Chalk Markers for Crafting
Professional scrapbook artist, paper crafter, and author, I have taught people how to make family memories into legacies for 20 years.
What Is a Chalk Marker?
Simply put, a chalk marker is a marker with chalk. Chalk markers essentially look like a regular marker. They are super easy to use, erase easily, have beautiful pigment for making vibrant and bright colors on art, and are dust-free!
Traditional chalks are messy and difficult to work with. Chalk-like ink is more versatile, easier to work with, and far less messy than traditional chalks.
Chalk art can be used on paper, chalkboards, sidewalks or any concrete surface.
Chalk markers are often manufactured as pigment-based ink, which is fine powder suspended in a liquid solution. When applied to a surface and dried, they have a chalk-like appearance and a texture similar to chalk.
They can be classified into wet wipes and dry wipes. Wet or dry is determined by the way in which the ink can be removed. If it can be easily removed with a magnetic eraser, without the use of water, the ink is known to be used for dry-wipe chalk markers.
On the contrary, if you need water or any form of liquid to be able to remove the ink, it is then classified as wet wipe. The majority of chalk markers on the market today are wet wipe, easily removed with a damp cloth or sponge.
How Do Chalk Markers Work?
When you use a chalk marker for the first time, the nib needs to be depressed. Once you do that, the ink will start to flow.
The cap should always be placed back on the marker when it is not in use. They should be stored either upright or in a horizontal position.
Different Available Tips
Chalk markers can also be categorized into different types of tips, the most common of which include the following:
- Bullet tip: Round head and looks much like a bullet (hence the name). It is often small in size and more regularly used to draw fine lines, or for writing.
- Chisel tip: Body is tapered towards the top and looks much like the tip of a chisel. It can be used to create a variety of lines with different thickness, depending on the angle at which it is held.
- Parallel tip: Biggest in size, characterized by the wide and thick body, often creating the thickest of lines. If you want to fill a shape or color a wide area on the canvas, the parallel tip is probably the most efficient.
Some chalk markers do come with either a reversible tip or dual tips:
- Reversible tip: Means that you can remove the tip, reverse it and voila, you have a different tip to play with.
- Dual tip means that a chalk marker has two functional ends, closed off with a cap on each end.
Either way, this feature is great as you get a lot more for the price of a set, instead of having to buy two sets of markers separately, each with a different tip.
Tip Size
While there are many different types of tips available for chalk markers, there are also different size tips available too. Tip sizes are measured in millimeters and generally range from .03mm all the way up to 50mm. Pens usually are measured by the precise millimeter while markers are put into one of five categories:
Read More From Feltmagnet
- The smallest available tip size is the extra fine chalk markers. These are perfect for detail art. They help you add sharp lines or create small crisp text.
- The fine tip markers are ideal for covering small areas or writing, but they don't allow for the level of detailing
- The medium tip markers are your perfect middle-of-the-road marker.
- Broad tips are perfect for covering larger areas.
- Jumbo tips are used to cover larger areas. They are ideal for coloring in a solid background or large projects like big canvas or murals.
How You Can Use Chalk Markers
You might think that the only place you can use chalk markers is on chalkboards. But there are plenty of uses for these vibrant markers:
- Decoration: One of the main uses for chalk markers is for decoration. There are so many ways to decorate with chalk markers. Think about seasonal window decor, decorate a car to show school spirit, create banners and colorful displays.
- Advertising: Chalk markers can be used on chalkboards, windows, or any other space to create signs and advertisements for local businesses. Create signs to signs to promote sales, menu boards, or signs to discuss specials for the day. The advertisements can be displayed on a chalkboard stand outside of a store or the advertisement can be displayed on a glass window since chalk markers are compatible with glass.
- Welcome Signs: Create a welcome sign for an event you are holding. Create signs to welcome your guests and show them where the event is going to be held at, as well as other important information. Perfect for weddings, showers, birthdays and any other special celebration,
- Tags: Create tags to label just about anything with chalkboard paper and chalk markers.
