When it comes to writing on the chalkboard, we use chalkboard chalks usually. Moreover, writing on the chalkboard reminds me of our childhood.
Even we still use chalkboards for various DIY projects. On the other hand, sidewalk chalk is generally used to write on sidewalks and concrete.
Sidewalk chalks can also be colorful. So, you might be confused about whether you can use sidewalk chalk on a chalkboard or not.
You have to know whether sidewalk chalk will work on the chalkboard. Moreover, knowing the consequences and drawbacks of using sidewalk chalk on a chalkboard is also essential.
What is the difference between sidewalk chalk and chalkboard chalk?
However, you might think that sidewalk chalk and chalkboard chalk are the same. But they have some differences also.
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Before knowing the differences, you should know the basic features of sidewalk chalk and chalkboard chalk. So, let’s see the specifications of these chalks and their differences.
Sidewalk chalk:
Sidewalk chalk is generally made of calcium sulfate or calcium carbonate. These chalks are also available in different colors. People use sidewalk chalks for writing on the sidewalks. So, these chalks are used on concrete and streets most time.
Sidewalk chalks are generally thicker and smoother. So, kids find it easy to grab and write with sidewalk chalk. You can also make DIY sidewalk chalk using other materials.
Chalkboard chalk:
Chalkboard chalk is also made of calcium carbonate. These chalks are generally suitable to write on the chalkboard. Chalkboard chalks don’t have huge differences from sidewalk chalk.
The names might be different because they are used in other places. Chalkboard chalks are naturally softer. These chalk sticks are used in school chalkboards most time.
Chalkboard chalks are also bound with kaolin clay, Oleic acid, and Sodium hydroxide to make them easier to use.
Difference between sidewalk chalk and chalkboard chalk:
However, some fundamental differences make these two types of chalks different. So, let’s see the differences between sidewalk chalk and chalkboard chalk.
Usable surfaces:
As the name implies, sidewalk chalk and chalkboard chalk are used in different places. For example, we use chalkboard chalk on the chalkboard and blackboards in schools and institutions.
But we use sidewalk chalks on the streets and sidewalks. Whether you can interchange these two types of chalks or not depends on different things. But naturally, we use these chalks in different places.
Colors:
Sidewalk chalks are colorful. If you remind your childhood memories, you might see the colors of sidewalk chalks on the walkways. But chalkboard chalks are generally white. For writing on the blackboards and visualization, chalkboard chalks are colored in one color.
Shape and thickness:
Chalkboard chalks are small and thin so that people can easily hold them for writing on the blackboards. But sidewalk chalks are thicker and larger. This makes the sidewalk chalks easier for kids to hold and draw on the streets.
Ingredients:
Generally, chalkboard chalk and sidewalk chalks can be made from the same materials. But chalkboard chalks are made of calcium carbonate most time.
On the other hand, sidewalk chalks are made of calcium sulfate most time. You can also make your own sidewalk chalks using plaster.
Can you use sidewalk chalk on a chalkboard?
You can use sidewalk chalk on a chalkboard. Generally, the making material of these two chalks is similar. Moreover, sidewalk chalks are available in different colors. So, writing with sidewalk chalks will be enjoyable on a chalkboard. Sidewalk chalks stick on the chalkboard wall.
You might want to know the reasons why you can use sidewalk chalk on a chalkboard. Let’s see whether you can use sidewalk chalk on a chalkboard or not in detail.
Similar making material:
Generally, the making materials of sidewalk chalk and chalkboard chalk are the same. So, you can use sidewalk chalks as chalkboard chalks also. Sometimes, chalkboard chalks are bonded with other materials.
But sidewalk chalks can also do the work. Moreover, sidewalk chalks can also be made from plaster. Plaster-made sidewalk chalk will not work well on a chalkboard.
If the sidewalk chalk is made of calcium carbonate or calcium sulfate, you can use the sidewalk chalk on the chalkboard.
Colorful sidewalk chalks:
When writing on the chalkboard or blackboard, you might feel bored with white chalks. So, sidewalk chalks can bring colors to your drawing. You can find different shades of sidewalk chalks. So, you can use these sidewalk chalks on the chalkboard to make the writing colorful.
Easier to handle:
Sidewalk chalks are thick and large. So, the texture of sidewalk chalks is smoother than most other chalks. Moreover, sidewalk chalks are easier to handle.
Wet colors:
You can also use sidewalk chalks after wetting them with water. Because wetting the sidewalk chalks makes them more deep colors. Moreover, it will be easy to clean when you use wet sidewalk chalks.
If you want to make color contrast with light and deep colors, you can use water to dip the chalks into it.
Easy cleanup:
One of the main advantages of sidewalk chalks is the ease of cleaning. Whether you use sidewalk chalks dry or wet, you can easily clean them from the chalkboard. You just need the wipe away the chalk with a damp cloth. The chalkboard will be clean quickly.
What kind of chalk to use on chalkboard paint?
You might think that you can only use chalkboard chalk on chalkboard paint. But you can also use other chalks to use on the chalkboard paint. Generally, the regular chalks will work well on the chalkboard paint.
But any old Crayola chalk will be the best to use on chalkboard paint. Nowadays, different types of chalk markers, chalk pens, liquid chalks, etc., are also available to use on chalkboard paint.
How to use sidewalk chalk on a chalkboard?
Using colorful sidewalk chalks can be enjoyable. But you might not know how to use these chalks on a chalkboard. So, let’s see how you can use sidewalk chalk on a chalkboard.
Direct use:
You can use sidewalk chalk on the chalkboard directly. The chalk will stay on the board since the making material of sidewalk chalk is the same as regular chalks. So, the sidewalk chalk will stay on the surface.
Wet sidewalk chalk:
You can also use wet sidewalk chalk on the chalkboard. Even wet sidewalk chalk will be a more deep and vibrant color on the board. For this, you have to dip the sidewalk chalk into water.
Then you can dab the chalk on a cloth and then start writing or drawing on the chalkboard. The color of the sidewalk chalk will be deep and bright when it dries.
What can you use instead of chalk on a chalkboard?
You can also use different things on a chalkboard instead of chalk. For example, you can use markers on the chalkboard. Even different types of markers and liquid chalks are available nowadays.
Moreover, chalk pens are also available. However, when you use the liquid chalk on a chalkboard instead of chalk, the sound of chalk will also be eliminated. Moreover, the cleaning up will also be more manageable. Even you can use liquid chalks on different surfaces.
Can you use sidewalk chalk on chalkboard paint or chalkboard wall?
You can’t use sidewalk chalk on chalkboard paint and chalkboard wall. Generally, regular chalks might not stick to the surface. But if you can use Crayola chalk on the chalkboard wall, the chalk will stick to the surface.
Generally, chalkboard paint and chalkboard walls are painted surfaces. These surfaces are not suitable to use chalks on them. So, when you use sidewalk chalk on the chalkboard paint, the chalk will not stick to the surface.
Can you use regular chalk on the sidewalk?
Yes, you can use regular chalk on the sidewalk. Generally, sidewalk chalks are specially made for use on the sidewalks. But the sidewalk chalks and regular chalks are made of the same materials.
So, you can also use regular chalk on the sidewalk. However, regular chalks will not be colorful like sidewalk chalks. But traditional chalks will stick to the sidewalk surface and stay for a couple of days.
Final Thoughts
You can use sidewalk chalk on chalkboard. Sidewalk chalks are made of similar materials to regular chalks. So, sidewalk chalks will also stick to the chalkboard surface. Moreover, sidewalk chalks are available in different colors. Also, you can use wet sidewalk chalk on chalkboard.