how to write on a chalkboard

Chalk art is everywhere. And it’s lovely.

Chalkboards, too. Whether a framed diy chalkboard or an entire painted wall, it’s one of the simplest and least expensive ways to add a pop of graphic style to your home.

But have you ever tried to write on your own chalkboard and couldn’t quite get your lettering to look crisp? Me too.

Until I discovered a few new options for writing with chalk.

You can see the difference in tip size … which obviously makes a big difference in the width you will get in your lettering.

Here’s an example:

{oops. I misspelled continually. that’s what I get for trying to do this and occupy four kids and a puppy at the same time}

CHALK TYPE ONE: chalk pencil by Fons and Porter {available here}

These pencils are used for sewing – making little marks on fabric for seam allowances or appliques and can be removed from fabric with a damp cloth. They are not intended for chalkboard use, but from my experience, they work well. The chalk does not smudge which makes it nice when doing small details. It does require a damp cloth to remove and may leave a faint line on your chalkboard from the oil in the pencil.

CHALK TYPE TWO: mechanical chalk pencil {available here}

My favorite of all the options, this red cartridge with refillable chalk is also meant for sewing, but it works perfectly on a chalkboard surface. The chalk is very skinny which makes for clean lines. If you are going for a bolder look, it will take a bit more filling in than regular-size chalk. Can be wiped away with a dry cloth.

CHALK OPTION THREE: chalk marker {available here}

The chalk marker is a great option if you want bold and smooth letters that won’t be smudged. It does not have the beloved chalky look, but it is very easy to write with. This one takes a bit of effort to remove – especially on textured walls painted with chalkboard paint {lesson learned the hard way when Ryan and I had a brainstorming session all over the chalkboard wall in my office and they only way to fully erase it was to repaint it}.

CHALK OPTION FOUR: regular chalk {available here}

To tell you the truth, this is what I use the majority of the time just because it is easy and I keep a stick in our kitchen junk drawer.  It works well for larger words/images, but it’s hard to get a nice fine point. If you love the look of regular chalk but want a thinner line, go with the mechanical chalk pencil.

So there you have it. Options for what to write with on your chalkboard.

P.S. I use a technique I affectionately call fake calligraphy to write on my chalkboard. It makes everyone’s writing look fancy. You can learn how right here.