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Over a year ago I purchased the SPONTAN Magnetic Board from IKEA for $12.99. Why? I don’t know other than that when I step into IKEA, I suddenly feel the urge to purchase lots of things that I have no need for.
So anyway, my poor little SPONTAN sat neglected and forgotten behind my washing machine until one day I decided to incorporate it into my son’s “big boy room” that I’m slowly but surely redecorating. The room’s theme is vintage aviation, and that’s definitely where I took this plain magnet board! 
To get this look, I cut some airplane stencils on my Silhouette Portrait, using contact paper. I followed this tutorial to get my cut settings just right. (If you don’t have an electronic cutting machine, you could easily print clip art from your computer and trace the design onto contact paper, or use stickers in the size and shape you desire.) Once my stencils were ready, I placed them onto the SPONTAN board. 
Next, I used a small foam roller to apply two coats of chalk paint over the entire board – including over the contact paper stencils. I used DecoArt’s Americana Decor Chalky Finish paint in white. (Don’t you think the washing machine is the PERFECT work surface?)
Once the paint was totally dry, I removed my contact paper stencils to reveal the vintage airplane design! I was SO happy to see that they turned out well! 
I then painted a coat of varnish over the entire board just to make sure the finish stayed on well. Since I will be using magnets on there and rotating my son’s artwork, I wanted to make sure the finish was durable. 
This was a fun project because I had no idea if it would actually turn out well. I love that I finally used my random IKEA purchase, and my son is pumped to have a place to display his special artwork from school! 
Next up in the room is painting the bookshelf to match the dresser that I made over late last year. I can’t wait to get the room finished! 
– Bre
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Seana Turner says
Very cute, Bre. This could be perfect in so many spaces.. kids room, kitchen, entryway. I love IKEA hacks!! And I never would have thought of the stencils, but they really add a personal touch. You could also stencil a border to match a room’s decor. Another terrific project:)
Bre says
Hi, Seana! THANK you! Yes these magnet boards could go ANYWHERE and you could really do anything with them!! I love all of your ideas! Thanks for the sweet note. 🙂
Chloe Crabtree says
This is so adorable and I love how you also found magnets that look like the paint jobs on vintage airplanes! I am sure your son will enjoy displaying his favorite things up there! I am the same as you, once I get into an IKEA, I can never seem to leave without buying something, unfortunately, usually more than ONE something!
Bre says
Hi, Chloe! Thank you!! I actually made those magnets – they’re just cardstock cut out and glued together to look like a WWII plane decal – super EASY! I think us IKEA fanatics should start a support group, what do you think? Thanks for your nice note!! 🙂
Laurie says
You did an amazing job on this and it is such a great idea!
Bre says
Laurie, you are too kind. 🙂 Thanks for being so sweet!
Theresa Davis says
Love this, I️ was looking for a solution to handing toddler art and art supplies. This was from a couple out years ago, and I’m curios how the paint has held up? I’m wanting my toddler to have access to it for hanging pic and alphabet letters, but looking for an opinion if it will hold up to higher traffic 🙂
Theresa
Sorry for the weird question marks- my phone’s operating system needs an update.
Bre says
Hi, Theresa – HAHAH those question marks – they’re everywhere! Anyway, to answer your question, the paint has held up amazingly well! Not a single scratch – seriously. The magnet board gets much more use now that my son is a little older and has more “treasures” and artwork to display, so I can honestly say that the chalk paint + varnish combo worked great! Good luck with your project!