Best Scratchboard Art Materials of 2026
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Scratchboard art materials are a unique and versatile medium for artists looking to create intricate and detailed pieces. These materials typically consist of a thin layer of white clay coated with black ink. Artists can then use a variety of tools, such as scratch knives or sandpaper, to create designs by removing the ink layer and revealing the white clay underneath. Scratchboard art materials can be used to create a wide range of effects, from fine lines and delicate shading to bold and dramatic contrasts. They are ideal for creating highly detailed illustrations, portraits, and other types of artwork that require precision and control.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Scratchboard Art Materials
Ampersand Scratch Art Panel Museum Series
The Ampersand Scratch Art Panel Museum Series offers a museum-quality scratchbord that is ultra-smooth, highly absorbent, and easier to scratch into. Scratch marks are repairable by reapplying India ink, and vibrant colors can be added with inks. The board's high-density Hardbord core will not tear, bend or buckle, and it can be framed without glass. Made in the USA, Ampersand Art Supply is known for its unparalleled quality and craftsmanship.
Ampersand Museum Series Scratchbord Panels
The Ampersand Scratchbord Panels offer a smooth and durable surface perfect for detailed scratch art. The acid-free clay layer combined with India ink creates a rich, black background that makes your designs pop. Thanks to the high-density hardboard core, the panels stay flat and sturdy without bending or warping, ensuring your artwork remains protected. You can also display your finished piece easily by framing it without glass, giving your art a clean, professional look. These panels are designed to help you create precise, vibrant scratch art with ease and confidence.
Ampersand Museum Series Scratchboard Panel 9x12
The Ampersand Scratchbord Panel offers a smooth, high-quality surface ideal for detailed scratch art. Its acid-free clay and India ink coating provide a durable and absorbent base, making it easier for you to create sharp, clean lines. The panel’s strong, warp-resistant hardboard core ensures your artwork stays flat and intact without bending or tearing. Plus, you can display your finished piece without needing glass, thanks to its sturdy construction. This panel is designed to support your creativity while giving your artwork a professional look and feel.
Bright Creations Metallic Scratch Art Set
The Bright Creations Scratch Art is a versatile set featuring 36 metallic sheets in gold and silver, perfect for sparking creativity in both kids and adults. You get wooden styluses and stencils that help you create detailed and precise designs easily, making the process enjoyable and accessible. Each sheet measures 8.5 by 11 inches, offering plenty of space for your artistic ideas, whether you're a beginner or an experienced crafter. This set encourages exploration and development of your artistic skills by providing a fun, dynamic surface to work on, ideal for a wide range of creative projects.
Scratch Paper Art Set for DIY Craft Activity
The Scratch Paper Art Set includes 60 pieces of paper and sticks for a fun DIY craft activity. Simply scrape off the black coating to reveal a white paper underneath and use your imagination to create beautiful patterns. Suitable for both kids and adults, this scratch paper art set is perfect for art classes, school projects, family fun days, and more. The paper is lightweight and portable, making it easy to take with you wherever you go.
INOVART Scratchboard 11" x 14"
The INOVART Scratchboard Art offers an excellent canvas for your creative endeavors. Its full thickness black clay coating is perfect for fine line rendering, allowing you to create detailed designs. You can easily scratch through the top layer with a metal knife to reveal the bright white board beneath, providing a striking contrast. This thickness is also ideal for sketching, drawing, and painting, giving you versatility in your art projects. With a weight of 10 pt, it is particularly suited for students, making it an affordable choice for learning and experimentation.
Marvin's Magic Super Bright Scratch Art Set x48
The Marvin's Magic Scratch Art is a fun and creative set that lets you make vibrant rainbow designs by scratching away the black layer to reveal bright holographic, neon, and metallic colors underneath. It comes with stencils to help you start your artwork, making it easier to create beautiful and inspiring pieces. This set is perfect for various occasions, allowing you to design personalized art for holidays or special messages that will be treasured. Ideal for kids aged five and up, it encourages creativity and can be enjoyed at home, school, or on the go, making art accessible and exciting for young artists.
