CHALKOLOGY® PASTE
What is Chalkology Paste?
Exclusive to Chalk Couture™, you can add a zing of color to DIY projects with creamy dreamy™ Chalkology Paste. It’s a smooth and creamy chalk paste that’s washable when wet and has a hard, matte finish when it dries.
What if my Chalkology Paste becomes dry?
Our Chalkology Paste is best used within three months of purchase. It contains a humectant, which helps to keep it from completely drying out. If your paste becomes dry, you can add a small amount of distilled water and mix it well. Add a few drops at a time until you reach the correct consistency (like sour cream or yogurt).
What surfaces is Chalkology Paste safe on?
Chalkology Paste is safe to use on and remove from most nonporous surfaces, such as chalkboards, glass, metal, and even painted walls. Paste can also be used on porous surfaces such as unfinished wood or paper, but only as a permanent design. We recommend testing an inconspicuous spot prior to applying paste to any surface. Paste colors can interact differently with certain surfaces and finishes and can cause color staining, or “ghosting”, after a design is removed.
Will any of the colors stain my surfaces?
We advise that you test any surface that you plan to apply paste on. Darker paste colors have higher amounts of pigment (e.g., black, yellow, red), and are more likely to stain porous surfaces. Board Erasers, disinfecting wipes, and soap with water help remove the paste; however, a “color echo” may remain. A color echo may be more pronounced the longer the paste has been on a surface or if the surface was exposed to light.
How often will new colors be introduced?
We are consistently producing new and fun colors and organizing colors into palettes. Some are seasonal and offered for a limited time, and others are foundational colors intended to be in stock for a longer time.
How many colors does Chalk Couture have?
We have more than 40 paste colors and more than 20 ink colors included in our product line.
CHALK TRANSFER® DESIGNS
How do I clean my Chalk Transfer® designs?
Use cool water to wash your Transfer immediately after use. Using a Board Eraser can help remove staining and make clean-up quicker. Do not let your Transfer soak in standing water, as it can break down the adhesive on the backing. After rinsing the Transfer with cool water, dry it on a level surface by laying it face down with the sticky side up. We recommend using a dish drying mat because they absorb excess water quickly.
Once the Transfer is dry, reattach the sticky side of the Transfer to the shinier side of the Transfer Backer Sheet, which is the preferred way to store your Transfer. You may want to use a disinfecting wipe to clean off your Transfer and remove any excess residue. This can also help rejuvenate the sticky side of the Transfer. Do not use baby wipes, as they will ruin the Transfer.
How long will my Transfers last?
Transfers are designed to be used multiple times but are not unlimited use. On solid surfaces and with proper care, we estimate you can use your Transfer between 8 and 12 times before the adhesive is no longer sticky. Several factors affect the life of the Transfer: how well you clean it, if you reattach it to the Transfer Backer Sheet, how much you “fuzz” your Transfer, and the types of surfaces you apply it to. Use on glass can cause the Transfer to stretch when removed. Unwaxed surfaces or surfaces with fibers (e.g., raw wood, some fabrics and papers) will also shorten the life of a Transfer.
My Chalk Transfer design doesn’t stick anymore. What should I do?
All Transfers will eventually lose stickiness. Take care of them to get the maximum number of uses. Refer to the question on Transfer cleaning to preserve and restore stickiness.
How should I store my Transfers?
Ensure your Transfers are completely dry and attached to their Transfer Backer Sheets prior to storage. Some suggestions for storage include using the original Transfer packaging, an art portfolio, pant hangers, or storing them flat in a drawer or on a shelf. Experiment to discover what works best for you!
What is “fuzzing” and when do I need to do it?
We highly recommend “fuzzing” Transfers before use on any nonporous surface. “Fuzzing” means to add a bit of lint or “fuzz” to gentle the adhesive. This will ensure you don’t stretch the Transfer out of shape when removing it from the surface. The design of the Transfer and the surface you are applying it to will affect how well the Transfer sticks. If you’re applying Transfers to glass or other slick surfaces, fuzzing is critical. To fuzz, remove the Transfer Backer Sheet and lay the Transfer on a Fuzzing Cloth, a terry cloth towel, or a comparable material. Peel off and stick on a few times to pick up a bit of lint before applying it to the surface. After application, ensure you clean all the lint from the Transfer by following the cleaning instructions above.
Have Transfers changed?
Yes! Beginning with new products featured in the Fresh Start 2023 Collection (released in January 2023), we have added an additional vendor for producing Transfers. Though the quality and consistency of Transfers is universal, you will notice that some of our Transfers have different characteristics.
