What Are Chalk Markers?

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.

What Surfaces Can You Draw On?

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.

Surfaces With Easy 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:

• Chalk Ink’s specialized chalkboards and chalkboard products
• Windows and unblemished mirrors
• Dry erase boards
• Glazed ceramics
• Granite
• Smooth plastic
• Smooth metal

Permanent Surfaces

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:

• Paper products (cardstock, wallpaper, artist paper)
• Cardboard
• Drywall
• Untreated or unsealed cement
• Unglazed tile
• Wood
• Skin

Fun Uses for Liquid Chalk Markers

With all these surfaces in mind, let’s go over all the fun uses for liquid chalk markers!

Creative Party Signage

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:

• Where the party is
• Where to park
• Where the bathrooms are
• Fun facts about the birthday person, bride, or groom
• What type of cake is served
• The itinerary for the afternoon or evening

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.

Inspired Labels and Tags

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!

Cute Home Calendar

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.

Custom Stationary

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:

• Diary, journal, or notebook
• Blank cardstock
• Stationary paper
• Writing and drawing utensil cases
• Clipboard

Unique Gift Bags

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!

Fine Art

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.

Professional Uses for Liquid Chalk Markers

Advertising and Signage

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.

Teaching

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!