How to Season a Chalkboard
✓ Updated June 2026
So you just bought a new chalkboard or you made one with The Easy Chalkboard Marker and you want to start writing and creating chalkboard art, but wait! Before you do anything with your new chalkboard you need to season it.
What does seasoning a chalkboard do? Seasoning your chalkboard will fill in the porous spaces and coat the absorbent areas of the board. This will make it much easier to clean your board once you use it and it will make it less likely that residual images are left over after your first use.
It's an easy way to keep your chalkboard looking brand new for a long time. Ready? This is how to season a new chalkboard.
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How to Season a Chalkboard
Seasoning a chalkboard is simply covering the whole surface with chalk and then wiping it clean. It's super easy! You have to season a chalkboard because if you don't, there will always be a faint image of whatever you first wrote on the board. The process of seasoning closes up all the pores of your chalkboard surface, making it easier to clean and write!
⚠️ Important: Do NOT use dustless chalk to season your chalkboard — it will not work correctly. Use traditional chalk sticks only.
How To Season a Chalkboard: Step-by-Step
1
Cover the board vertically
Once your chalkboard is dry (if you made it using The Easy Chalkboard Marker), take a stick of traditional chalk and color the whole board in vertical strokes from top to bottom. Place the chalk on its side to cover the surface more quickly and effectively.
2
Cover the board horizontally
To ensure complete coverage, go back over the entire board with horizontal strokes until every inch of the chalkboard surface has been covered in chalk.
3
Wipe off all the chalk
Take a dry paper towel or cloth and rub off all of the chalk from the surface. Don't use a wet cloth — the board needs to stay dry at this stage.
4
You're done — start creating!
Your chalkboard is now seasoned and ready to use. Chalk markers will write smoothly and erase cleanly every time.
Important Tips for Seasoning a Chalkboard
Don't use dustless chalk
Dustless chalk will not season your chalkboard correctly. Always use traditional chalk sticks.
Use chalk on its side
Place the chalk sideways to cover the entire board more quickly and with better coverage.
Large walls? Use sidewalk chalk
For chalkboard walls or very large surfaces, sidewalk chalk covers the area more quickly and works just as well.
Only needs to be done once
You only need to season your chalkboard before the very first use. After that, it's ready for life.
What If I Already Used My Chalkboard Without Seasoning It?
Don't worry — it's not too late. If you already wrote on your chalkboard before seasoning it and now have ghost images or stubborn residue, here's what to do:
- Clean the board as thoroughly as possible using a white vinegar and water solution (50/50 mix) and a damp cloth or Magic Eraser. Repeat until the ghost image is as faint as possible.
- Let the board dry completely.
- Season the board following the 4 steps above.
Depending on how long the marker has been on the board and how porous the surface is, you may not be able to fully remove all residue. But seasoning after cleaning will prevent any further ghosting going forward.
📖 Related: How to Erase Chalkboard Markers — our full guide to removing stubborn chalk marker stains using 5 proven methods.
Watch: How to Season a Chalkboard in Under 2 Minutes
Prefer to see it done? Watch our quick video walkthrough of the full seasoning process.
Now You're Ready — Shop Bistro Chalk Markers
Now that you have a usable chalkboard you are going to need some chalk markers to start designing! Here's what we recommend:
- For general use: Bistro Chalk Marker — also available in chisel tip and fine point
- For larger boards: Jumbo Bistro Chalk Marker
- For detailed lettering and small designs: Bistro Chalk Marker Extra Fine Point
- Also available in metallic and pastels
Frequently Asked Questions
What does seasoning a chalkboard do?
Seasoning fills in the porous spaces and coats the absorbent areas of the chalkboard surface. This makes it much easier to clean, prevents ghosting (residual images from first use), and helps chalk markers erase cleanly every time.
Do I need to season a chalkboard before using chalk markers?
Yes. If you skip seasoning, whatever you write first will likely leave a permanent ghost image on the board. Seasoning takes less than 5 minutes and only needs to be done once — before first use.
Can I use dustless chalk to season a chalkboard?
No. Do not use dustless chalk to season a chalkboard — it will not work correctly. Use traditional chalk sticks or sidewalk chalk for large surfaces.
How do I season a large chalkboard or chalkboard wall?
For large surfaces like a chalkboard wall, use sidewalk chalk placed on its side. It covers large areas more quickly and works just as well as standard chalk sticks.
Do I need to season a chalkboard more than once?
No. You only need to season a chalkboard once — before the very first use. After that your board is ready for chalk markers and will erase cleanly every time.
Can I season a chalkboard I already used without seasoning?
Yes, but you'll want to clean any existing ghost images first. Use a 50/50 white vinegar and water solution or a Magic Eraser to clean the board as thoroughly as possible, let it dry, then season normally. See our guide to erasing chalk markers for full removal tips.
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