by Digital Output Staff
Media manufacturers work to offer dependable substrates for graphics applications. Sometimes development is taken a step further when niche products are introduced.
Above: Drytac’s ReTac ChalkMate offers a traditional chalkboard finish that can be used with both standard chalk and liquid chalk markers.
Specialty media featuring digitally printable surfaces that double as a chalkboard or even whiteboard are available. They are hidden in plain sight. These can be pressure-sensitive vinyls and film, or also magnetic-receptive materials.
Demand is There
Chalkboard, whiteboard, and dry erase print media options are not a frequent topic of conversation, but it’s important we address it. Demand is there, it’s just a different kind. All of the surface materials, chalkboard, whiteboard, and dry erase, are found in very specific environments.
“Yes, there is still a market for these types of finishes, office applications for the dry erase, and retail and restaurant applications for chalkboard,” admits Matthew Adams, sales executive North America, Newlife Magnetics LLC.
At Newlife Magnetics, Adams says more of its customers choose magnetic-receptive media with finishes like chalkboard and whiteboard/dry erase than just magnets, because they can be used with its magnets like a traditional dry erase or chalkboard, which allows for written notes and designs.
Jay Kroll, director of product education, General Formulations, believes “chalkboard vinyl has a more limited range of applications but remains popular for craft-cut labels on jars and bottles, as well as interactive wall displays in retail settings. Its combination of printability and functionality makes it a unique, niche solution.”
Advancements in ink sets promote use, especially chalkboard specialty material. “We see a resurgence in chalkboard materials as access to white ink becomes more readily available,” says Dennis Leblanc, senior product and business development manager, Drytac.
Whiteboard material is considered more prevalent compared to chalkboard, this may be because offices and other places where people meet prefer writing with a marker versus chalk. “Whiteboard materials are widely used, commonly found in schools, offices, restaurants, and hospitals,” says Kroll.
“Whiteboard or dry erase provide a dual solution to clients where branding and imaging can be incorporated with an interactive surface,” admits Leblanc.
Material Advancement
Constantly changing, adapting, reworking—that is a media manufacturer’s job. Addressing trends, demands, and of course how to function in a overwhelmingly shrinking economy. Despite these challenges, construction of specialty materials like chalkboard and whiteboard products continues to evolve.
Improved adhesives and enhanced durability, more sustainable components as part of the construction as well as manufacturing process—these are all significant advancements that Kroll has witnessed as of late.
“At the same time, printing technologies and equipment have evolved, making it easier and more effective to print and process these films,” continues Kroll. Changes to media handling and how the media runs through a printer are all beneficial here.
Ink development is part of the advancement. “White ink has been integral in the resurgence of chalkboard media. With whiteboard surfaces, UV ink improvements have helped with a direct print option,” shares Leblanc.
Popular Placement
Schools, offices, restaurants, hospitals—the list goes on. Wherever one might find a traditional chalkboard or whiteboard, expect to find a digitally printed option as well.
According to Kroll, when used as film, chalkboard and whiteboard are typically utilized for smaller signs that are applied to a plasticade a-frame sign found outside a retail shop. Another option, a wall mounted sign for communicating a patient’s status in a medical setting. “These smaller, one-off signs mean that sign shops will generally have a roll of these specialty laminates or base materials available for those opportunities when they come around.”
“Specialty medias are everywhere from retail, hospitality, and event to board rooms and residential areas. All have a feeling of interactivity with the viewer. In both chalkboard and whiteboard applications, it’s a marriage of branding and interactivity,” notes Leblanc.
At Newlife Magnetics, a popular customer application is created with custom dry erase boards using the company’s magnetic products. “Customers take our matte white, magnetic-receptive media with a pressure-sensitive adhesive on the back, print the custom graphic, and then laminate our high-quality dry erase laminate to create beautiful dry erase graphics that are write on/wipe off and magnets attract to them just like a steel-backed dry erase board. The profit margins are high for these types of custom dry erase boards and our print customers love that,” shares Adams.
Ink Compatibility
UV, latex, eco-solvent, and solvent are main contenders when it comes to printing graphics media with chalkboard, whiteboard, or dry erase surfaces.
Leblanc doesn’t believe a specific ink set is preferred over the other, but in his experience the majority of applications use UV or latex/resin due to durability.
For chalkboard-based materials, Kroll says UV ink is best. This is especially true when paired with a printer that includes white ink. “This is important because standard translucent inks alone won’t show well on the dark, textured surface; they may only create a subtle sheen rather than vibrant color.”
Depending on the product, to achieve an erasable whiteboard surface a dry erase laminate is applied over a base film—which negates the need for ink choice. “This flexibility allows for compatibility with multiple ink sets, depending on the intended application,” shares Kroll.
According to Leblanc, an overlaminate is preferred for whiteboard applications due to the consistent interaction with the surface and required cleaning.
“You can print UV on dry erase surfaces but the downside is that the residue from the dry erase markers will get stuck in the recesses of the print and make it difficult to clean. That is why laminating the dry erase laminate after printing is suggested, for a smooth surface,” adds Adams.
Hidden Gems
Specialty media like chalkboard and whiteboard—whether vinyl, film, or magnetic—is used often. The demand continues as end users find different ways to leverage these products.
“As the user base grows, so does the demand for innovative applications. This expanding interest drives new ideas and pushes the boundaries of what these materials can do, fueling the next wave of product development and performance improvements,” states Kroll.
Jul2025, Digital Output Magazine
specialty media, whiteboard media, chalkboard media
