Chalk markers are perfect for all kinds of designs, arts and crafts, and other sorts of projects that require a bit of artistic expression.
But using a simple stick of sidewalk chalk is different from using a chalk marker – leaving some of us with a few questions. In this guide, we’ll be covering all of the questions or concerns you may have about using chalk markers on your chalkboard.
Just like a stick of classic dry chalk, chalk markers are used to write on chalkboards. However, unlike dry chalk, a liquid chalk marker uses a liquid mixture that is dust-free and dries after being applied to a surface.
Chalk markers are used by artists, schools and teachers, businesses, and all kinds of other chalk craft enthusiasts – these markers have a strikingly smooth and vibrant stroke, which allows even those of us who aren’t artistically inclined to create visually appealing designs.
Chalk markers are pretty much just chalk, but in liquid form – this means that they work on a variety of surfaces while also being easy to clean off. That being said, it’s best to use them for their intended purpose, which is drawing on a non-porous surface like chalkboard, plastic, glass, metal, ceramic or vinyl. Some chalkboard surfaces are even magnetic, depending on how much iron is used to manufacture them.
They can work on porous surfaces as well, but some of them will be much harder to clean off, making the use of chalk markers a bit questionable. Examples of porous surfaces include paper, concrete, wood, and certain kinds of textured slate chalkboards.
Liquid chalk markers work great on glass, if you’re ever in the mood for drawing on your bathroom mirror. The only issue you may run into is streaks when trying to erase it, but enough water, soap, and elbow grease should do the trick and leave your mirror clean and shiny once again.
These kinds of markers work well on paper, but if it’s something like a thin canvas or a sketchpad it may soak through and stain whatever is underneath – including pages behind it on your desk or table. The only real issue aside from that is that a chalky marker can’t be erased from paper, so don’t use it on any paper surfaces you’d like clean in the future.
While dry erase markers may not work well on chalkboards, chalk markers can be used on dry erase boards. The reason they work is that dry erase boards are non-porous surfaces, which means chalk ink won’t seep into any pores on a whiteboard surface, and can easily be cleaned off just like a dry erase marker.
Chalk marker is easily erasable, if you use it on a porous chalkboard. We have an entire guide dedicated to some of the most common questions about chalkboards, but the basic idea is that a porous board is a smooth, uniform surface – and a non-porous chalkboard will have small pores that can create an uneven surface texture.
This means when you’re erasing marker from a board, it’s best if the surface is free from unwanted textures that trap ink within hard to reach crevices, leaving behind stains.
So, what actually gets chalk marker off? Luckily, it’s not as complicated as some make it out to be. In order to properly erase chalk markers off chalkboard, you’re going to want to follow these simple steps:
Clean off any debris: first, make sure your chosen chalkboard is free from dust, dirt, or debris that could stick around and make the cleaning process harder – use a dry cloth
Wipe the board down: using a bit of water and a damp cloth or paper towel, wipe the board down completely without soaking it too much
Start drawing: you’re now ready to get back to drawing, but make sure the board is dry first
Chalk markers can easily stain fabric, and you’re going to want to avoid getting any on your clothes if possible. That said, if you do end up with a couple of stains, don’t stress – they can be removed. Similar to other kinds of stains, some of the most common solutions to removing chalk marker stains from clothes include:
Rubbing alcohol
Nail polish remover
Hairspray
In order to actually remove the stain, the best method is to soak your clothes in one of the above solutions for a few minutes, gently scrub them with said solution, and then toss them in a warm wash cycle with laundry detergent as soon as possible to prevent the stain from setting in.
Just like normal chalk, liquid chalk markers aren’t designed to be permanent. If used on a suitable surface like a non-porous chalkboard or glass, chalk markers are both easy to apply and clean off when you need to change things up. Keep in mind, however, that using a marker on some kinds of materials like paper or clothes could leave a permanent stain.
Chalk drawings can last quite a long time, depending on how you apply the chalk and seal it. Simple designs drawn on non-porous surfaces should last for weeks to months if left undisturbed. If you’re looking for a way to make a non-porous chalk drawing permanent, you’re going to want to apply a spray sealant – these are chemical solutions made from ingredients like polyurethane or acrylic.
Porous materials could be permanently stained from the first application of a chalk marker, so make sure you’re aware of what surfaces are porous and non-porous.
Chalk ink typically dries within a matter of seconds, unlike paint markers which could take a few minutes to set. This is due to the ingredients included such as calcium carbonate and calcium sulfate – chalk markers also have a relatively small amount of liquid in them.
If applied to an indoor chalkboard, chalk markers are semi-permanent and won’t fade much over time or produce much chalk dust. However, if the chalkboard is outside or frequently bumped and moved around, some vibrant colors could fade over time.
Depending on the brand of chalk pens, some may dry out faster than others. The good news is, this is usually fixable. When it comes to our liquid chalk markers, the best way to fix a dried out marker tip is by removing it, running the tip under warm water for a few minutes, and then reinserting the tip back into the barrel of the marker.
If the chalkboard surface is non porous, then there is no need to season the surface of the board. However, if the surface is porous, like. chalk painted surface, then we recommend seasoning the surface. In order to season the surface of the chalkboard, follow these steps:
1. Wipe off any dust with a paper towel.
2 Take a piece of stick chalk, and using its side rather than the tip, rub the entire surface in a vertical direction, ensuring the board is completely covered.
3. Repeat in a horizontal direction, also ensuring that the board is completely covered again.
4. Wipe off with a soft cloth, rag, or chalkboard eraser.
5. Blow off any dust.
Before using a chalkboard marker, it's best to prime them. All that really means is you need to first shake the marker for around 30 seconds with the cap on, before pumping the nib full of ink by firmly pressing the tip down on a surface until it fills with ink.
