Display memories from your last trip or plan the next one on a DIY map chalkboard. Paint a wood board using chalkboard paint then trace a map onto it with the help of our printable and tips on how to transfer artwork.

The great thing about this DIY is the ability to customize almost all of its features. Make the map whatever size you’d like by printing out larger sizes yourself or take the printable to a quick print store and have them enlarge it to the size you desire.

Select your favorite color paint and chalkboard markers to map your trip from state to state. We don’t advise using neon markers, as they tend to stain the paint and are too hard to wipe off—we know for a fact!

Use one of four printable phrases to title your map or come up with your own and use adhesive letters. Gear it towards the kids to see the route of an upcoming trip, or make it for yourself as a reminder of your last adventure and what fun you had!

This post includes links to purchase items you’ll need from our affiliates.

How to make a  DIY map chalkboard

how to make a DIY map chalkboard
Ingredients
  • travel map craft printable
  • wood board (size is up to you)
  • sandpaper or sanding block (if needed)
  • ruler and pencil
  • center punch and hammer
  • drill and drill bit
  • super smooth paint roller
  • chalkboard paint
  • chalk (for curing the paint)
  • tape
  • [url href=”http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002JFOGDG/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002JFOGDG&linkCode=as2&tag=chery01-20&linkId=MC622SGBYYI3237X” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow” title=”Carbon Paper”]carbon paper[/url], graphite paper or graphite pencil (for transfer)
  • mechanical pencil
  • [url href=”http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001PLKRZQ/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001PLKRZQ&linkCode=as2&tag=chery01-20&linkId=4HONIYYIR7NJT367″ target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow” title=”Oil-based paint pen”]white oil-based paint pen[/url]
  • ribbon or rope (for hanging)
  • chalk or chalkboard markers for decorating
Instructions
  1. Select a wood board in whatever size you would like your display to be and give it a light sanding if it’s rough. Then measure and mark where you want the holes to be in order to hang your map. Use a center punch and hammer to create a divot then drill a large enough hole through which to thread your ribbon or rope.
  2. Wipe the board down thoroughly to remove any dust from the sanding and drilling. Then paint the board using a smooth roller and chalkboard paint, following the instructions on the paint can.
  3. After the paint has fully dried, prep the chalkboard by rubbing the side (not the end) of a piece of chalk horizontally and then vertically across your entire board. Once the board is covered, wipe with a soft rag or cloth.
  4. Download the [url href=”https://everydaydishes.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/diy-map-chalkboard-craft-printable-cherylstyle1.pdf” target=”_blank” title=”Everyday Dishes & DIY DIY Map Chalkboard”]map chalkboard printable[/url] and open in [url href=”http://get.adobe.com/reader/otherversions/” target=”_blank” title=”Adobe Reader”]Adobe Reader[/url]. The printable was designed for our 26″ x 18″ board but if you’re computer savvy, you should be able to size the map to fit whatever size board you have. If not, take it to Kinkos or any other quick print shop and have them print it full size. If you’re printing the PDF at home, follow these instructions for printing oversized pages. Trim and tape your pages together.
  5. Now it’s time to trace the artwork onto your board. You can do this by using tracing or graphite paper or you can rub a lead or graphite pencil on the back of the paper. Once you select which method, tape the printout (and carbon paper or graphite paper if necessary) to the board and trace the map and banner to your wood board, using a pencil. Lift portions of the paper without removing all the tape to make sure what you traced is transferring lightly to the board—you don’t want to have to line it up perfectly again!
  6. Once your entire map and banner are traced, carefully remove the printout to reveal the wood and pencil lines. Use a an oil-based paint pen to trace the pencil lines you created then allow it to dry…it won’t take long!
  7. Feed your ribbon or rope through the holes you drilled and tie securely.
  8. Personalize your map with drawings and travel adventures then hang your travel map in any part of the house you’d like!
Notes
Getting the map to transfer may take some work. Use the end of a pencil to rub the lines with gusto. Keep the paper in place with tape so it doesn’t shift while checking on your progress.