5 Chalk Marker Brands: Pros and Cons
Welcome to the first Chalk 101 blog post! This one is extremely important. I’m always rewriting this list for people, because I get so many questions about which chalk markers are better for this or that. I’m finally putting all of this info together in one spot for anyone to access at anytime.
I don’t think there’s just one marker brand that provides everything you need, but I have figured out a few highlights from each brand that keep me a regular customer. There are so many chalk markers out there, so it can get very expensive to buy them all just to try them out and not be happy with them. To save you some time and money, I went ahead and gathered information for you on my top 5 preferred chalk markers with their pros and cons. These brands are not sponsoring this post, so there is no bias! However, some markers that I have been able to try, have been gifts from the brand. I will be 100% honest on the chalk markers. Hopefully, you can pick and choose which cons are worth it and which pros are a must try for your future projects.
Marvy Uchida Bistro Chalk Markers
These were the first markers I started using because Hobby Lobby had them as their main chalk markers supply at the time. You’ll never find these on sale at Hobby Lobby or Michaels but I always used the 40% off store coupon to purchase these, I’d buy one set at a time until I had a decent supply.
Pros: I use these most because they have the best erasability for the “plastic” chalkboards. When I say plastic, I mean the boards that are almost glossy black and actually feel nice if you try to scratch it with your fingernail; it just feels like soft plastic. They also have a bright and consistent ink flow. I love their dark green; it’s a must-have but hard to find in stores ever. The whites are perfect for just lettering; whether a wedding sign or a beer menu. I always have the white markers- both round tip and fine tip. These are a staple in my chalk collection.
Cons: There just aren’t enough colors if you want to illustrate people or just non-lettering things. Yes, they have bright neons, pastels, and metallics. The pastels don’t show up very well. I have the fine tip pastels and I’ve found that they’re very “dainty”. Cute for small lettering though. I also feel like the ink doesn’t last as long. I mentioned above the inks are bright and flowy but I find myself constantly replacing them quicker than the other brands.
Love them for: Neons and white inks, best erasability
Marvy Uchida Bistro Chalk Markers showing neon pink and white ink
The Marvy fine tip chalk markers are my go to for small content like descriptions or the lighting detail on the cocktails.
Versachalk
These might be my most used brand in my collection. You can find these on Amazon and other online sources, but I don’t ever see them in stores. I also want to add that I live in Athens, Georgia so if I want to shop for something specific, I have to go out of town. Or out of state.
Pros: They have a wide variety of colors to choose from. Just the reds alone, you’ll find a dark red, bright cherry red, or a maroon. You need a pine tree color instead of a candy green color? They have it. The colors I use the most are the greens, reds (They have a super juicy red- the only red worth buying), and the browns! I honestly do not like using red on chalkboards ever, I just feel like all the red markers get very dark to see once they dry, but Versachalk does a great job with providing the best red ink. Also, all the medium round tips are nice and bold, so you definitely don’t need to fill in letters if you’re aiming for a casual boldness (see picture below). It’s great for a coffee menu perhaps? The tips from Versachalk markers have really saved me a lot of time on past chalkboards, because I don’t have to go back over my lettering with a second coat, they show up well the first time. The orange and yellow are solid inks too. The orange Versachalk is what I use for my Jittery Joe’s chalkboards. The yellows are just always bright and ink heavy. Overall: solid inks!
Cons: These do not erase the best, still referring to the plastic chalkboards. Definitely don’t use any chalk markers on wooden based chalkboards but if you do, you’ll find that these are not the easiest to wipe off. They actually did send me a Versachalk Solution Spray kit for erasing their inks and I really like it. I use it here and there and they do help but you still have to use it with a magic eraser for best results. Because of its stubbornness to erase, these are good for jobs that you know won’t need changing; semi-permanent work. Some people go the repainting route. Like they’ll just paint over the chalkboard with fresh chalk paint and start with new chalk art. If that’s not you, then plan on spending some time erasing versachalk marker ink. It is possible, though! (Most people know this but magic erasers are the best for erasing chalk markers.)
Love them for: color variety, the red and yellow marker
An example of color variety from Versachalk markers
My choice for best red marker: Versachalk
The Versachalk marker tips vary between thick and fine lines for easy lettering; especially for big projects like this wall for Athens Bagel Co.
