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How to Properly Erase Chalkboards and Prevent Ghosting
Chalkboards are more than just a tool that teachers and children use at school. With black chalkboard or craft paint becoming more popular and accessible, creative people know how incredibly versatile chalkboard crafts can be – and how much fun they are to make.
However, while chalkboards are reusable from week to week, from one holiday season to the next, they do not always come clean. Too often, when you are only using the traditional chalkboard eraser, you cannot quite get the board as clean as it needs to be for the next use. The following advice will help you go from a long, complicated grocery list to a brand-new clean chalkboard slate.
Cleaning a Traditional Chalkboard
Ghosting is a term that, in this case, indicates the marks that are left behind after you wipe down a chalkboard with a traditional chalkboard eraser. While you can write on it again, you are left with the shadow of previous words and images. It greatly hinders your ability to use the board again, so it is important to properly clean your chalkboard.
There are a few common cleaning solutions to use when cleaning your chalkboard. The first is a tried and true method of soap and water. With 2 quarts of water to 1 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid, and use a clean, soft rag to wipe down the board completely. Make sure that the board is rinsed with fresh water, and is dried completely with a second clean dry towel.
You can also use a solution of 2 cups of mineral oil and 3 lemons’ worth of peels. The mineral oil and peels should sit together overnight in a bowl before using this solution to gently wipe down your chalkboard with a soft, clean rag – one to two teaspoons is typically enough. Only a thin layer is needed to clean the board, and use a second, clean rag is sometimes necessary to remove any excess oil.
Cleaning Your DIY Chalkboard
You do need to take special care when cleaning a chalkboard that you made yourself with black craft paint. While you did save a lot of money doing so, you need to go about cleaning it the right way. First, have a lint-free soft cloth wet with clean water, and make sure to squeeze out most of the water. Gently, you can wash out any marks on the board, leaving nothing behind.
A Fresh Start
Always make sure that your chalkboard is completely dry after you’ve cleaned it in order to use is again, perhaps writing down your New Year’s resolution list with special chalk markers from Versachalk for example. Writing on a wet chalkboard can ruin a board as the chalk markers will become soft and dissolve into the board itself. Taking proper care of your chalkboard is important in preserving its longevity – and many special messages in the future.
Chalkboards can truly be a lot of fun. From creating a menu in the kitchen to letting your kids write on the wall, they are a great addition to your home for every season. It does not have to be difficult to keep these crafts clean, so keep these tips in mind when maintaining the quality of your chalkboard.
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