on your grass then put down some cardboard, plastic, or newspaper.  As you can see here, a Costco diaper box comes to a glorious use in its end.  You don't have to stand the board on cans of Bush's Baked Beans, but it does help to put them up on something so that the edges won't stick as they dry.  A pink skirted little girl in the background is also not necessary, nor was she supposed to be nearby at the time I was spray painting. 

Since you're going to be covering your cork with fabric, its not necessary to tape off the cork.  Over spray? Who cares!  It's all going to be covered up!   Here is what mine looked like after I sprayed on the coat of primer.  (Note: You can use the kind of primer that you paint on, but for this sort of thing the aerosol can works better.  But, hey, if you're handy with a brush and don't want to buy the spray stuff, do whatever works!)  

Next, find a very eager 10 year old to paint the edges whatever color you're planning to use.  OR you can do it yourself. You can also use Spray Paint to cover your edges, which is what I used for the small board I did near my desk.  This time, however, I was trying to use what I already had on hand, so...  Sophie actually did most of the painting.  I was more like the "you missed a spot police".  We applied two coats of acrylic paint. (Folk Art -Wicker White # 901)

 Here is my new found friend... Spray Adhesive.  I love this stuff!  Its very easy to use...so, so easy.  This is what you use to apply the fabric to the cork.  I'm sure you can use another brand, but this is the kind I had and it has worked just fine.  I purchased it at Jo-Ann Fabrics, using a coupon, it was less than $2.

After the paint is sufficiently dry, about an hour or so later you're ready for the fun part!  Ironing your fabric!!

I didn't take a picture of me ironing the fabric, so you'll just have to use your imagination.   

There! All done!

Next, take your cork board, ironed fabric and spray adhesive to a location suitable for spraying adhesive.  I went to the garage this time because it was 96 degrees outside and very humid.  NOT ideal weather for this craft project or anything else for that matter!

Lay your fabric over the top of your board so that the fabric is about 2 inches from the edge of your cork.  Now you'll want to trim your longest edge with scissors.  This will help you control the fabric better as you stick it down.

 After you've trimmed the large excess edge, lay your fabric over the board so that it evenly covers the board.

Then, carefully, pull back the fabric keeping it in line with the cork board.  

You're ready to start sticking down your fabric!  Using your spray adhesive, spray small sections of the cork board and then smooth the fabric over the area.  Take care to press the fabric into the edges of the board.  The adhesive will give a permanent bond if the fabric is applied very quickly.  Be sure to do small sections.  Its easier to get it smooth and even if you do it this way.

 Once you've applied your fabric to the entire board, you should let it dry according to the instructions on your can of adhesive.  Mine says to let it sit for at least 1 hour.  

This is me, sitting in my chair, waiting for the adhesive to dry.  No, I didn't actually get to sit here for 1 hour.  I was interrupted by a land dispute between a farmer and a rancher.  Thankfully, Zorro came on the scene and rescued me.

After your adhesive is dry, its time to trim off the excess fabric.  I chose to use my rotary cutter for the long edges and an X-Acto blade for the corner, but you may do which ever you wish, or have on hand.  Carefully, trim the fabric as close to the inside edge of the frame as you can.  I prefer the rotary blade as it gets just underneath the inside edge of the frame.  After you've trimmed your edges and corners, you're ready for the final step! 

Pull away the excess and be pleased with your work!

Voil-a!!  It's done!!  Now all you have to do is hang it and admire your craftiness! :)

Here is the finished product.  A bad picture, but you get the idea.  If you want to see what it really looks like you'll have to come to our house and ask Sophie to show you her room! :)

In case you'd like to try this too, here is a complete list of the items you will need to do this yourself...

Any size cork board (I used a 3 ft by 2 ft board)

Enough fabric to cover the size board that you have (I purchased 5/8 yd of fabric)

Acrylic Paint to co-ordinate with your fabric (Folk Art, Americana, etc) OR Your choice of Spray Paint

1 can -Spray primer

1 can-Spray adhesive

Fine grade sand paper

Paint brush

Rotary cutting tool or X-acto blade

Scissors

Area for Spraying Primer or paint

I hope this will be a help to you.  If you have any questions, feel free to ask!