Blami
Pros: Blami is known for they extra juicy inks. If I have their yellows or blues, I use those FIRST. They also make a gold and silver that I believe are the best compared to the other brands that also make metallics. (Side note: the smell of the metallics is very strong. They also don’t erase very well. Make sure to use a true plastic chalkboard.) These just flow cleanly and evenly. The tips are reversible and the chisel tips are great for lines or calligraphy. The tips won’t unravel as quickly as Versachalk. They also just started producing a variety of colors! I trust these guys with many projects but definitely use these if you want bright art to pop. Also, check out the extra white collection. Just one marker can go further than most brands and it stays bright! I’d say the erasability is medium; just a little better than Versachalk, not as quick and easy as Marvy.
Cons: Sometimes the inks are TOO juicy. I’ve been surprised by random heavy ink drips while lettering and have had to erase a lot of work and start over. Just don’t shake too much or press the tip as much as other brands. These don’t need that much prep to be ink heavy. I have found from personal experience that the reds, oranges, and yellows, can get too ink heavy and will make “tire tracks” as you’re lettering. They do not provide inks in fine tips are far as I’ve checked. Feel free to correct me on this one!
Love them for: Metallics and marker tip quality/ longevity
An example of the Extra White chalk markers durability. One marker for all content in photo.
An example of the juicy ink quality and brightness from Blami chalk markers.
Michael’s Brand- Craft Smart
I know these aren’t going to be popular with most people because Michael’s is a corporate company, etc. I tried these for fun and have been very happy with the end product every time. Results are hard to ignore. Michael’s is just affordable for someone has to keep buying these over and over.
Pros: I go to these for the rare colors, the colors NO ONE else has. There’s a whole set for skin tone colors, earthy tones, there’s also a set with a variety of blues and the whites are fantastic. They also erase pretty well AND these are affordable! They’re on the cheaper side compared to other brands plus they always have a 40% off coupon at Michaels that you can grab from online. The fine tips are great also. The colors I must have from these are always the matte goldish colors, the siennas, the caramels. The DARK BLUE IS A MUST HAVE.
Cons: They don’t last very long. The ink goes dull after a handful of uses. You have to draw slowly for consistent ink. Not bad for the price though.
Love them for: affordability, uncommon colors, the dark blue
The best blue chalk marker and other unbeatable colors , like the forest green
Another example of this wonderful blue.
These are the browns, caramels, and beige colors you need in your stash of markers.
Chalk Ink
Chalk Ink markers are the professional choice. These are like top shelf of colors. You’ll see the well-known chalk artists on Instagram promoting these more than any others.
Pros: If you know exactly what you’re doing with blending and shadowing, you need these for your illustrations. I know they have a wide range of colors also; at least 46. The colors are very bold and sturdy. They also have 4 bullet sizes. These are the ORIGINAL chalk markers; the very first chalk marker ever— and a women owned and operated business. If you want to invest in high quality inks and produce high quality art, then these are your markers. Also, did you know: you can request any special color to be made for you! Super cool. I will definitely be working on my collection of Chalk Ink! I have the orange, dark blue, dark green, and turquoise. They are definitely smooth and consistent with ink flow. Blending with these are effortless.
Cons: That being said, these are the priciest ones, but I’m sure they have sales every now and then for these. The ink erasability is ok. I’d say around the same as Versachalk, just a little bit of stubborness. These are definitely semi-permanent job markers. Make sure you use the correct set for your job. The wet wipe markers clean of with just water, the artista pro markers clean off with ammonia based cleaners.
Love them for: quality ink and color variety
The sky in this chalkboard was drawn with a Chalk Ink marker. The smudging for the clouds effect was effortless when I added a white color.
These are the markers I have trusted over time to complete all kinds of chalk jobs. I will keep updating this list as I find other markers to rely on. There are seriously SO many! The surfaces that you use markers on are the key. Chalk markers work best with non-porous surfaces, the ones that feel like plastic. Results vary for everyone, Let me know in the comments if you have had different experiences with any of these brands or if there is anything you want to add.
Happy chalking!