- Calendars: Create your own calendar using chalkboard contact paper and markers.
- Stationary: Use chalk markers on mark and decorate pencils, pens, clipboards use chalkboard contact paper along with the markers to help with decorating your items.
- Gifts And Gift Bags: If the surface of the gift bag or box is already compatible with chalk markers, then you can just start drawing on the surface right away. Use chalkboard contact paper to cover the surface of the gift and then draw with chalk
- Labels: Chalk markers and any vinyl chalkboard surface can be used to create labels for jars, cans, or any other item.
- Custom Wine Glasses: Decorate wine glasses for special occasions like weddings, birthdays and anniversaries.
- Custom Coffee Mugs: They work on these surfaces too
- Plant Pots: Give your plant pots a makeover and easy markers by painting on chalkboard paint.
- Framed Chalkboard: Add a frame for an instant framed chalkboard.
Chalk Markers On Glass
Create decorative accents for your home
Surface Use
The kinds of surfaces you can use chalk markers on mostly depends on the manufacturer.
Some manufacturers have crafted chalk markers specifically for porous surfaces like wood, chalkboards, paper, and concrete. However, certain brands do not work on MDF chalkboards or chalkboard-painted walls. Read the label carefully to find out the specific materials that you can use with chalk markers.
Most chalk markers are formulated for non-porous surfaces like metal, glass, ceramic, vinyl, and plastic. There is really no difference in using chalk markers on porous and non-porous surfaces, except when erasing the ink or priming the surface. That’s because the tiny holes or openings on the porous surfaces will absorb the ink.
You can use chalk markers on dry erase boards in place of dry erase markers. Chalk markers typically work on sealed surfaces. Unlike dry chalk, which will only mark matte surfaces with some tooth, a chalk marker writes excellently on smooth and glossy non-porous surfaces. But you must take care cleaning the board after using them.
To get chalk markers off a dry erase board, you need an ultra-soft sponge or microfiber cloth. That’s because any abrasion can cause micro-scratches that will ruin your dry erase board.
- Run the sponge/cloth under a faucet to dampen it and wring off excess water.
- Wipe the dry erase board as firmly but gently as possible. The chalk marker should come off with ease.
- You can invest in Magic Eraser pads to use alongside the damp cloth. It works wonders in eliminating any staining and shadows left after regular wet wiping.
Surface Ideas and Tips for Chalk Markers
- Chalk Lettering on Glass Tutorial
Follow along this tutorial to learn how to do chalk lettering on glass using the new pastel Kassa chalk markers. You can use any glass like a window, mirror, frame, or even a jar. In this post I’ll be using a frame with black paper is it looks like a - Learn How to Use Chalk Markers — Arteza.com
Table of Contents: Make Beautiful Art with Liquid Chalk Markers What Are Chalk Markers? Create Stunning Glass Art with Chalk Markers Recommendations for Beginners Make Beautiful Art with Liquid Chalk Markers Today’s liquid chalk markers are helping a
How to Prep a Chalkboard for Chalk Marker Use
- In an up and down motion, rub the long side of a white chalk stick on the chalkboard. Be sure to cover the entire surface and not just the area where you intend to draw.
- Then, repeat the process but this time, you need to rub from side to side.
- Wipe off the dust with a dry cloth. This will make your chalkboard look cloudy, but don’t worry! This is what a well-seasoned chalkboard looks like.
- Now that your chalkboard is all prepped up, you can begin to draw.
Using Chalk Markers on Paper
Yes, you can use chalk markers on paper. But because they are absorbed by the paper, they should be considered permanent markers. They are not erasable.
While chalk markers can be used on any color paper, they are more effective on black and other darker tones
You will also want to consider paper weight. Thinner papers like copy paper will become over saturated with these markers. They may get wrinkled and ruined. Construction paper and cardstock are a better choice. Glossy papers also give you another alternative paper to use.
