Chalkboard Guide for 2023

Rustic chalkboard with chalkboard removable inserts

A short intro to Majisign’s chalkboards

Majisign is a company that specialises in creating high-quality chalkboards. Our chalkboards are made with the finest materials, ensuring that they are durable and long-lasting. Our chalkboards are available in standard A-sizes as standalone products. You’ll also find our chalkboard as components of other products (such as table talkers or pavement signs).

One of the reasons why Majisign’s chalkboards are so high quality is because they use only the best materials. We carefully select each piece of MDF to ensure that it is defect-free, graded for use (interior or exterior) and suitable for our machining and finishing processes. Our chalkboard surfaces are smooth and even, making them perfect for writing on. We manufacture each product in the UK.

Many people don’t realise that chalkboards can be used as components of other products.

a6 chalkboard with personalised chalk message on easel
Slatted chalkboard printed oak finished
mini chalkboard table talkers

You could use a Majisign chalkboard to create a menu board for your restaurant or a sign for your shop. The possibilities are endless!

Click here to view all of our chalkboard products

If you’re looking for some short reviews of Majisign products, here are a few comments:

The Best Looking, which is a public vote for the UK’s coolest van, truck or trailer, is sponsored by Majisign

-Premier Construction News

But read through the guides at startups.co.uk and the only constant – in every industry – is the need for good promotional material. Majisign just get it.

– British St. Food Awards

In 2023 we were delighted to see our products appear on Sunday Brunch and Dragon’s Den! We love working within this industry, that all started back in 2013 when we supplied pavement signs for The Worlds End movie.

What are Chalkboards?

Different Types of Chalkboards

Traditional Chalkboards

Traditional chalkboards are the most common type of chalkboard. They are made from a thin sheet of wood, MDF or a synthetic material that is coated with a layer of black paint. This type of chalkboard requires the use of traditional white or colored chalk to write on it. Traditional chalkboards are commonly used in schools, colleges, and universities.

Majisign’s plain with square edge chalkboard:

blank chalkboard unframed blackboard

and the same, but with a bevelled edge:

bevelled edge chalkboard

Chalkboard Paint

Chalkboard paint is another type of product that has become popular in recent years. It can be applied to any smooth surface such as walls, furniture, and doors to create a writable surface similar to traditional chalkboards. We don’t recommend chalkboard paint for long-term use, as it tends to promote ghosting, which occurs when the chalk is removed. Our chalkboard surfaces are long lasting and best used with liquid chalk pens. Our finish i smooth and durable.

Uses for Chalkboards

Education

One of the primary uses for traditional chalkboards is education. Teachers use them to teach lessons, write notes, and draw diagrams during lectures. Students also use them during group work sessions or presentations.

Artwork Display

Magnetic and glass chalkboards are perfect for displaying artwork at home or in galleries. The magnetic surface allows you to easily attach artwork without damaging it while the glass surface provides an elegant look. We have an alternative product for the same use – view our range of poster frames. These offer an excellent solution for displaying artwork.

You can view  our poster frames here.

Menu Boards

Restaurants often use traditional or glass chalkboards as menu boards because they can be easily updated when needed. Using different colors makes menus more attractive and easier to read.

In addition, have a look at the following chalkboard menu products:

Home Decor

Chalkboard paint has become a popular choice for home decor. It allows you to create a writable surface on walls, furniture, and doors that can be used for notes, reminders, or as a creative outlet.

Whilst larger chalkboards may be suitable, our customers love our smaller products!

Advantages of Chalkboards Over Whiteboards

Long gone are the days when blackboards were the only option for writing on a surface. Nowadays, whiteboards have become ubiquitous in classrooms, offices, and homes. However, there is still something special about chalkboards that make them stand out from their white counterparts. In this section, we will explore some of the advantages of chalkboards over whiteboards.

Better Outdoor Durability

One of the most significant advantages of chalkboards over whiteboards is their outdoor durability. Unlike whiteboards, which can easily get damaged by harsh weather conditions such as rain or direct sunlight, chalkboards are designed to withstand these elements. This makes them an excellent choice for outdoor signage or advertising displays.

Moreover, chalkboard surfaces can be made on any wall surface, including wood and concrete walls. They can also be mounted on stands to create portable display boards that you can move around with ease.

