Writing on EZ Erase with Chalk Ink

Chalk Ink® Markers write beautifully on RTape’s ChalkTalk™ chalkboard film. But did you know that these markers are also great for writing on EZ Eraze™ dry erase vinyl? In fact, Chalk Ink® Markers write on just about any smooth surface. 

Applied to my refrigerator is the prototype of the EZ Erase™ film. (Shown in the photo below.) Usually I recommend using the Quartet markers for writing on the film. But after four years, ghosting finally appeared. I guess that nothing lasts forever. Eventually even the mildest solvents will chemically etch the surface of a film giving the surface some tooth for residual ink to adhere to.

As a creature of habit, I don’t like to change anything. In this case, I had no choice. The ghosting was getting worse with each use. Instead of changing the vinyl, it was easier to change to a different pen.

I decided to use the Chalk Ink® pens. Two series of these markers will write on vinyl films: Dry Erase Design and Wet Wipe Design. The Dry Erase design works just like a standard dry erase marker.   When it comes time to remove the writing, just wipe the surface clean with an eraser or a rag. This type of marker does not require water for removal.

The Wet Wipe Design   type of marker uses a water-based ink. Once the ink has dried on the surface of EZ Erase, the ink resists smearing. To clean the ink from the surface of ChalkTalk™, simply wipe the ink with a damp rag.  The ink should come off easily and with no ghosting residue.

Chalk Ink 6mm Classic Wet Wipe Markers

● Waterbased pigment ink.

● Removes easily with ammonia based cleaner.

● Non-toxic; no harmful solvents such as xylene.

● Works on a wide range of non-porous surfaces.

While water will remove the Wet Wipe Design ink, I found that cleaning with RapidTac and Windex work even better. In the picture below, shows where the writing was removed with no residue.

For more information on Chalk Ink®, visit their website at www.chalkink.com.  To learn more about RTape’s EZ Erase™, call your RTape distributor or visit our website at www.rtape.com.   

Vinyl Application Videos

Squeegee Technique. Nothing is more basic in vinyl application than the squeegee. But some squeegees work better than others. And there are right ways and wrong ways to use this simple tool. This video clip reviews squeegee selection, squeegee care and squeegee technique. Click to Link

Wet Applications. Dry applications are typically recommended for most vinyl applications. For those exceptions to the rule, this instructional video explains the right way to perform a wet application. Click to Link

Application of Window Graphics. Installing vinyl graphics on glass can be challenging, because the adhesive aggressively grabs onto this high energy surface. Repositioning graphics on window is generally difficult, if not impossible. This instructional video explains how to dry apply window graphics right the first time. It also describes the necessary steps required for surface preparation. Click to Link

Transferring Frosted Window Graphics Films.  Because frosted window films are highly textured, transferring cut vinyl graphics can be problematic. This video provides direction in selection of the right application tape and how to apply these films quickly, easily and without problems. Click to Link

3-Step Surface Prep. This instructional video describes how to properly clean the surface of a vehicle before applying pressure sensitive vinyl graphics to a trailer or doing a full wrap of a car or van. This three step surface prep involves detergent washing, solvent cleaning and a final wipe down with IPA. Click to Link

Vinyl Application Over Rivets. Applying vinyl graphics on vehicle surfaces with rivets is challenging for most sign makers. Vinyl failures to these surfaces are all too common. This video demonstrates some tips and procedures, used by professional decal installers, which will make these demanding applications easier and more trouble-free.  Click to Link

Vinyl Application to Corrugations. Learn how to apply vinyl graphics to corrugations in a relaxed state. Forcing films into the valleys of corrugations puts too much mechanical stress on the film. Sooner or later, the vinyl will lift or tent in valleys. Click to Link

Applying Air Egress Vinyls. Vinyl films with air egress release liners have almost eliminated bubbles and wrinkles from applied graphics. Air egress release liners with their highly textured surface structure are problematic. Not much will stick to these liners other than the vinyl film. At RTape our best premask solution for air egress liners is a special Conform® tape called 4761RLA. Click to Link

About Jim Hingst: After fourteen years as Business Development Manager at RTape, Jim Hingst retired. He was involved in many facets of the company’s business, including marketing, sales, product development and technical service.

Hingst began his career 42 years ago in the graphic arts field creating and producing advertising and promotional materials for a large test equipment manufacturer.  Working for offset printers, large format screen printers, vinyl film manufacturers, and application tape companies, his experience included estimating, production planning, purchasing and production art, as well as sales and marketing. In his capacity as a salesman, Hingst was recognized with numerous sales achievement awards.

Drawing on his experience in production and as graphics installation subcontractor, Hingst provided the industry with practical advice, publishing more than 150 articles for  publications, such as  Signs Canada, SignCraft,  Signs of the Times, Screen Printing, Sign and Digital Graphics and  Sign Builder Illustrated. He also posted more than 325 stories on his blog (hingstssignpost.blogspot.com). In 2007 Hingst’s book, Vinyl Sign Techniques, was published.  Vinyl Sign Techniques is available at sign supply distributors and at Amazon. 

© 2016 Jim Hingst