Chalks

Austin Sanchez
12 min readJul 17, 2024

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Discover the latest and greatest in back-to-school essentials with our roundup of the top Chalk products. From eye-catching designs to innovative features, we’ve got you covered with our curated selection. Get ready to elevate your classroom experience!

As an Amazon Affiliate™ we receive compensation through qualified purchases at no cost to you!

Reviews

Assorted Colors 12-Pack Crayola Non-Toxic Chalk Set

I recently tried out the Crayola Chalk Assorted Colors 12 count and I must say, it exceeded my expectations. I used it on my garage floor to draw pictures and play games with my family, and it was a hit! The colors were vibrant and easy to see even on a dark surface.

One of the things that stood out to me was the erase-ability of the chalk. It’s a rare quality to find in chalk, but with Crayola, you can easily erase the lines and start fresh. The non-toxic, clean chalk also didn’t leave any residue or stains on our hands or clothing.

However, the packaging could use some work. It was quite large for the size of the product, which made me curious about the shipping impact. I was also slightly disappointed by the fact that the colors were not as diverse as I had hoped.

All in all, I had a great experience with the Crayola Chalk Assorted Colors 12 count. It’s a high-quality product that’s perfect for outdoor activities and entertainment.

SPRI Chalk Block: High-Grip Magnesium Carbonate Chalk for Moisture-Free Hands

The SPRI Chalk Block is a handy tool that keeps your hands dry and prevents calluses and blisters while enhancing your grip during workouts. Ideal for rock climbing, gymnastics, CrossFit, bouldering, and all power and weight lifting exercises, this chalk is made of non-toxic magnesium carbonate and is pigment-free.

It can be easily broken apart to refill your chalk bag or stored in a Ziploc bag or small Tupperware container. This versatile chalk is great for grip-intensive activities like yoga, ensuring a superior grip and keeping your mat dry.

With a rating of 4.5, this SPRI Chalk Block is a popular choice among fitness enthusiasts, providing a dependable grip and improving workout performance.

Pure Magnesium Carbonate Climbing Chalk Block

Discover the world of ascending with the Metolius Block Chalk. Your ideal climbing partner, this chalk block ensures a seamless climbing experience for outdoor and indoor enthusiasts! Perfect for combatting those pesky sweaty palms that often jeopardize your performance, this chalk block features premium-grade magnesium carbonate, not only effectively drying hands but also enhancing grip without over-drying or irritating the skin.

Its innovative block form is the ultimate game-changer, offering a cleaner and more consistent chalk experience for those who enjoy shaping it into the perfect size. Suitable for climbers at every skill level, it couldn’t be easier to apply — just make it your go-to and watch as you conquer climbing objectives like never before.

Vibrant Colored Drawing Chalk for Paper Surfaces

I’ve always been a fan of vibrant colors, and Crayola Drawing Chalk certainly delivers on that front. With its non-toxic sticks in 12 assorted colors, I found them to be a great alternative to typical chalks that can only be used on a chalkboard. The size of the chalk sticks is just right for little hands, making them perfect for kids to use without breaking them.

One of the highlights of using Crayola Drawing Chalk was its ability to create stunning pieces of artwork on paper and poster boards. The color saturation allowed me to create intricate designs and art without worrying about the chalk smudging. My kids had a blast, and it was a fantastic way to keep them entertained during rainy days.

However, I did notice a downside to these chalks — they are a bit fragile. A few of the chalks broke when I tried to pry them from the wrapper, which was a bit disappointing. Additionally, the colored chalks would sometimes splinter when I pressed too hard while coloring. It would be nice to have a version with sturdier chalks that could withstand a bit more force.

Overall, I would definitely recommend Crayola Drawing Chalk for children and anyone who loves using vibrant colors for their artwork. While they may be a bit more delicate than some other chalks, the benefits of having a wide variety of colors and being able to use them on paper outweigh the minor inconvenience.

Magnesium Carbonate Climbing Chalk by Magnus Midtbø

Rúngne Magdust is the ideal solution for climbers seeking a reliable and long-lasting chalk, perfect for those scorching, humid conditions. Magdust is infused with a blend of magnesium carbonate, chosen meticulously by Magnus Midtbø himself, to ensure the ultimate grip and sweat-fighting capabilities.

The premium formula keeps hands bone dry and ready to tackle any climbing challenge that comes your way. With 4 glowing reviews and an impressive average rating of 5.0, it’s no surprise that Magdust is the go-to choice for climbers looking to amp up their performance.

Edible Chalk — Natural Sawn Chalk for Drawing & Writing (Belgorodskiy, 200g)

Savor the distinctive flavor of Belgorod chalk in this 200g batch, as “Natural lumpy chalk” that’s not only for food production but also for casual munching. The packaging offers chalk made by Belgorod chalk milk, which carries a crunch that melts like melted butter in your mouth.

A word to the wise, though, it does carry that characteristic chalk dust, and may take longer to be available compared to conventional choices in the market. However, it is well worth the wait and the effort, based on the enthusiastic reviews that highlight its delicious, fresh taste.