Here are a few themes that we hope you will consider for your next chalk art experience:
- Show your patriotism: No matter where you live, it is fun to create the flag of your country in a chalk drawing.
- Beach scenes: Why not create a sandy beach scene with waves. Palm trees and a sunny day?
- Stars and planets: Use black paper to create a space art project.
- Colored balloons: So easy to draw and create some festive images.
- Holidays: Create a scene for your favorite holiday.
- Flowers are everywhere: And they can be on your chalk images too.
- Under the sea: Create a fish scene underwater.
- Butterflies: Create butterflies in whatever colors you would like.
Chalkboard Plant Markers
Chalkboard Marker Baloons
A creative idea for your next party
Select the Right Chalk Marker for Your Needs
There are so many options when it comes to chalk markers. So, deciding which ones are right for your needs may prove challenging. Here are a few tips to help you get the right product for your needs:
- Tip Shape: There are a few different types of tips to choose. Round tips and chisel tips are the most common. Chisel tips are more often used to color larger areas and for some calligraphy. Round tips are used for more detail work. The best markers have two tips on each pen. Some also have tips that can be changed.
- Tips Size: Tips come in different sizes, so you will want to select products that have the sizes you need for your intended uses. 6mm size would be used for smaller projects like cards and drawings.10 mm markers would be used for larger lettering and areas.
- Pack Size and Palette: There is a large variety when it comes to the number of markers in a pack and the colors included. You can get regular markers, neon, pastels, metallic and more. When you are looking at a pack, figure out the cost of each marker in the pack to decide which pack is right for you. Just divide the total number of markers into the cost of the pack to see the value of each marker.
- Cost/Budget: There are plenty of choices in chalk markers. Make sure to read carefully each description so you understand what you are buying. Use the cost per marker idea to see which pack is giving you the best value. Make sure to read all the reviews to see what others have to say. You can pay anywhere between $10-$90 on markers so make sure to get the best value.
Favorable Brands of Chalk Markers
| Brand | General Information | Number Of Markers Per Box | Other Features |
|---|---|---|---|
Artesa Chalk Markers | This combination of earthy and neon chalk are dust-free, smudge-free, ghost-free, write smoothly, and markers come with reversible and replaceable tips. Last until you say so. | Set of 42 colors-26 bright colors-16 earth tone colors | 42markers with replaceable chisel tips, labels, stencils, and tweezer |
Artesa Metallics | Perfect for chalkboards and just about any non-porous surface. The washable chalk marker’s formula easily washes off of your blackboard, glass, plastic, and pavement surfaces. | 8 colors including wisteria (purple), gold, rose gold, electric blue, silver, strawberry ice, cactus green, and orchid pink | The set includes 8 replaceable chisel tips, 50 labels, 2 sticky stencils, and tweezers |
Artesa Neon Markers | Suitable for chalkboards, menu boards, dry erase boards, glass, metal, ceramics, and any other non-porous surfaces | 8 neon colors | Set includes 8 Neon Colors 8 Replaceable Chisel Nibs 50 Chalkboard Labels 2 Stencils A pair of Marker Tweezers |
Brilliant Bee Liquid Chalk Markers | 12 colors gold, silver, black, brown, orange, green, yellow, white, pink, red, blue and purple. | ||
Cedar Liquid Chalk Markers | These markers will stand up to the elements and are good for outdoor use. The pigments in these markers are water based. | 12 markers in primary colors. A set of metallic and pastels are also available. | The kit also includes 40 chalk board labels. It also comes with a tweezer so that you can switch tips. |
Chalkola Liquid Chalk Marker Pen | sets in three variants – Earth/Classic, Fine Tip – 3mm, and Neon & Metallic. | Each of the pens in this set has a 6mm reversible bullet and a chisel tip. They function as permanent markers on porous surfaces like concrete, paper, wood, and any painted surface. | |
