How to Craft Amazing Chalkboard Signs- A Guide to Beautiful Chalk Art

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How to Create Colorful & Amazing Chalkboard Signs

A Step-by-Step Guide to Using
Our Magnetic Chalkboard Stencils & Paint Pens to
Make Your Chalkboard

How to Create Colorful & Amazing Chalk Art

A Step-by-Step Guide to Using Our Magnetic Chalkboard Stencils &

Paint Pens to Make Your Chalkboard

You don't have to be an artist to create amazing chalkboard art using Plata magnetic chalkboard stencils. If you can color, you can create beautiful DIY welcome and holiday signs easily with magnetic stencils.

Here is a step by step guide to using our stencils and markers to bring your creativity to the next level. Learn how to mix and layer colors to add depth and dimension to your artwork and clean your chalkboard to get a clean slate for your next amazing sign. So grab your supplies and let's make a cute gnome sign!

Getting Started

How to paint a stencil without causing stencil bleed by tracing the stencil template

Always Trace Inner Stencil First

With every stencil, always start by gently tracing the inner edge of the stencil with the pens
Fill the interior of the stencil with even strokes
Go gentle! To avoid stencil bleed, do not jab or force pens into corners

With every stencil, always start by gently tracing the inner edge of the stencil with the pens
Fill the interior of the stencil with even strokes
Go gentle! To avoid stencil bleed, do not jab or force pens into corners

How to craft a holiday gnome sign by placing interchangeable design stencil in the gnome template

Place Design or Seasonal Stencil

Gently lift the gnome stencil hands
Place the seasonal stencil under his mittens
Get creative! You can add any of our stencils to create a gnome to celebrate any occasion- use the present stencil for Birthdays or add a sports stencil to celebrate the big game

Gently lift the gnome stencil hands
Place the seasonal stencil under his mittens
Get creative! You can add any of our stencils to create a gnome to celebrate any occasion- use the present stencil for Birthdays or add a sports stencil to celebrate the big game

How to paint a stencil without causing stencil bleed by tracing the stencil template along the edge then painting the center demonstrated on the hat of a gnome stencil

Always Trace Stencils First

With every stencil, always start by gently tracing the inner edge of the stencil with the pens
Fill the interior of the stencil with even strokes
Go gentle! To avoid stencil bleed, do not jab or force pens into corners

With every stencil, always start by gently tracing the inner edge of the stencil with the pens
Fill the interior of the stencil with even strokes
Go gentle! To avoid stencil bleed, do not jab or force pens into corners

Add Seasonal or Holiday Stencil

Gently lift the gnome stencil hands
Place the seasonal stencil under his mittens
Get creative! You can add any of our stencils to create a gnome to celebrate any occasion- use the present stencil for Birthdays or add a sports stencil to celebrate the big game

Gently lift the gnome stencil hands
Place the seasonal stencil under his mittens
Get creative! You can add any of our stencils to create a gnome to celebrate any occasion- use the present stencil for Birthdays or add a sports stencil to celebrate the big game

Layering & Mixing Colors

How to mix paint pen colors to create new custom colors and paint color shades by mixing different shades of paint pen colors together

Mixing Colors

Have fun mixing paint pen colors to get the perfect shade!

In the center of the stencil scribble the colors you want to mix.
To get this peachy color for his nose, I used pink, yellow and white.
Using one of the pens, fill in the stencil mixing all three colors together.
Always wipe your paint pen tip on a napkin to remove any excess color.

Have fun mixing paint pen colors to get the perfect shade!

In the center of the stencil scribble the colors you want to mix.
To get this peachy color for his nose, I used pink, yellow and white.
Using one of the pens, fill in the stencil mixing all three colors together.
Always wipe your paint pen tip on a napkin to remove any excess color.

How to use a paint stencils using a paint brush to get even coverage and avoid stencil bleed

Shading Techniques

While the paint is still wet, layer a darker or lighter paint color at the edge of the stencil.
Mix the two colors, dragging color one into color two with your pen tip.
Wipe excess paint from your pen tip on a napkin.
If you would like to even out the marker strokes, try using a paint brush.
Drag the brush lightly over the paint to blend paint colors.
Work quickly before the paint begins to dry.