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Once you've pumped the nib a few times, then your chalk marker should start to work normally, and you can go ahead and start painting!
At Loddie Doddie, we only sell non-toxic chalk markers that comply with ASTM International’s D guidelines. These guidelines require the disclosure of hazardous materials or ingredients within art supplies including pigment based ink, none of which are included in our products.
Other brands may use toxic materials within their formulas, so make sure to always check if they’re committed to providing safe products by following the proper guidelines. Keep in mind, if you’re using chalk markers for something like decorating pumpkins, you should avoid eating any ink-covered bits.
The best way to store our liquid chalk markers when not in use is by capping them, and placing them upright instead of laying on their side horizontally. The cap is there to prevent the tips from drying out, and by storing them vertically you can avoid any unwanted ink leakage due to a pen laying on its side for too long.
Learning a few simple tips and tricks to using your new markers is the best way to bring your chalk drawings to the next level – whether you’re trying to create professional-level chalk drawings or just mess around with a bit of liquid chalk art, knowing how to use your tools is essential. If you have more questions about our markers, make sure to check out the rest of our blog content.
Shop some of our Chalk Marker products below:
8ct Fine Point Chalk Markers - Macaron Pastel Colors
5ct Multi-Size Tips Chalk Markers - Bright White
8ct Fine Point Chalk Markers - Vivid Colors
4ct Chalk Markers - Bright White
Chalk markers are a legendary blend of old-fashioned chalk and modern markers. Chalk Ink’s markers are made to be used just like paint pens but instead of producing paint, the liquid dries to look just like chalk. The best part? Chalk paint markers are so much easier to use than traditional chalk. They’re smooth, easy to blend, and won’t smudge or erase if you accidentally brush up against it. Because they’re liquid, they don’t produce dusty clouds and will never make that horrid chalk-on-chalkboard shriek.
Sounds like a dream? You’re awake! Chalk paint markers are a new favorite among teachers, baristas, restaurant and small business owners, homeschooling parents, artists, and teens (legal graffiti, anyone?).
With so many avid users, these markers are a go-to for a wide range of projects. From personal art projects to professional signage, read on to discover the myriad of fun and professional uses for liquid chalk markers.
Just about any! Part of what makes liquid chalk markers so great is the fact that they’re usable on just about any surface.
Pro tip: Before you put that chalk marker to use, consider how porous your surface is. Porous surfaces will absorb the liquid, and you will have a tough time with removal.
Smooth surfaces that are not porous are best for quick and easy removal (and continued use day after day). Some examples of these surfaces include:
Don’t let the thought of your liquid chalk marker not coming out scare you! These markers are still excellent signage and art options for more permanent installations. Surfaces in which you can use your chalk markers without worrying about erasure include:
With all these surfaces in mind, let’s go over all the fun uses for liquid chalk markers!
Hosting a garden party? Helping a friend or family member decorate their wedding? Throwing a birthday bash? Creating chalkboard signage is a beautiful way to answer all your guests’ questions and point them in the right direction. After all, there are all sorts of things guests want to know:
Additionally, you can use tabletop chalkboards or uniquely shaped chalkboards (we’re talking banners, fun shapes, and garden stakes) to assign seats or draw pretty illustrations compatible with the party’s theme. Chalkboard signage is perfect for rustic, farmhouse, and boho-themes.
Keep track of what you own, what you want, and how to find them both with homemade labels and tags. Whether you want to write directly on a glass or porcelain canister, or place chalkboard contact paper down first, liquid chalk markers are a great way to organize and beautify your home.
In addition to creating labels for coffee, tea, sugar, flour, and other canisters, chalk markers and chalk contact paper can be used to make an array of tags. For instance, you can create cute and custom luggage tags for your suitcases!
Do you love to stay organized and on top of important dates and times? Bored with the standard, glossy calendars you can buy from box stores? Create your own calendar using a chalkboard and chalk markers! Draw your own grids with white or different colored liquid chalk, write in your special events, and—the most exciting part yet—illustrate them! You’ll look forward to checking your calendar every morning.
Stationary is a wonderful thing. From holding your words to containing your writing or drawing utensils, stationary is a must at home and in the workplace. A fun and crafty way to use chalk markers with your stationary is to customize or illustrate your:
Plain gift bags, wrapping paper with the same old prints, and blank gift boxes are boring. Create something new, unique, and beautiful by decorating gifts with chalk paint markers. Not only will the project be lots of fun, the recipient is sure to love your design and the thought you put into it!
Liquid chalk markers aren’t just great for crafts. They’re great for fine art projects, too! Whether you paint a canvas with chalkboard paint and draw over it or attach chalkboard contact paper to a piece of furniture and illustrate a beautiful design, there are a ton of great ideas for creating art using chalk markers.
For restaurants, small businesses, and cafes, signage and advertising are key. Create unique and appealing signage and advertisements with liquid chalk markers. Chalk lettering on advertisements is an artform in itself, and customers love to view the letters, numbers, and illustrations. Signage and menus are other crucial items in restaurants and cafes. In addition to the appeal, using chalkboards and chalk markers saves your business money on buying professional signage, menus, and advertisements.
Whether you teach professionally or are a homeschooling parent, you know how important it is to have a clear and appealing way to teach your kiddos. For teachers that still have chalkboards in their classrooms and parents who use chalkboard easels, paint, or even full-fledged commercial chalkboards, it can be a pain to use traditional chalk. Not only do you run the risk of scraping a fingernail or screeching the chalk, but chalk is messy, sneezy, and annoying to use. It’s totally possible to create a cleaner classroom (and have a ton more fun teaching) with chalk paint markers. You can even give mini chalkboards and chalk markers to the kids—they’ll have more fun learning, too!
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Chalk Marker Manufacturer. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.