Chalkola Window Markers | Has 28 grams of ink in each marker. 3 In One Nib - The Rectangular Tip enables you to use the Markers as 3 Tips - Wide Lines, bold lines & thin fine lines | comes in three variant sets | Metallic, neon earth and white sets available |
Chalky Crown Liquid Chalk Markers | These markers are considered opaque and vibrant. They are non toxic, odorlless and dust free | They come with 24 chalkboard adhesive labels | |
Chalky Crown White Dry Erase Markers | Opaque white paints that dry fairly quickly and stay vibrant for a Reversible tips for the diverse thickness of lineslong period of time. | Only comes in white-5 markers in a pack | 24 free chalkboard labels with 8 different shapes are included |
Gotideal Liquid Chalk Markers | Wide selection of colors. They are a water-based pigment. | 30 vivid neon colors | 24 free chalkboard labels and 3 extra blank tips included. |
Kassa Chalkmarkers | Each marker has a durable two-sided tip allowing you to switch between bullet point for broad strokes and a chisel tip for adding in small details | 20 colors in a pack | Size: 6mm dual chisel & bullet tip. Bonus: 2 extra tips included |
kassa Metallic | Each marker has a durable two-sided tip allowing you to switch between bullet point for broad strokes and a chisel tip for adding in small details. | 8 metallic colors Colors: gold, silver, bronze, rose gold, metallic blue, metallic green, metallic red, metallic purple | Size: 6mm dual chisel & bullet tip.Bonus: 2 extra tips included |
Life Of Color | They can be used on all kinds of non-porous surfaces, including mirrors, shop windows, whiteboards, glass, house windows, blackboard stickers etc. | 12 in a pack:etc.gold, silver, black, brown, orange, green, yellow, white, pink, red, blue and purple. | 6mm round tip and 6mm chisel tip |
Madcap Markers | Comes with a 6mm reversible tip. The reversible 6mm tips on our Liquid Chalk gives you the option of fine tip markers for detail work or broad chisel tip markers for when big bold lines | 12 neon colors per pack | 16 free labels |
Positive Art Liquid Chalk Markers | Has a bullet tip and a chisel tip. Suitable for all non-porous surfaces including blackboard, baubles, glasses and more | 30 different colors | Non-toxic, odorless and dust-free. You can use the liquid chalk markers to decorate your windows, glass jars, mirrors, photo frames, home décor items, and more |
Shuttle Art Liquid Chalk Markers | Dust Free. Usenon-porous surface such as restaurant menu boards, bistro boards, , LED writing boards, windows, glass, plastic, metal , kids' art, marking dates on food Containers, ceramic mugs. | 30 marker set. 12 Colors Dot Markers, 15 Gray Markers, and 30 Colors Liquid | 48 chalkboard labels, i cleaning cloth, 1 tweezer, 2 Reversible 6mm Bullet and Chisel Tips for markers |
Versachalk Classic Chalk Markers | The look of chalk without the dust and smudging, chalkboard markers are perfect for craft projects of all kinds. Available in fine and bold tips | 10 markers. They have additional colors sold as individual items | 10 classic chalk markers |
Versachalk Metallic Chalk Markers | Add some shimmer and shine with metallic markers. Available in fine tip and bold tip | 8 colors available | 8 metallic chalk markers |
Versachalk Liquid Neon | These non-toxic and dust free markers are easy to use making them ideal for school projects.Comes in fine and bold tips | Available in eight colors, | 8 neon markers |
Chalk Markers On Tin Cans
Use tin cans to make pencil, marker and pen holders
How to Use Chalk Markers
It is so simple to use these amazing markers:
- Shake the marker while the cap is on diagonally.
- Take the cap off and press the tip on a flat surface. It is wiser to use a test paper first instead of the actual project surface.
- Release when the tip fills with ink. It takes up to a minute.
- Do not apply too much pressure to the tip when pumping the markers. It can cause the tips to deform.
- Go crazy and start drawing immediately.
Chalk Marker Tips
- When coloring, go slowly when it’s a large section to prevent uneven coverage.