More Versatile Writing Surface

Chalkboard surfaces provide a more versatile writing surface than whiteboards. With a range of colors available in both liquid and solid forms, you can use different colored chalks to create eye-catching messages and designs that stand out from traditional black-and-white messaging.

Furthermore, with chalkboard surfaces being able to be cut into small sizes like mini-chalkboard or personalised shapes like wooden blackboard signs; they are perfect for small businesses looking to advertise their products or services in a unique way.

Easier to Clean

While it may seem counterintuitive at first glance, cleaning a chalkboard is actually easier than cleaning a whiteboard. All you need is an eraser and some water to wipe away all traces of your message quickly. On the other hand, cleaning a whiteboard requires specialized cleaners that can leave streaks if not used correctly.

In addition to being easy to clean off messages and designs from previous uses; blackboards also do not suffer from ghosting (when previous writings leave a faint mark on the board), which can be a problem with whiteboards.

Creating a Chalkboard Menu for Your Restaurant

Printing on Chalkboards: A Creative Way to Showcase Your Restaurant’s Menu

Some of our products feature a printing option – straight onto the chalkboard!

Chalkboard inserts for pavement signs

chalkboard printed panels

small printed chalkboards

mini easel printed chalkboard for reserved tables

Premium table talkers

three wooden table talkers for tabletops

Plus many more in our “All chalkboards” section

Bespoke Design for a Unique Look

There are countless options available. However, one unique and creative way to showcase your menu is by printing it on chalkboards. Not only does this option provide a rustic and charming aesthetic, but it also allows for flexibility in updating the menu regularly.

To create a bespoke design for your chalkboard menu, consider incorporating elements that reflect the style and ambiance of your restaurant. For example, if you have a cozy and intimate space, opt for handwritten fonts or illustrations that evoke warmth and comfort. On the other hand, if your restaurant has a more modern and sleek vibe, choose clean lines and minimalist designs.

Tables That Stand Out

One of the benefits of using chalkboards as menus is their versatility in placement. Unlike traditional paper menus that are often limited to table settings or wall displays, chalkboards can be placed anywhere throughout the restaurant. This means you can strategically place them in areas where they will catch customers’ attention.

Consider placing smaller chalkboards on each table so that guests can peruse the menu while they wait for their food. You could also hang larger boards near the entrance or bar area to entice passersby to come inside.

Regular Updates Keep Things Fresh

Another advantage of using chalkboards as menus is their ease in updating. With traditional paper menus, making changes can be time-consuming and costly. However, with chalkboard menus, all you need is some chalk or liquid chalk markers to make updates quickly and easily.

Updating your menu regularly not only keeps things fresh for regular customers but also encourages new customers to return frequently to see what’s new. Consider highlighting seasonal specials or featuring local ingredients when creating new dishes.

Chalkboard Signage for Events and Weddings

Weddings and events are special occasions that require careful planning and attention to detail. One aspect of event planning that is often overlooked is signage. Signage plays a crucial role in directing guests, providing information, and creating a cohesive look and feel for the event. Chalkboard signage has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its versatility, affordability, and rustic charm.

Wedding Guest Name Tags

One creative way to use chalkboard signage at weddings is by creating personalized name tags for each guest. This not only helps guests find their seats but also adds a personal touch to the wedding decor. Chalkboard name tags can be designed in various shapes and sizes, from traditional rectangular tags to heart-shaped or circular ones. They can also be adorned with floral designs or calligraphy lettering for an elegant touch.

Event Signage

In addition to wedding name tags, chalkboard signage can be used throughout the event space to provide important information such as menu items, table numbers, or directions. These signs can be placed on easels or hung from walls using twine or ribbon. The beauty of chalkboards is that they are easily customizable and can be updated throughout the event if necessary.

Chalkboards with Easels

Chalkboards with easels are a popular choice for weddings and events because they are easy to move around and can be placed in various locations throughout the venue. They come in different sizes ranging from small tabletop versions to larger floor-standing ones. Chalkboards with easels can be used as directional signs or as part of the decor by displaying quotes or messages related to the occasion.

Directional Signs

Another practical use for chalkboard signage at events is directional signs. These signs help guide guests towards important areas such as restrooms, parking lots, or photo booths. Directional signs can also add a decorative touch by incorporating floral arrangements or other design elements.