Bright Green Chalk for Low Light Conditions

Green Irwin Chalk is a versatile tool perfect for both interior and exterior use. This high-visibility chalk truly excels in low light conditions and shines brightly on dark surfaces. As I used it for marking layout changes and corrections, it proved to be quite resistant to weather.

I particularly enjoyed the vibrant green fluorescence, which added a pop of color when in use. However, I encountered some challenges when using it on different materials such as metal, concrete, and cardboard. On the bright side, the chalk’s durability makes it a reliable companion for all my layout tasks.

Sun Squad Washable Sidewalk Chalk (20pcs) — Fun for Kids and Adults

This 20-piece sidewalk chalk set from Sun Squad offers an array of vibrant colors perfect for creating outdoor masterpieces. Children ages four and up will delight in the assortment of thick chalk pieces, allowing their creativity to flourish. The convenience of non-toxic and washable chalk provides peace of mind as children enjoy their art without worrying about the potential for staining.

The set’s dimensions include a height of 4.1 inches, length of 4.88 inches, and width of 4

So Ill Holds Black Label Tokyo Powder Climbing Chalk

Experience the purest and finest climbing chalk available, straight from Japan. So Ill’s Black Label Tokyo Powder harnesses the power of magnesium carbonate, making it the perfect choice for climbers seeking the ultimate grip. With its rosin-free properties, this chalk ensures a comfortable and long-lasting hold on your fingertips.

Ideal for both indoor and outdoor climbing, its ultra-fine consistency leaves no room for clumping, and it effortlessly sticks to your hands. Although it may have a slightly shorter lifespan compared to other chalk options, its superior performance and unparalleled quality make it the go-to choice for avid climbers.

Black Diamond Pure Uncut White Gold Chalk

The Black Diamond Uncut White Gold Pure Loose Chalk offers impressive grip for better climbing performance. This loose chalk is specifically blended for climbing to keep sweat at bay, and it’s purpose-designed and built to last.

With a 100% pure magnesium carbonate formula, this chalk is perfect for those looking to avoid chemical additives and skin irritations. The chalk is custom-blended from around the world, ensuring a high-quality product that will keep you climbing to new heights.

While it’s a great option for experienced climbers, it may not be the best choice for beginners. Overall, this chalk is a reliable and cost-effective option for anyone looking to improve their climbing performance.

Sun Squad Vibrant 20-Color Chalk Set — 60 Pieces

I recently tried out the Sun Squad Multicolor Sidewalk Chalk Set, and I must say, it exceeded my expectations. With 60 vibrant pieces of chalk, it’s perfect for a group of kids or even for a big family like mine. The chunky chalk was super easy to hold, and it felt like a dream when I drew on our patio.

One thing that stood out is the range of colors — they’re all so bright and pigmented, it’s like a rainbow came alive on our concrete! The chalk also wasn’t a pain to clean up — we just hosed it down after the art spree, and it went away like magic.

The only negative I encountered was that the packaging came with an overdose of plastic — something we usually prefer to avoid. But other than that, it was a great experience, and I highly recommend the Sun Squad Multicolor Sidewalk Chalk Set for some outdoor fun.

Jumbo Washable Chalk: 20-Piece Bucket Set for Creative Fun

After a long, hot summer day, my little ones and I always find excitement in the simple pleasures. With our new Jumbo Sidewalk Chalk set, we have a convenient bucket of colors to bring to life our creativity and unleash our artistic prowess on the driveways and sidewalks.

I particularly love the 20 large, bright colors that come with the kit. It has a color for every imaginative scenario. The chalk itself feels sturdy and well-made, and the colors are vibrant enough to stand out even under the unforgiving sun.

However, the one disappointment we’ve encountered is its durability. Although the colors are intense, the chalk seems to break easily, especially if young, eager hands touch it a bit too hard. But overall, this is a fun, creative, and accessible plaything that we can easily pack away when playtime’s over.

Buyer’s Guide

When it comes to chalk, there are several features and considerations to keep in mind before making a purchase. Whether you need chalk for personal use or for teaching purposes, this guide will help you make an informed decision. We’ll be discussing the various types of chalk, their uses, and some general advice to ensure you get the best chalk for your needs.

Types of Chalk

There are multiple types of chalk available in the market, each with its unique characteristics and applications. The most common types include: chalk dust, pastel chalk, colored chalk, and dry-erase markers. Each of these types has different properties that can influence your choice. For instance, chalk dust is ideal for writing on blackboards, while pastel chalk may be preferred for its vibrancy when coloring or drawing on paper.

Considerations When Choosing Chalk

Some essential factors to consider when shopping for chalk are its type, form (powder, sticks, or markers), color palette, and durability. Ensuring your chosen chalk provides the desired effect for your specific application is crucial for satisfaction. Factors like ease of use, non-toxicity, and erasability may also play a role in your decision-making process.

