Maybe you’re looking for a new and exciting art medium, or perhaps, like me, you’ve found yourself in a situation where you need to complete a project, and your supplies on hand are limited. Either way, you might be wondering if chalk markers are a viable option for use on paper.
Chalk markers can be used on paper to create or color various projects, including homemade cards, lettering projects, labels, signs, place cards, coloring pages, drawings, doodles, and other artwork.
What are chalk markers?
Chalk markers are designed to be a smooth, dust-free, and versatile replacement for regular chalk. Chalk markers are erasable when used on smooth, non-porous surfaces like chalkboards, metal, or glass. Writing on these surfaces and erasing them later makes them great for window decorations, advertisements, menus, classrooms, office reminders, and home organization. Chalk markers can also be applied to porous surfaces, but the result may be permanent or cause staining when used on a porous surface. This includes paper.
Things to Consider Before Using Chalk Markers on Paper
Chalk markers have a smooth and liquid consistency similar to other paint pens and markers.
Many feature bold colors and intense pigments, making them an excellent option for lettering or coloring projects. Most brands are non-toxic, some are odor-free, and many brands come in various colors, sizes, and tip shapes, which can suit a variety of needs. Most chalk markers are opaque, which means they will show up easily on most surfaces.
Paper Color
Chalk markers can be used on any paper color but are typically designed to write or draw on chalkboards, which means they are an especially great option for lettering or coloring on black paper. The bold colors and intense pigments mean they stand out well on black and other dark colors. There are also metallic options available, which create a substantial impact on black paper. However, chalk markers can make a vibrant impact on any paper color.
Paper Type
If available, you may want to consider a heavier paper style—just like with other types of markers, thinner papers may become too saturated with ink and may wrinkle or become damaged with repeated marker strokes. Construction paper is a good and inexpensive option for most basic coloring and lettering projects. Card stock can be an excellent option for lettering projects or homemade cards and labels. Glossier papers may allow for smoother application and blending.
Do I need my artwork to last?
Because they’re designed to be erased, chalk markers are water-soluble, which means your work might run or bleed if exposed to water. If you’re looking for something long-lasting or water-resistant, you may want to choose a different type of marker or paint pen that is not designed to wipe away.
Do I need to do a lot of blending?
Chalk markers have opaque pigments and dry quickly, which may make blending difficult on porous surfaces. Using water may help with blending but can also cause unpredictable bleeding or running on the paper. If your art project requires a lot of precise blending, another type of marker may be preferable.
Prepping your Writing or Coloring Surface
If available, you might want to consider preparing your paper surface. Chalkboard paint or a black acrylic coat can make your drawing or writing stand out more and may make application easier. You can even purchase chalk labels to stick on your paper for smaller lettering or drawing projects.
How to Use Chalk Markers on Paper
Shake the Marker
First, make sure the cap is firmly on the market, and shake to mix the ink. You may be able to hear a rattle as a ball bearing inside helps mix the liquid. Shaking before each use ensures an even application of color and a smooth consistency when writing, coloring, or drawing.
Priming the Marker
When writing or drawing on any surface, chalk markers need to be primed. When the marker is first opened, the tip is dry (and will usually appear white). To prime, the marker, find a scrap piece of paper or a non-porous surface. Press the marker to the surface until the tip visibly fills up with ink. Some markers recommend depressing the tip multiple times or pumping it up and down to start the ink flow. Instructions vary slightly, so when possible, make sure to check the packaging instructions for your specific set of markers.
Test Your Surface
If you’re able, you may want to try a test piece of paper to see how the marker behaves on the surface and practice your design. Get a feel for how the marker flows on the paper and how the colors look when dry. Different types of paper have different textures, which may change how the marker flows and how the ink shows up. If desired, practice blending colors.
Draw!
You’re ready to begin creating. Keep in mind that most chalk markers are designed to dry quickly but may take a few seconds to minutes to dry thoroughly on paper. Exposing the ink to water may create some bleeding or blending effects, primarily on glossier paper styles. Be careful with your clothes! Many chalk markers will stain non-porous surfaces and significantly lighter-colored fabrics.
Interested in other unexpected coloring mediums? Check out How to Color with Sharpies to learn more!
Factors in Choosing the Right Chalk Markers
Maybe you already have a lettering or coloring project in mind and need help finding which chalk markers are right for you. Here are a few factors you might want to consider.
Tip Shape
Round tips and chisel tips are the most common. Suppose you’re interested in writing on paper for a lettering project. In that case, rounded and chisel tips will create different effects, with chisel tips creating a wide-and-narrow effect closer to calligraphy.
For coloring, chisel tips can be more useful for filling in larger areas more smoothly, while round tips will make it easier to color in edges and smaller areas. Some brands have reversible tips, which allow the user to switch between two tip shapes as needed.
Tip Size
If your paper or drawing is smaller, consider a smaller tip size, such as 6 mm. This size is ideal for labels and smaller projects, like cards. Like 10 mm, larger markers are great for lettering larger signs or filling in large paper areas. This size will lay down a lot of ink and make it difficult to fill in or letter small areas.
Pack Size and Color Palette
Packs of chalk markers vary by color palette, including neon, pastel, metallic, primary colors, and many more. Some packs contain only white markers, which are great for simple projects or labels on dark paper or dark surfaces.
Most colors will show up effectively on white or black paper, but if you’re using colored paper, try to choose colors that will stand out. The number of markers per pack can also vary widely, so consider the frequency of use and the number of different colors needed to fulfill your project.
Budget
There is a wide variety of chalk markers on the market. Most packs of chalk markers are inexpensive, but prices can range from less than $10 to over $30 for larger packs of high-quality markers. Make sure to check out reviews when selecting a brand that suits your needs.
Lower-quality markers might suffice for quick or straightforward projects while investing in higher-quality chalk markers might make sense for repeated use or fancier lettering, coloring, or drawing projects.
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