Ampersand Scratchbord Knife Set
The Ampersand Scratch Knife Set is perfect for beginners exploring scratchboard art. Each knife features two nibs—one pointed and one curved—allowing you to create both fine and broad lines effortlessly. You can use these tools to add texture and depth to your artwork, whether you're depicting foliage or gravel. The ability to create random strokes makes it easy to fill larger areas with varied textures. With these knives, you can also master techniques like cross-hatching for grass or curved strokes for realistic hair, enhancing your DIY designs with professional-quality effects.
Leibster Scratch Art Adult Rainbow Paper Set
The Leibster Scratch Art Set offers a fun and creative way to spend your time. It includes eight glow-in-the-dark black scratch sheets and several tools like wooden sticks and a gold-plated pen, giving you everything you need to start. With two beautiful designs featuring butterflies and whales, you can reveal colorful patterns by scratching away the black coating, turning your artwork into a vibrant fantasy. This set is also a great way to reduce screen time, providing hours of relaxing craft activity that can help relieve stress. Plus, it’s an ideal gift for holidays or parties, offering engaging artistic fun for adults.
VTEAS Scratch Art Rainbow Painting Paper Set
The VTEAS Scratch Art Set lets you create vibrant art by scratching away a matte layer to reveal colorful patterns underneath. It includes four famous Van Gogh designs, offering you a chance to recreate iconic scenes like Starry Night Over the Rhone. The set comes with two scratch pens and a cleaning brush, making it easy to work with and keep your artwork neat. Its compact size makes it great for taking your creativity on the go. Plus, it’s non-toxic and odor-free, so you can enjoy a relaxing and safe art experience anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What do you use on a scratchboard?
Various tools can be used on a scratchboard, such as sewing and crochet needles, pushpins, skewers, toothpicks, tweezers, razor blades, X-Acto knives, and even silverware. Anything that can scrape against the scratchboard layers without ripping the paper is effective. Abrasive materials like steel wool and sandpaper can also be used.
2. What do you use to scratch scratch art?
When it comes to scratching scratch art, you can use wooden or bamboo skewer tools, toothpicks, or any other hard-edged tool. Some people even use the plastic piece from a Q-tip or skinny sticks like popsicle sticks or wooden chopsticks.
3. What kind of ink do you use for scratchboard?
For the best results in scratchboard art, it is recommended to use Ampersand's complete line of tools for scratchboard. Additionally, Scratchbord-Claybord™ Inks can be used to add vibrant colors to the scratched-in white lines.
4. What paper do you use for scratch art?
When it comes to scratch art, it's important to choose the right paper. Corrugated cardboard and regular printer paper are not suitable. Heavier options like mat board or cardstock work well, as they can withstand the weight of the paint and the subsequent scratching process.
5. Can you use acrylic paint on scratchboard?
Yes, acrylic paints can be used on scratchboards. Scratchboard art is created by using inks and acrylic paints on clay-coated boards. Scratchbord, a clay-coated hardboard panel for scratchboard art, is designed to be coated with India ink. It provides a durable surface that is easy to scratch into for clean and crisp details and lines.
During our scratchboard art material research, we found 24 scratchboard art material products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 11,861 customer reviews through our big data system to write the scratchboard art materials list. We found that most customers choose scratchboard art materials with an average price of $16.61.
The scratchboard art materials are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of scratchboard art materials, including Ampersand Art Supply, Bright Creations, Gersoniel, INOVART, Marvin's Magic. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Ann Hale is a seamstress, pattern maker, and fashion designer with extensive sewing experience. She has worked in the fashion industry for over 10 years now after receiving Associates's Degree in fashion design in 2010. Also as a writer, she has many creative and unique insights when it comes to articles.