General Advice for Chalk

General advice for using chalk includes using appropriate storage methods to maintain its quality and preventing it from crumbling or breaking. Cleaning the writing surface before use and maintaining a consistent pressure while writing can help with making your chalk more effective. Taking proper care of your chalk and cleaning the writing surface can also ensure the chalk lasts longer.

Additional Helpful Tips

Some additional helpful tips for using chalk are: storing chalk in a dry, cool place; using a damp cloth to clean the writing surface to make the chalk more effective; and avoiding using too much force when writing with chalk to prevent smudging or breaking of the chalk. Additionally, practice with different applications will lead to identifying your preferred type and form of chalk for your use-case.

FAQ

What are the different types of chalk available in the market?

There are several types of chalk available in the market, including:

  1. Sidewalk chalk which is typically used for drawing on sidewalks, driveways, and blackboards;
  2. Pastel chalk, which is a soft chalk used for shading and blending;
  3. Oil pastel chalk which is a colorful, waxy crayon;
  4. Charcoal chalk which is a graphite pencil alternative; and 5) Chalkboard chalk, often used in schools and offices for writing on blackboards and whiteboards.

Each type of chalk has its unique properties and is suitable for different purposes, so it’s essential to choose the right one according to the surface you are planning to use it on and the effect you want to achieve. For example, sidewalk chalk is great for outdoor drawing, while pastel chalk is ideal for shading and blending.

How do I store chalk to ensure it lasts longer?

Proper storage of chalk is essential to maintain its quality and vibrancy. Keep the chalk dry, as moisture can cause it to crumble or lose its color. If you are storing the chalk indoors, consider placing it in a sealed container or box to prevent dust and other particles from settling on it. It is also good practice to keep the chalk in a cool, dark place, as direct sunlight and high temperatures can cause the chalk to fade.

When not in use, store chalk vertically to prevent the paint from rubbing off on other chalks or adjacent surfaces. This will also help to keep the colors separate and prevent smudging. Make sure to store the chalk away from children and pets to ensure their safety. By following these tips, your chalk will last longer and provide better performance each time you use it.

How can I create different shades and tones with chalk?

To create various shades and tones with chalk, you can use shading techniques and blending. Start by applying base colors to your drawing with light, even strokes. Once you have covered the entire area, begin to gently apply pressure with the chalk, focusing on the areas you want to shade. Use a blending stump or a soft-bristled brush to blend the colors together, creating a smooth gradient effect.

To create more intricate shading, consider using hatching or cross-hatching techniques. These involve drawing lines or patterns parallel to each other, which can help to add depth and texture to your drawing. Remember to start with lighter strokes and gradually increase the pressure to create the desired shades. Experiment with different angles and pressure to achieve the desired effect. By mastering these techniques, you can create a wide range of shades and tones with your chalk.

What are some common mistakes people make when using chalk?

One common mistake is not applying enough pressure when shading, which can result in weak or flat-looking shading. To avoid this, practice using different levels of pressure and find the right balance that works for your chalk and drawing style. Another mistake is using a dirty stump or brush, which can transfer unwanted colors or particles to your drawing, making it look messy. Always keep your stumps or brushes clean, either by wiping them off or using a separate stump for each color.

Another mistake is not storing the chalk properly, which can cause it to become too dry and crumble easily. To prevent this, keep your chalk in a sealed container or box, away from moisture and humidity. If you notice that your chalk is too dry, you can try rubbing it gently with your fingers or using a soft-bristled brush to restore its smoothness.

How can I clean chalk marks from different surfaces?

Cleaning chalk marks depends on the surface material. For most non-porous surfaces like sidewalks, driveways, and blackboards, a traditional eraser or a damp cloth can easily remove the chalk marks. For whiteboards, use a dry eraser or a damp cloth to wipe the chalk off. If you have colored or chalk art on the wall, it’s recommended to use a gentle, non-abrasive cleaning solution and a soft cloth to prevent damage to the paint or wallpaper.

In case the chalk has already dried on the surface, you can use a hairdryer on a cool setting to heat the chalk, making it easier to wipe off. Always test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire surface to ensure that it won’t damage the material or the chalk drawing.

What are some popular chalk drawing techniques?

Some popular chalk drawing techniques include:

  1. Hatching, which involves drawing parallel lines or patterns to create depth and texture. 2) Cross-hatching, a variation of hatching, where lines are drawn at different angles to create a grid-like pattern. 3) Shading, which involves applying pressure with the chalk to create varying levels of darkness and light. 4) Blending, where colors are gently combined to create smooth gradients and transitions. 5) Stippling, which involves dabbing the chalk to create small dots or patterns for a textured effect.

As you practice these techniques, you’ll find that there are countless ways to create unique and beautiful chalk drawings. Experiment with different styles and methods, and don’t be afraid to try new things. You’ll soon develop your own signature chalk drawing style that reflects your creativity and personality.

As an Amazon Affiliate™ we receive compensation through qualified purchases at no cost to you!

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Austin Sanchez
Austin Sanchez

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