Key Considerations for Buying the Best Chalkboards for Your Business

Chalkboards are a staple long-term marketing investment for many hospitality and events-based businesses, so what are the key specifications should you be thinking about before making this investment? This blog post uncovers how to determine the best chalkboards to buy based on common use-cases and business needs.

Surface Matters! Chalkboard artists use either classic chalk, liquid chalk paint/marker pens, or water-based acrylic paint/marker pens - with the latter being waterproof. However, whether the chalkboard surface is porous or non-porous will determine the longevity and extent that your sign is waterproof, the mediums that can be used on the boards, and the ease of making content updates. It gets a little complicated so I have divided these insights by the board's intended location - indoor and outdoor.

Outdoor Signs - Best Chalkboards to Buy

There are two main types of outdoor chalkboard signs - wall-mounted and A-board (AKA pavement display or sandwich board). The surface itself is important to consider for both types, and the weight of the frame is crucial to consider for A-boards.

[Recommended] Porous Chalkboard- e.g., sized and painted wood panel with a matt appearance

• Absorbs paint and is most weatherproof/waterproof

• Best for non-frequent updates/longer-standing content e.g., overview of offerings, opening/closing times etc.

• Medium used: water-based acrylic paint/pens

• Will need to be painted over with blackboard paint before content is updated - cannot be 'wiped clean'

Non-Porous Chalkboard - e.g., vinyl/acrylic surface with a shiny appearance - often textured for 'grip'

• Does not absorb paint, but acrylic paint/marker pens such as Posca is in itself waterproof - however, expect the design to degrade over time, especially during periods of heavy rain.

• Best for frequent updates/shorter-term content - e.g. daily/weekly content updates such as menu specials or limited-time special offers

• Medium used: water-based acrylic paint/pens

• Can be gently scrubbed clean with rubbing alcohol or cleaning paste. These boards should not be painted over!

Weight of A-Board Frame

It can be tempting to browse online marketplaces for cheaper A-board options, but this could ultimately be a costly mistake as these signs tend to be extremely light for indoor use only, so if they are intended for outdoor use they will most likely blow over and break. Search for a chalkboard manufacturer/sign retailer, and then look for 'heavy duty' A-boards that are made specifically for outdoor use. The thickness of wood frame is generally cited in the specifications list, and the boards with the 'premium' tag often have the thicker/heavier wood used in the frames - if in doubt, contact customer services and ask about this. I personally believe that external A-board signs are worth investing more money in as they can last many years.

TOP TIP! - To get the most value for money, look for 'reversible A-frames' with reversible chalkboard panel inserts that support quick and easy promotion changes and new inserts when needed. Most standard A-board frames have a closed top with sign panels screwed in permanently.

TOP TIP! - Order your external boards with the name of your establishment / logo printed onto them.

Indoor Signs - Best Chalkboards to Buy

Indoor signs generally do not need to be waterproof, but considerations surrounding the frequency that content will be updated on each board should be made when it comes to selecting the best surface.

Porous Chalkboard- e.g., sized and painted wood panel with a matt appearance

• Best for non-frequent updates/longer-standing content e.g. wall/overhead menus that might change only a few times a year

• Mediums that can be used: classic chalk, liquid chalk paint/marker pens, or water-based acrylic paint/marker pens

• Will need to be painted over with blackboard paint before content is updated - cannot be 'wiped clean'

  
  

Non-Porous Chalkboard- e.g., vinyl/acrylic surface with a shiny appearance - often textured for 'grip'

• Best for frequent changes/shorter-term content - e.g. daily/weekly specials, seasonal offers, promotion of new menu items etc.

• Mediums that can be used: liquid chalk paint/marker pens or water-based acrylic paint/marker pens

• Chalk/chalk paint can be easily wiped away with water, and water-based acrylic paint can be gently scrubbed clean with rubbing alcohol or cleaning paste. Non-porous boards should not be painted over.

The chalkboard signs that you purchase to display marketing content matters considerably, and I hope that this guide helps you to make more informed purchasing decisions that will hopefully save you money in the long-run! Please note that the views expressed in this blog post are entirely based on my experience as a chalkboard artist, and may differ from other opinions. It is always advisable to ask chalkboard manufacturers/retailers directly for their advice about their specific products and what might be the best chalkboards for your business needs.

Made the purchase and ready for some artwork? Chalky Panthe is a London-based chalkboard artist - check out some of my chalk signs here and get in contact about your project today. Email: libby.s.hamilton@gmail.com.