- Liquid chalk markers work best when held at a 45-degree angle.
- Adding water to the ink will create beautiful blending effects. By diluting this, you can blend colors into each other.
- If it has been a long time since you used the chalk markers and the ink doesn’t flow, you may have to reactivate it.
- Brands like Arteza and Kassa require shaking the chalk marker for at least 30 seconds with the lid on.
- Chalk markers like Versa Chalk need to be pumped to activate the ink. Press the tip on a flat surface and then release it. Repeat this several times until you see the ink at the tip. Refrain from applying too much pressure as it may damage the nib.
Use Chalk Markers to Create Leaf Art
Create custom leaf art with chalk markers. This would be a nice addition to a junk or art journal
How to Erase Chalkboard Markers
- With a damp cloth, you should be able to remove chalk markers easily.
- Magic Eraser: This product is a white sponge that’s perfect for removing marks and smudges from walls. It is inexpensive and very easy to use. Just dampen the eraser slightly with water. Use like a sponge to remove chalk markers from the surface you are erasing. These are reusable.
- Vinegar: Used for cleaning any residue away after you use the magic eraser. Just use a small amount of vinegar instead of the water on the magic eraser. Just use regular white vinegar for this option.
- Windex: Just spray the Windex over the part of chalkboard you drew over and wipe it off. You may have some ghost images left behind. To get rid of those images, you can prime the chalkboard surface with the wide end of a regular piece of chalk. Let the surface sit for a while, and then, spray the entire surface with Windex once again. Wipe it with Windex one more time and that should clean it all off.
- Chalk Marker Removers: There are also special cleansers you can buy for the sole purpose of erasing c there are also chalk ink removers that come in a container with a sponge head that resembles a squeegee. While these are very efficient, they can be more costly than the other methods.
Erasing Chalk Markers on a Non Porous Surface
- Dampen a clean rag or cloth with water then wipe the chalk ink off the non-porous surface. Usually, it is much easier to wipe chalk ink marks from a non-porous surface.
- If the chalk ink has been on the surface for a long time, I highly recommend using baby wipes. Alternatively, spray a whiteboard cleaning solution on a damp cloth and wipe off the marks.
How to Store Chalk Markers
- Put the cap back on after usage. Make sure that the lid is tightly closed to keep the chalk ink from drying out.
- Tighten the cap.
- Store the marker with the cap on top uprightly, so the ink doesn’t drain out when not used. Each brand has specific instructions on how to properly store. For instance, Arteza recommends that you store your markers horizontally while Versa Chalk markers need to be in an upright position.
More Chalk Marker Projects
- Beautiful Signage Lettering Using Chalk Markers - Chalkola Art Supply
Today, we'll show you how Jessica, who likes calligraphy and lettering, creates a beautiful signage lettering using Chalkola Chalk Markers. Check out her work! - Beautiful Signage Lettering Using Chalk Markers - Chalkola Art Supply
Today, we'll show you how Jessica, who likes calligraphy and lettering, creates a beautiful signage lettering using Chalkola Chalk Markers. Check out her work! - How To Stencil A Chalkboard With Chalkboard Markers | House&Canvas DIY Blog
In my last post, I shared with y'all how to use House&Canvas Furniture Paint as chalkboard paint… you can read it here. As I mentioned in my previous post…
Hand Lettering With Chalk Markers
Chalk Markers On Rocks
How to use chalk markers on rocks
More Thoughts on Chalk Markers
Chalk markers offer an interesting alternative to other art markers.
Beyond using them for chalkboards, you can use them on many surfaces like glass, mugs, chalkboard contact paper and even regular paper.
Creating seasonal decor on windows and doors would sure be a fun family project.
Using them on paper enables you to create some greeting cards, gift wraps, gift tags, journals and scrapbook pages. There is a world of creativity available using these markers.
Grab a few of these markers and see where your creativity takes you. Happy Crafting!
© 2022 Linda F Correa
