We can all relate to chalk from as far back as our kindergarten days all the way to college. Notwithstanding, chalk use is not just restricted to the school setup.
Chalkboards are a common phenomenon in homes, offices, and restaurants too. However, there is a myriad of modern chalk pens and markers rivaling regular chalk.
So, which is the best chalk for chalkboards? Regular chalk is the best chalk for chalkboards because it is cheap, super easy to erase, and readily available. The newer chalk markers and pens are, however, reasonably trendy and have their place, especially in detail work or specific effects.
If you are looking to shop for chalk for chalkboards, you’ll find a helpful buying guide in this post. We’ll also review best chalks for chalkboards, so you can easily find a favorite, be it the traditional plain Jane chalk or fancier pens.
Types Of Chalk
Choosing chalk is no different from shopping for any other product. You must look for qualities that set the best chalk apart from the rest.
But first things first, what type of chalk are you going for? There is the classic chalk; then there are chalk markers(pens) and chalk pencils. Each has its uniqueness and drawbacks.
Regular Chalk
Regular chalk is the cheapest chalk for chalkboards. It is also the easiest to erase, and these are some of the reasons it remains loved.
It is perfect for blending and smudging effects to add character to what you are drawing. You can also vary the amount of stress to create different shades.
The biggest drawback with this chalk used to be dust but thanks to technology we now have dustless options. Still, it can cause itching, irritation, and sneezing to people with allergies.
In addition, this chalk is prone to breakage. It will crack or crush under duress while writing or when it falls or is bumped against a hard surface.
Another issue is that it erases effortlessly, which is an admirable feature until you accidentally bump or brush against the chalkboard. You’ll easily ruin something you spent so much time working on.
The regular chalk is available in several colors apart from the traditional white, though the color range and vibrance are often underwhelming and more pastel.
Chalk Markers
Chalk markers are made from chalk particles suspended in a liquid that evaporates quickly as you draw or write on the chalkboard. They are versatile enough to write on many other surfaces too.
They are more vibrant, and the color diversity is much more comprehensive. You’ll even find stunning colors like metallics. You also get to choose tip styles for simple and dramatic writing styles.
There are different variations of chalk markers, some will erase dry, and others will erase wet. Still, unlike regular chalk, they are long-wearing and loved by chalk artists.
You’ll have a stress-free time rubbing off writings from nonporous chalkboards with this kind of chalk, but they require hard work to erase and may still leave a shadow on porous chalkboards.
Also, unlike mainstream chalk that thrives on grit, rugged surfaces go hard on the nib of chalk markers and can cause splaying.
Pencil Chalk
There is also pencil chalk which is designed like a pencil. It is thin and sharp for super fine writing.
The middle part is actual chalk though the outer covering is wooden, and it is often sharpened when it goes blunt. This design means it is neither messy on the hands nor dusty while in use.
Chalk pencils produce the crispiest lines, which are needed when fine detailing. Pencil chalk is available in multiple colors but is a bit more challenging to erase than regular chalk.
Other Qualities To Consider
Once you’ve decided on the types of chalk you need, the following things are what you should look for during your purchase.
Smoothness
When using chalk, it is much more enjoyable and less strenuous if it writes smoothly. Smooth writing chalk is not only easy on the hands but also lasts longer because too much grit wears out the chalk quickly. It also means the lines will be continuous and not flawed.
Easy To Erase
The fun part of writing on chalkboards with chalk is the ability to erase it effortlessly. But this won’t be possible with poor quality chalk that stains and leaves shadows.
Look for chalk that is easy to wipe out either with a dry eraser or wet wipe. Marker chalk brands are particularly stubborn on porous surfaces painted with chalk paint.
Non-Toxic
It is of utmost importance that your choice of chalk is non-toxic. You can check for conformity to safety standards like ASTM or other relevant bodies.
This aspect is especially critical if you intend to use chalk with kids. Regular chalk specifically is touched directly, so the pigments must be safe.
You can also check the ingredients for chalk markers. Many water-based options are nontoxic. Low odor is also a fantastic feature and a sign of the absence of solvents.
Color Range And Vibrance
White is the predominant color for chalk in the school setup. However, there are many color options to expand your creativity in the boardroom or bistro.
When choosing chalk, consider what colors you are getting. A great color diversity may be irrelevant to a professor but the clincher for chalk artists.
The vibrance is also of utmost importance. Markers are generally brighter than regular chalk. But there is also diversity in how vivid the pigments are among brands.
If you like the colors really bright, then look for so. If you prefer just white, there are sets for just that too.
Tip Size And Style
This consideration applies to chalk markers mostly because regular chalk is almost always rounded sticks. However, there are a couple of chalk brands that make them as squared sticks.
Regardless of the shape, the size must feel comfortable on the hands, most especially if it’s for kids. There are narrow and wide options.
For chalk markers, you can choose a set based on the tip style you want, like a bullet or chiseled. The best chalk markers have interchangeable tips for breaking monotonous writing styles.
These tips also come in a range of sizes from 1-10mm. You have to select accordingly depending on the type of chalk art or writing style you want to do.