One difference you might note is that A-sized Transfers vary in size: some will be the standard 5" x 7", while others will be 4½" x 6½". The design portion of the Transfer will always be consistent within our standards for A-sized designs; the variance will just be in the border space around the design.
What’s great about the Chalk Couture Transfers produced from our additional vendor?
- Transfers are semi-transparent, making it easier to utilize layered designs.
- Cleaner lines for sharper details on more intricate design.
- Transfers dry more quickly after washing.
Do I need to change any techniques when using Transfers?
Yes. Take note that the copyright information on some Transfers will be the same mesh silk screen as the designed portion. Use caution; remove or cover with tape before use. If you’re chalking on a reusable surface, and happen to chalk over the copyright information, you can use a Board Eraser to remove the chalked text before displaying.
Can I use Placement Tape on my Transfer?
Yes. However, if using Placement Tape or any kind of adhesive product on your Transfer, we recommend applying it when the Transfer is completely dry and removing it as soon as possible. If you apply Placement Tape to a wet or damp Transfer, or wash a Transfer with the tape still adhered, and leave it to dry, you risk damage to the Transfer upon removing the tape.
For more information on the use and care of your Chalk Transfer designs, take a look at the Chalk Transfer Use and Care flyer in your Resources Library.
CHALKBOARDS AND WAXING
Which surfaces need to be waxed and why?
When using surfaces other than our porcelain steel chalkboards, waxing a surface improves the adherence of paste to the surface. The wax provides a barrier to protect both the surface you are using and the Transfer. We recommend waxing all wood surfaces, both painted and unpainted, before use. If you are unsure if your surface needs wax, test an inconspicuous area first by applying a small amount of paste. If the paste flakes off when dry, absorbs unevenly, or removes the finish, you will need to apply a wax layer first. You never need to apply wax to glass. Couture Gallery® and Couture Boutique® Boards should never be waxed.
What if I waxed a Couture Gallery or Couture Boutique Board?
Unfortunately, you cannot undo it. Waxing a porcelain board leaves a film behind that is difficult to remove. Please remember that these boards do not need to be waxed.
OTHER PRODUCTS
What’s different about the Handled Squeegee?
Our Handled Squeegee’s lever has been improved, making it easier than ever to separate the squeegee from the handle in order to clean the tool, etc. Pulling up on the lever on the back of the handle will release your squeegee. Pushing down on the lever on the back of the handle will lock the squeegee back into place.
With this change, we recommend that you continue to follow the best practices for this tool during use and use the squeegee in a pulling motion. Do not push forward on the Handled Squeegee, as the force may trigger the lever to release.
What product is recommended for sealing projects?
If you want to make your beautiful design last forever, apply a sealant. There are many quality sealants on the market, such as spray sealants, polyurethanes, and waxes. Your choice of sealant also varies by the surface you’ve used and if your design will be exposed to the elements or outdoors. Whatever sealant you choose, read the label, and follow recommended directions to ensure it supports the integrity of your surface.
Apply any sealant in light coats and wait for each layer to dry. If your paste gets too wet or saturated, it may run and bleed. Our favorite indoor sealant is the crystal clear Krylon spray in matte finish.
What do I do if I receive a defective product?
If you receive any defective product from Chalk Couture, fill out the defective product form, which can be found in the Fix-It-Fast FAQ in the Resources Library or by contacting Designer Services. If your customers receive any defective product, try to replace it with the same item from your inventory, then contact Designer Services to send you a replacement. If you do not have that particular item in your inventory, contact Designer Services to send a replacement product to your customer. No shipping is charged on replacements for defective products.
What happens if I accidentally ruin my Transfer?
We offer a 50% discount within the first 30 days of purchase on Transfers that are damaged by the user. This discount applies to the same Transfer that was originally purchased. Examples of damage: substantial stretching to the point of not being usable, folding on itself, sticking to the wrong side of the Transfer Backer Sheet (or storing the Transfer without it), or improper use on certain surfaces. To create a better user experience, see if you can help resolve the issue before replacing the product.
How long does it take for a product to come back in stock?
Product restocking varies based on product demand, season, and location of manufacture. It may take up to 4 to 6 weeks to restock an item. Also, based on demand, Chalk Couture reserves the right to retire an out-of-stock product rather than place a reorder.
I have an idea for a product or Chalk Transfer design. Where can I share that?
We welcome your product ideas! Both Designers and customers can make suggestions using the link below. Those who are not Designers can enter “N/A” in the “Designer ID” field on the form. http://bit.ly/2wt0lAw
Design. Love. Repeat.™