While the paint is still wet, layer a darker or lighter paint color at the edge of the stencil.
Mix the two colors, dragging color one into color two with your pen tip.
Wipe excess paint from your pen tip on a napkin.
If you would like to even out the marker strokes, try using a paint brush.
Drag the brush lightly over the paint to blend paint colors.
Work quickly before the paint begins to dry.

How to layer paint colors to create easy chalkboard art- use a paint pen in a contrasting color and outline to stencil edge

How to add details to your stencil art- wait until stencil paint is dry, then using paint pen add details

Layer Colors to Add Fun Details

Adding an outline is a great way to add more something special to your designs.

Wait until the paint is dry (usually 2-3 minutes)
Glide the paint pen around the edge of the stencil to outline- this works great to highlight darker colors
Add fun accents to your designs-add seeds to the watermelon, add polka dots to his hat- it's your sign!

Adding an outline is a great way to add more something special to your designs.

Wait until the paint is dry (usually 2-3 minutes)
Glide the paint pen around the edge of the stencil to outline- this works great to highlight darker colors
Add fun accents to your designs-add seeds to the watermelon, add polka dots to his hat- it's your sign!

Isn't He Cute?

He makes me smile everytime I see him! The Gnome Stencil set includes a heart, shamrock horseshoe, Easter peep, watermelon, acorn & present stencil.

Cleaning Your Chalkboard

How to clean your chalkboard- use a Magic eraser or eraser sponge to remove chalkboard markers, them wipe with a soft cloth

Cleaning Your Chalkboard

There are a variety of methods to clean your chalkboard, but the easiest way is Lysol®️ Disinfectant Spray. It works for both types of our pens- original chalk markers and new paint pens.

Three Steps to a Clean Chalkboard

Spray Lysol®️ Disinfectant Spray on your chalkboard. Wait 5 minutes to let solution work.
Use Mr. Clean®️ Magic Eraser or a generic eraser sponge in a circular motion to wipe away design. Respray with Lysol®️ if any spots remain. Wipe with a soft dry rag.
To clean residue, spray with Window Cleaner or a wipe with a soapy sponge or cloth.
Wipe residue with soft dry cloth. Do not use paper towels or napkins as they leave behind messy lint.

Three Steps to a Clean Chalkboard

Spray Lysol®️ Disinfectant Spray on your chalkboard. Wait 5 minutes to let solution work.
Use Mr. Clean®️ Magic Eraser or a generic eraser sponge in a circular motion to wipe away design. Respray with Lysol®️ if any spots remain. Wipe with a soft dry rag.
To clean residue, spray with Window Cleaner or a wipe with a soapy sponge or cloth.
Wipe residue with soft dry cloth. Do not use paper towels or napkins as they leave behind messy lint.

More Helpful Tips & Tricks

Avoiding Stencil Bleed & Quick Fixes

The key to avoiding paint from bleeding under your stencil is not flooding your design with too much paint. If you would like a deeper color, add a second layer of paint 2-3 minutes after the first layer is dry. Shake pen well, depress tip on a napkin and lightly go over the first layer.
If the ink does bleed under the stencil, use a cotton swab for a quick fix. If the paint is still wet, dampen one side of the swab with water (if it has already dried, dampen swab with rubbing alcohol or Lysol®️). Rubbing away the bleed alternating between the wet and dry side of the swap until you are happy with the result.
Another way to clean to stencil bleed is to use the black pen in our 12 pack. Simply wait until your design is dry and paint over the color that has bled with the black pen.

Using & Storing Paint Pens

Whenever your paint pen seems to be running dry, shake well and press the tip on the chalkboard to release more ink.
To keep pen ink from drying in the tip, always recap right away and store horizontally.
If your ink will not flow through your pen tip, paint may have dried in the tip. Remove the tip from the pen and submerge in a small cup of rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) for 10 minutes. Rinse with water, pat dry and place back in the pen body.