Best Practices for Writing on a Chalkboard

Writing on a chalkboard can be challenging, especially if you are not accustomed to it. However, with the right techniques and best practices, anyone can become proficient in writing on a chalkboard. In this post, we will discuss some of the best practices for writing on a chalkboard.

Choose the Right Chalk

Choosing the right chalk is crucial hard chalk is more durable and less likely to break while writing.

It’s essential to choose high-quality chalk that doesn’t produce too much dust or smudge easily. Low-quality chalk can make your writing look messy and difficult to read. Therefore, investing in good quality soft chalk is recommended.

We highly recommend the use of liquid chalkpens, too!

Write Big and Bold

When writing on a chalkboard, you need to ensure that your text is visible from afar. Writing big and bold letters will make your text stand out from a distance, making it easier for everyone in the room to read what you’ve written.

Using different font sizes for headings and subheadings can help create visual hierarchy and emphasize important points.

Use Short Sentences

Short sentences are easier to read than long ones try breaking down longer sentences into shorter ones whenever possible.

Using bullet points or numbering can also help convey information more effectively as they provide clear separation between ideas.

Keep It Simple

When writing on a chalkboard, keep your content simple and straightforward. Avoid using complex vocabulary or jargon that might confuse your audience.

Using simple language ensures that everyone understands what you’re trying to convey without any confusion or misunderstanding.

Practice Makes Perfect

Finally, practice makes perfect the better you’ll become at it.

Try practicing your handwriting on a chalkboard in your free time. This will help you develop muscle memory and improve your writing speed and accuracy.

Maintaining and Cleaning Chalkboards

Proper Maintenance and Cleaning of Chalkboards

Preventive Measures

To maintain the quality of your chalkboard, it is important to take some preventive measures. First, always use a high-quality chalkboard. Cheap ones are often made with materials that easily scratch or dent. Second, avoid using sharp objects on your board as they can cause permanent damage. Third, ensure that you store your chalk in a dry place to prevent moisture from affecting its quality.

Cleaning Techniques

There are several techniques you can use depending on the level of dirt or stains present on the board.

For Majisign chalkboards:

Dry Cloth Method: This method is best for light dusting and removing loose debris from the board’s surface. Use a clean and dry cloth to wipe off any dust or debris gently.

Damp Cloth Method: For moderate dirt buildup, dampen a soft cloth with water and wring out any excess water before wiping down the board’s surface gently.

(Recommended method) – Mr Muscle Kitchen Cleaner Method: Spray cleaner onto the board and let sit for a moment. Wipe off with a lint-free cloth. We find this method effectivly removes liquid chalkpen whilst not damaging the chalkboard surface.

For chalkboard painted surfaces (non-Majisign):

Vinegar Solution Method: A vinegar solution is ideal for removing stubborn stains or marks left by permanent markers on the board’s surface. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray onto the affected area before wiping it down with a soft cloth.

Baking Soda Paste Method: Baking soda paste is effective in removing tough stains such as grease or oil from your chalkboard’s surface. Mix baking soda with water until you form a thick paste then apply it directly onto the stained area before rubbing gently with a soft cloth.

Magic Eraser Method: Magic erasers are perfect for removing tough stains without damaging your chalkboard’s surface. Wet the magic eraser slightly then rub it over the stained area until all marks disappear completely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While cleaning your chalkboard, there are some common mistakes you should avoid making:

Magic erasers can be used, although ensure limited pressure is used as they are abrasive and can remove or scratch the painted surface.

Solvent cleaners are not recommended, including alcohols, as these can disolve the painted surface.

Traditional chalkboard paint is not as smooth or as durable as Majisign’s chalkboard finish.

Buying your chalkboard from Majisign

There are a lot of options out there. However, if you’re looking for high-quality and durable chalkboards for businesses, look no further than Majisign.

Majisign offers a wide variety of chalkboards in different sizes, shapes, and styles to fit your specific needs. Whether you’re looking for a classic blackboard or something more unique like a rustic wooden board or even a vintage-green finished chalkboard, we have it all.

But what sets Majisign apart from other retailers is their commitment to quality. Each chalkboard is made with care and attention to detail using only the finest materials. This means that your board will not only look great but also stand up to the wear and tear of everyday use.

In addition to their quality products, Majisign also offers excellent customer service. Our team is knowledgeable about our products and can help you find the perfect chalkboard for your business or event. We also offer fast shipping so you can get your board quickly and start using it right away.

Click here to contact us!