The good ole’ Chalkboard Easel has become a staple on #TheACKLPorch so obviously, I had to post about my Chalkboard Writing game. I have been writing on chalkboards for nearly a decade over at my wedding planning day job with Green-Eyed Girl Productions. I would write on literally, 80+ boards a wedding season, 10 per wedding. From Menu Tags to Photobooth Signage I’ve done it all. Check out the DIY Menu Tags post for your next party.
Chalkboard Lettering 101
One of my biggest quirks is how much it bugs me when things are formatted incorrectly. Now I know there are folks out there who can freehand letter-write beautifully, but I am not one of them. SO for me to have confidence in producing a professional-looking chalkboard I had to use some resources.
What you need for Chalkboard Lettering the Easy Way
Most of us already have Microsoft Excel, but if you don’t you can download it here. You’ll then want to choose a font. I love finding FREE Fonts over at DaFont. Once you know your wording and your font you can start formatting.
Step 1: Word Formatting
I use Excel to format my chalkboards because the pages run together smoothly over the margins best. Measure your chalkboard and then create a layout that fits with your letters centered before you print. Measuring is key. I know that on my easel chalkboard it is exactly 2 pages wide. Finalize your measurements, alignments, and sizes, then print. After printing tape your pages together so that all the letter touches. You may need to trim page sides with a paper cutter or scissors to align them in the middles. You should end with one large sheet that has your whole message connected, aligned straight and the size of your chalkboard.
Step 2: Transfer Paper
Transfer paper is super easy to use and can be found in a lot of colors. I prefer the Saral Transfer Paper found on Amazon. Tear off your piece and tape it to your chalkboard. Make sure the transfer side is DOWN. I’ve traced an entire board with it the wrong way before… After you secure your transfer paper, tape your sheet of writing to the top, with the transfer layer directly under it. Make sure your wording is straight, parallel with the top and bottom of the chalkboard. Also, measure your sides to ensure the words are centered before taping them down. Leave the bottom untaped so you can lift it up to peek at your progress.
Step 3: Tracing
I use a ballpoint pen or pencil to trace around my Lettering text. I recommend using a bright color like red when you first start so you can see where you’ve already traced. Trace your first letter and then lift up the 2 sheets {transfer + printed words} to check the transfer. You should only have to go over your font/text writing once to get a good transfer. If any letters were cut off in printing you just ghost trace over where they would be.
Step 4: Chalkboard Lettering
Here is where the Chisel Tip Chalk Marker does its magic. If you’re using a script font you’ll want that natural calligraphy curvature you can only get with the chisel tip. You can achieve it with a regular tip, it’s just a bit tricky. Start your chalk marker by pumping the tip to get it covered in chalk before you begin filling in your letters. You won’t want any surprise puddles to clean up. I always keep a few Q-Tips nearby just in case the marker gets too flooded. Try to write with your marker at a downward angle so your tip doesn’t dry out and chalk flows naturally to the tip.
I will often go over my lettering twice to make sure it’s a solid white. Then Ta-Da! You’ve got the most prestine Chalk Writing ever! Clean up your ends with a Q-Tip or magic Eraser and you’re good to go!
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