Storing, Cleaning & Fixing Bent Stencils

Always store stencils flat.
If a stencil gets bent, you can use an iron to remove the crease. Turn iron onto the lowest heat setting. Place stencil on your ironing board with the white side facing you. Cover stencil with an old t-shirt or thin cotton rag and run iron over the t-shirt quickly 2-3 times. Let stencil cool before using.
It is not necessary to clean your stencils, but if you would like to keep them pristine, wipe after use with rubbing alcohol or Lysol®️.
Old cookie sheets are a great way to store your stencils. The Dollar Store sells a 11" x 14" steel cookie sheet that is perfect for organizing stencils and keeping them flat.

More Tips for Cleaning Your Chalkboard

If you don't have an eraser sponge, use an old toothbrush.
For easiest ink removal, do not let your design stay on your board more than 4 weeks and keep out of direct sun. If your design has stayed on your board for longer than one month, simply let the Lysol®️ sit longer than 5 minutes or apply a second coat of Lysol®️ to any tough spots. You can also use rubbing alcohol (70-90% Isopropyl Alcohol- the higher the percentage the stronger the solvent power to dissolve the ink) or acetone.

Avoiding Stencil Bleed & Quick Fixes

The key to avoiding paint from bleeding under your stencil is not flooding your design with too much paint. If you would like a deeper color, add a second layer of paint 2-3 minutes after the first layer is dry. Shake pen well, depress tip on a napkin and lightly go over the first layer.
If the ink does bleed under the stencil, use a cotton swab for a quick fix. If the paint is still wet, dampen one side of the swab with water (if it has already dried, dampen swab with rubbing alcohol or Lysol®️). Rubbing away the bleed alternating between the wet and dry side of the swap until you are happy with the result.
Another way to clean to stencil bleed is to use the black pen in our 12 pack. Simply wait until your design is dry and paint over the color that has bled with the black pen.

Using & Storing Paint Pens

Whenever your paint pen seems to be running dry, shake well and press the tip on the chalkboard to release more ink.
To keep pen ink from drying in the tip, always recap right away and store horizontally.
If your ink will not flow through your pen tip, paint may have dried in the tip. Remove the tip from the pen and submerge in a small cup of rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) for 10 minutes. Rinse with water, pat dry and place back in the pen body.

Storing, Cleaning & Fixing Bent Stencils

Always store stencils flat.
If a stencil gets bent, you can use an iron to remove the crease. Turn iron onto the lowest heat setting. Place stencil on your ironing board with the white side facing you. Cover stencil with an old t-shirt or thin cotton rag and run iron over the t-shirt quickly 2-3 times. Let stencil cool before using.
It is not necessary to clean your stencils, but if you would like to keep them pristine, wipe after use with rubbing alcohol or Lysol®️.
Old cookie sheets are a great way to store your stencils. The Dollar Store sells a 11" x 14" steel cookie sheet that is perfect for organizing stencils and keeping them flat.

More Tips for Cleaning Your Chalkboard

If you don't have an eraser sponge, use an old toothbrush.
For easiest ink removal, do not let your design stay on your board more than 4 weeks and keep out of direct sun. If your design has stayed on your board for longer than one month, simply let the Lysol®️ sit longer than 5 minutes or apply a second coat of Lysol®️ to any tough spots. You can also use rubbing alcohol (70-90% Isopropyl Alcohol- the higher the percentage the stronger the solvent power to dissolve the ink) or acetone.

Looking to get started or

add some fun to your chalkboard signs?

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I'm here to help! Fill out the form or email us direct at info@platachalkboards.com. You can also reach us Monday-Friday 8 am - 5 pm EST at 617-903-7089.

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A Step-by-Step Guide to Using

Our Magnetic Chalkboard Stencils & Paint Pens to

Make Your Chalkboard

How to Create Colorful & Amazing Chalk Art