Enhance children’s play with a magnetic tic-tac-toe board for the backyard!
- Start with a 24-by-24-inch piece of galvanized metal from the hardware store. The galvanized surface must be edged before painting so wipe it down with white vinegar, which is mildly acidic.
- Once the surface is dry, apply a spray-on primer. We chose a dark, rust-colored primer since the topcoat will be chalkboard paint.
- After the primer has dried, roll on the first of two coats of chalkboard paint. The black paint might look blue while it’s wet — don’t worry; that’s not uncommon for black latex paint.
- To protect children’s hands from the metal’s sharp edges, build a simple frame from 1-by-2s cut to the metal panel’s outer dimension.
- Nail the mitered corners together before painting the frame.
- Buy lightweight wooden letters from a craft store for the tic-tac-toe board’s X’s and O’s. Paint them white to match the frame and attach self-adhesive magnets on the backs of these letters.
- Once the frame and metal panel have dried, secure them together from the backside with half-inch sheet metal screws.
- Then, hang the game for your children’s enjoyment!
Watch the video above to see the process step by step.
Danny Lipford is among the country’s most sought-after home improvement experts.
The seasoned remodeling contractor and media personality served as the home improvement expert for CBS’s “The Early Show” and The Weather Channel for over a decade and has made more than 180 national television appearances on “Fox & Friends,” “Inside Edition,” “Morning Express with Robin Meade,” Fox Business Channel, Rachael Ray and more.
He travels the country making appearances as a brand ambassador and spokesperson, and each year contributes expertise to hundreds of popular magazines and online media outlets.
Chelsea Lipford Wolf is a born-and-raised home enthusiast, adding her crafty skills and passion for DIY as co-host of the top-rated, nationally syndicated “Today’s Homeowner” TV show.
In addition, Chelsea maintains her own home lifestyle and décor blog and award-winning web series, “Checking in with Chelsea.”
WATCH THE SHOW: Don’t miss “Today’s Homeowner,” which airs each week on television nationwide. Check your local listings for time and channel.