Quality
Most importantly, look for high-quality chalk. For regular chalk, the density determines the quality. Too soft, and it will break easily, too hard, and you’ll need excess grit to write.
For markers, look at the overall construction material of the barrel, the ink flow, tip, and tight caps. It must be sturdily built not to splay, break, or dry up quickly.
The Best Chalks For Chalkboards
Now that you are familiar with the attributes to look for in chalk, you are better equipped to pick some out. Well, keep reading to find top-rated products as we reveal the best chalks for chalkboards next.
| Rank | Product | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | HAGOROMO Fulltouch Color Chalk | 10 colors, non-toxic, mess-free wax coating |
| 2. | Kedudes Non-Toxic White Dustless Chalk | 12 colors, low dust, smooth gliding |
| 3. | Huntz Dustless Chalk With Microfiber Eraser | 12 white, 12 colored, includes eraser |
| 4. | Liquid Chalk Pens (30 Pack 6mm) Pastel + Neon Chalk Markers | Liquid chalk, washable, low odor, 30 colors |
| 5. | Kassa Liquid Chalk Markers For Blackboards (10 Neon Colors) | 10 markers, bullet and chisel tip, vibrant |
| 6. | Chalkboard Chalk Markers (10 Pack, 1mm Extra Fine Tip) | 10 vibrant colors, sturdy nibs, non-toxic |
| 7. | Blami Arts White Chalk Markers 4 Pack | 2 jumbo pens, 2 normal, non-toxic |
| 8. | Chalktastic Liquid Chalk Markers For Kids | 8 pack, washable, non-toxic, chisel/bullet nib |
| 9. | U Brands Chalkboard Colored Pencils | 6 pack, vibrant colors, wood handle |
1. HAGOROMO Fulltouch Color Chalk
Hagoromo fulltouch chalk takes the coveted first place on our list of the best chalks for chalkboards. The former Japanese now Korean chalk brand is arguably the best in the industry.
The chalk is made from the finest, smoothest calcium carbonate for a silky smooth writing experience. They are standard-sized chalk in length but slightly thicker.
In each pack is 12 pieces of chalk in 10 colors, including white. The pigments are highly concentrated, which gives the chalk fantastic visibility on chalkboards.
Unlike typical chalk, whose colors nearly look the same from a distance, these are bright enough to be distinguished clearly.
Each piece is made from non-toxic ingredients, making them suitable for kids and the environment. You’ll notice the EU and Korean certification marks of safety on the packaging.
Hagoromo chalks are virtually dust-free. They have a special ultra-thin wax coating that keeps your hands clean no matter how long you write.
Individual chalk pieces in every box are wrapped in foam packaging. That ensures everything arrives in one piece, no matter how ragged the shipping is.
For best erasing results, use it with the Hagoromo eraser. But no matter what you use, this chalk wipes off very quickly and leaves no shadows behind.
A lot of veteran and upcoming chalk users swear by it. If you’ve been using other chalks with lots of annoying screeching and resistance, be prepared for the dramatic difference.
2. Kedudes Non-Toxic White Dustless Chalk
The first runner-up is Kedudes non-toxic dustless chalk. There are 12 white and 12 colored pieces in a pack with a bonus felt eraser.
Although marketed as dustless chalk, this chalk generates some dust, only that it’s so little you’ll barely notice it. It is smooth gliding and easy to erase from chalkboards.
Made from non-toxic ingredients, the chalk is safe for school, business premises, and home use by both kids and adults.
We love that it comes in multiple colors and lots of white. Even though it is not the brightest chalk, it is far better than the cheap chalk, where all colors write nearly white.
With Kedudes, there’s a noticeable difference in the different shades because of the pigment load.
This is very sturdy chalk and hard to break. Consequently, you’ll need to apply more pressure than usual to write, which can be challenging for younger hands. It is also shorter than standard-sized chalks.
3. Huntz Dustless Chalk With Microfiber Eraser
A third option is the Huntz dustless chalk. This set contains 12 white and 12 colored chalk and an eraser.
It is not entirely dustless but absolutely low on dust writing and erasing cleanly. It is also smooth’. You’ll be gliding across the chalkboard.
The color selection is good with excellent visibility. The chalk is not attention-grabbing bright, which is ideal for those looking for softer shades.
The best thing about this chalk is that it erases completely without ghosting or the need for wet wipes. The microfiber clothing is detachable from the handle when you need to wash it.
That means you can let your kids in on the fun and express themselves without the horrors of a difficult after clean-up.
But what might not tickle your fancy is that the Huntz chalk lies on the softer side and can break easily. It is delicate and works best with some light handedness.
4. Liquid Chalk Pens (30 Pack 6mm) Pastel + Neon Chalk Markers
Moving over to truly dust-free chalk experiences, we introduce the liquid chalk markers. Our top pick in the category is the Liquid chalk pens by Chalkola.
These chalk markers are fantastic in every way; they are washable, water-based, have low odor, and write beautifully.
From the color range to the vibrance, it really leaves nothing to be desired. You get 30 chalk pens in colors for every mood and theme.
