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.
MIX & MATCH—CHALKOLOGY® PASTE AND INK SINGLES
What is Mix & Match?
Buy 5 Chalkology® Paste or Ink Singles and get 1 free! Once 6 singles are added to your cart, the price reduction will occur automatically.
Does the Mix & Match (buy 5, get 1 free) deal on paste and ink singles duplicate?
Yes. For example, if you buy 10 paste or ink singles, you will get 2 for free.
Are certain ink or paste singles excluded from Mix & Match?
No. You may mix and match any available paste or ink singles to meet the criteria for the deal.
Where can I find the paste and ink singles for Mix & Match?
To make it easy, select “Shop By Category” from the navigation bar on chalkcouture.com, then the “Chalkology Paste” or “Chalkology Ink” categories. Find and check “Buy 5, Get 1 FREE Singles” from the “Categories” sidebar. Singles will continue to appear in other categories as usual.
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.
ETCHING CREAM
What is Armour Etch® Glass Etching Cream used for?
Armour Etch Glass Etching Cream is used to etch designs into the surface of glass. It is intended to be brushed over top of a Transfer on a glass surface or mirrored item. Important: Armour Etch is NOT intended to etch a solid panel and should NOT be used for this purpose.
Are there any shipping limitations for this product from Chalk Couture?
This product is limited to ground shipping only. It cannot be shipped by air. Overnight or expedited shipping will not be available for this reason. If you place an expedited order that includes Armour Etch, the etching cream will be shipped separately via regular ground shipping. This product cannot be shipped to Alaska, Hawaii, PO Boxes, APO/FPO addresses, or select areas in Canada.
How many can I purchase at one time? Is there a quantity restriction for this product?
Yes, Armour Etch will be limited to order quantities of 12 bottles per order.
Is Armour Etch safe to use with Chalk Couture Transfers?
Yes. We recommend cleaning your Transfer immediately after use with etching cream, following our standard cleaning advice for our Transfers.
Do I have to protect my sensitive skin when using Armour Etch?
We highly recommend that you use a pair of plastic gloves to cover your hands during the very short time you are applying and rinsing off the Armour Etch. You can use any plastic glove, like the ones used to wash dishes, or disposable gloves.
Will glass cleaners interfere with the etching process?
The glass needs to be clean of dirt, smudges, lint, your fingerprints, etc., before etching. Many household window cleaners will work. You need to take great care to not select a glass cleaner that advertises fingerprint resistant. This type of cleaner will leave a filmy residue on your glass which is great for fingerprint resistance, but horrible for glass etching. Armour Etch will not be able to penetrate the greasy film these cleaners leave on the glass.
Are the etched designs permanent and do I have to seal the glass after decorating?
All designs created with Armour Etch are PERMANENT and dishwasher safe. Nothing further is required. After you wash and dry your finished project you are done.
Will the finished etched design be susceptible to food staining?
When glass is etched, the areas of the etched design are now porous and foods that contain color will most likely stain the plate.
Is it safe to put etched glass into the dishwasher or should it be hand washed?
Items etched with Armour Etch can be washed in your dishwasher just like any other piece of glass.
Why are there fibers/crystals in my Armour Etch Cream?
It is the nature of Armour Etch Cream to contain particles (crystals). The particles are necessary and add proper potency for Armour Etch to work properly. Occasionally hot spots (darker etched areas) develop when these crystals are allowed to remain in contact with the glass. It is recommended that you continuously brush Armour Etch around while waiting the recommended 1–3 minutes for the etch to take effect. Use your brush to move these particles to an area of the Transfer where there is no design. If Armour Etch contains too many crystals or fibers, place the entire CLOSED bottle into a warm to hot bath of water a few hours before using. Remove the jar occasionally and shake well to reblend the etching cream.
Will Armour Etch affect my septic system?
Accumulate the waste water in a plastic pail or tub. Baking soda can be added to your waste water to neutralize the water. You can purchase pH strips at a pool supply or drugstore. The pH strip will indicate when the water is neutralized. Once neutralized, the water can be flushed down the toilet and not affect your septic system.
Is Armour Etch safe to wash in my sink?
Stainless sinks are the only ones that are impervious to the Armour Etchant. Ceramic sinks will start to dull if repeatedly subjected to the etchant. If you drop a large amount of etchant onto a ceramic sink, the clear protective layer of the sink will be removed. So avoid using sinks that are NOT stainless or plastic utility sinks.
Will Armour Etch work on Pyrex or hurricane glass?
Armour Etch will not work on SOME Pyrex items. The only way to know whether or not etching will work is to place a tiny dot in a place on your glassware where the dot, if it should etch, will not be an issue for you. Let the dot stay on for one minute, wash it off and dry the area completely before you determine whether or not etching was successful.
Does Armour Etch work on ceramic items or ceramic tiles?
Armour Etch is not intended for use on ceramic because it will take the glaze off.
DIGITAL PRODUCTS
What is included in a Digital Bundle?
A Digital Bundle includes a Transfer and the coordinating digital files. A Digital Bundle includes the following digital files*:
- 1 DXF file
- 1 SVG file
- 1 EPS file
- 1 PNG file (300 DPI high resolution with a transparent background)
*Note that files include a .08 to .125 inch offset to accommodate the use of a Chalk Transfer® design.
What is included in a Digital Download?
A Digital Download does NOT include the Transfer, only the digital files. A Digital Download includes the following digital files*:
- 1 DXF file
- 1 SVG file
- 1 EPS file
- 1 PNG file (300 DPI high resolution with a transparent background)
*Note that files include a .08 to .125 inch offset to accommodate the use of a Chalk Transfer® design.
Where can I access my digital products?
To access your files at any time visit chalkcouture.com, log into your account, and click “My Downloads”.
What do I need to know before purchasing digital products?
Digital products are not subject to returns or exchange. The sharing, sales, distribution, duplication, and/or modification of this product or any Chalk Couture intellectual property or digital product offering is strictly prohibited. Limited commercial licensing covers the sale of up to 1,000 physical products created with Chalk Couture digital assets only. Chalk Couture policies on the sales of competitive products also apply. Full Terms and Conditions coming soon.
Who should I contact for help using digital files?
If there are issues accessing files within your Chalk Couture account, please contact Designer Services for support. If you, or a customer, needs help using files with retail software or with a specific retail product, visit their website or contact their customer service.
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.™