Whether you want to assign a different color for every student in a class or just want a super attractive bistro chalkboard, this pack has got you covered. There is a mix of neons, pastels, and earth tones.
The chalk markers write smoothly with a 6mm reversible tip. You can create medium lines that don’t smudge with the bullet end. For flowery writing styles, you can flip the tip and use the chiseled end.
Chalkola’s pigments are so brilliant that colors really pop from the chalkboard. Yet you can erase it all quite easily with water and a magic eraser.
Note that the chalk is permanent on porous surfaces, including chalkboard-painted surfaces. Therefore ensure your chalkboard is non-porous to enjoy the full benefits of these markers.
5. Kassa Liquid Chalk Markers For Blackboards (10 Neon Colors)
Coming close to the Chalkola is the Kassa brand of chalk markers. This particular one is the neon set that has 10 markers.
Each of the 10 chalk markers represents 10 irresistibly gorgeous and intense colors. The ink is bright, making them perfect for a chalkboard you truly want to stand out.
The markers are fitted with a dual tip. You can pull it out and reverse it to switch between bullet and chisel style tips.
And although the pens are of remarkable quality, there are 2 bonus replacement tips in the pack in case of accidental damage. But do not expect these to splay any time soon.
You’ll enjoy writing with these markers, which are smooth flowing and friction-resistant. They are also odorless, having been made from non-toxic ink that conforms to safety guidelines.
They easily erase from chalkboards by wet wiping followed by a magic eraser. Like other chalk markers, the porosity of the chalkboards matters.
6. Chalkboard Chalk Markers (10 Pack, 1mm Extra Fine Tip)
Are you looking for sheerness and durability? Then you should try these 1mm extra-fine tip chalk markers by Chalkola.
Many 1mm tips are bound to crush under pressure due to the thinness but not Chalkola. It is sturdily constructed with a nib that doesn’t fray easily.
There are 10 vibrant neon-colored chalk marker pens in this pack, including brown, white, and black. The tips are super fine and measure only 1mm. You are assured of crisp, clean lines for all your precision detailing.
Writing is flawless and continuous thanks to the smooth and even flowing of ink. Just don’t forget to shake the pens and pump the tip a bit before you begin.
The ink is water-based, has no nauseating smell, and is thus non-toxic. It dissolves and comes off with the swipe of a damp eraser.
You must ensure that the chalkboard is non-porous though.
7. Blami Arts White Chalk Markers 4 Pack
Bright colors are certainly not everyone’s cup of tea. So, if you like to keep your chalkboard writings classic white but without the hassle of traditional chalk, you’ll want this all-white set by Blami.
It contains only 4 pens, but the versatility is overwhelming. There’s a mix of small, medium, and jumbo pens for diverse line size needs.
There are 3mm and 6mm tip pens, each with reversible chisel and bullet points. The other two measure 10mm and 16mm with 3 parallel point tips so you can cover large spaces quickly.
The ink lays down nicely and is snow white. It has water as its base; hence is non-toxic and safe for people and the environment.
Blami chalk markers wipe off with a damp magic eraser sponge which is provided with relative ease. However, it becomes harder to remove after two days, so they are good for writing stuff you will constantly change.
If you see no point in spending so much money for a multitude of colors you don’t really need, Blami has got you with this no-frills kit.
8. Chalktastic Liquid Chalk Markers For Kids
Another chalk marker option is the Chalktastic classic 8 pack set. It’s a smaller budget-friendly set but provides the same great results as the larger ones.
There are 8 lively colors, including a white chalk marker. Each barrel is packed with high pigment concentrated ink that makes writing bright and opaque.
The markings are washable by wet wiping as the ink is a combination of a water-based with soluble chalk and non-toxic pigment. This ease of erasure applies to non-porous chalkboards.
Another fantastic feature is the double-sided tips which open up opportunities for writing style variety. One end is a chisel, and the other is bullet-shaped.
If you are looking to explore your creativity with chalk markers without going so big, this little set will be the ideal choice.
9. U Brands Chalkboard Colored Pencils
Last but not least is the U Brands wooden chalk pencil sets. These write like ordinary chalk but come in pencil form.
What this means is that you can draw crisp, clear chalk lines minus the breakage, dust, or bluntness experienced when using the traditional chalk.
The pencil set is perfect for precise details and even works better when combined with chalk markers for outlining purposes. This particular set is a 6-count pack that has 6 classic vibrant colors; green, blue, pink, orange, yellow, and purple.
The pencils write smoothly, almost creamy as though they are waxed but wipe off just like chalk. You’ll only need a damp cloth to erase the marks from the chalkboard.
Every color shows well, and you can go over the writing to liven it up some more. However, they may not be for you if your expectations are too high, especially on the brightness level.
The chalk pencils wear out quickly, which is expected because they are actual chalk. It would help if you had a sharpener close by. You can sharpen them with the ordinary hand sharpener to get them pointy once again.
This pencil chalk set comes in handy for quick and comfortable writing on chalkboards without being engulfed in dust clouds. The set could be better with at least one white chalk pencil in the pack.
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