10+ Best Scratchboard Art Materials for Artists in 2024

Are you passionate about graphic design but find yourself yearning to explore a medium that transcends digital art and embraces the tactile artistry of traditional techniques?

If you crave a creative adventure that brings the expressive allure of fine art to graphic design, look no further. Scratchboard art awaits!

What is a Scratchboard?

Scratchboard is a form of direct engraving in which you can scratch off dark ink to reveal a colored layer that lies behind it. Scratchboard Art is created using various types of inks and acrylic paints on a clay-coated board. 

There is a cardboard sheet coated with a thin layer of clay and India ink. There is also a sharp tool that features in the process called the scratchboard nib. This nib carves through the ink and reveals the clay. The scratchboard picture is brighter depending on the number of lines you create with it. Scratchboard drawings sometimes identify themselves with the wood engravings.

In the UK, scratchboard drawing is also known as scraperboard drawing, and scratchboard in North America and Australia. This mode of drawing involves scratching off dark ink to reveal a white or colored layer that lies underneath. Scratchboard is a fine-art medium. It is a technique that makes use of sharp knives and tools that are used to engrave white china clay that is coated with dark ink. There is also a foil paper that comes covered with black ink so that when you scratch, it exposes the shiny surface beneath it. 

Scratchboard artists can create highly detailed, precise, and evenly textured artwork. Scratchboard art is either black and white or colored depending on the artist’s choice.

Scratchboards come with a paper backing or a thick board behind it. The cardboard in the process can be cut into any size. The superior quality of the cardboard gives the scratchboard stability at work. The board is durable and easier to scratch for cleaner and sharper lines.

If you are interested, you can go through our post on the best pastel pencils.

Scratch Tools and Scratchboard

Several tools are available for scratchboards. The sharp objects you can use are from a range of blades that come with various levels of thickness. This helps with the removal of more or less ink. You can also use isopropyl alcohol on a cotton ball, sandpaper, and non-oily steel wool to remove large areas and create textures. 

You can color these scratchboards with mediums like a paintbrush, an airbrush, and cotton balls. There are special scratchboard inks that you can add to the white areas and scratch again for additional highlights and volume for added dimensions.

10+ Best Scratchboard Art Materials in 2024

Which is the Best Art Scratchboard?

Scratch Paper Rainbow Painting Sketch Pads is the best scratchboard available. Have a look at the table to find the comparison between various scratchboards available and choose the one that fits your requirements.

 

Top 3 Most Popular Scratchboard Art for Artists

These are the three best-selling scratchboards on Amazon right now:

 

Things to Look Out to Purchase a Scratchboard

The following are the things to look out for when purchasing scratchboard.

Materials: The materials that you use for the scratchboard art must come from a reliable vendor. The black ink that comes coated on the scratchboard must be of good quality. If it is capable of peeling off easily, your art might not meet your expectations. You must choose scratchboard that is sturdy to hold on to and durable.

Price: You must keep in mind the costs involved in purchasing your scratchboard. If you want to create art out of scratchboard, then select a scratchboard that is sturdy enough and has attractive colors lying beneath it. 

It’s also best to choose scratchboards that come in bulk. You can also choose scratchboards that have discounts. If you are mainly going to use these scratchboards for children, then less expensive options are best.

Colors: The color that lies beneath the scratchboard must be attractive. You must choose a scratchboard that makes use of good paint colors underneath the black coating. This will make sure that your scratchboard art looks attractive.

Scratching Tools: The tools that are used for the scratchboard must be sharp and sturdy enough to draw the kind of drawings you require. 

You can create scratchboard art using tools such as the mini fiberglass brush, Xacto knife, wire brush, scratchboard tool, four-prong wire tool, and India ink pen. You can also make use of steel wool, sandpaper, and anything abrasive. Some artists also make use of pottery scraping tools to create outlines.

 

10+ Best Scratchboard Art Materials for Artists in 2024

1. Scratch Paper Rainbow Painting Sketch Pads (Editor’s Choice)

Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 16 x 1 inches | Item Weight: 1.3 lbs | Brand: Ant Power

With this scratchboard design, you can scratch off the lines that come with the scratch stylus and you feel blown away with the images that come from it.

What we loved about this scratchboard were the gray lines, which made tracing the illustrations much easier. You don’t need to have sketchbooks just to enjoy art.

The gray lines make it easy for everyone to trace the illustrations, making it amazingly creative work. It is an excellent arts and crafts activity for artists of all ages. 

This craft material can display the final art product in your house. It can also serve as a gift to your friends and families if you want to take a break from your routine activities.

You can relive your favorite travel memory by drawing the city view. You can preserve the memory of your favorite travel destination with this scratchboard.

This scratchboard can hide behind the best scenery in the world, shown behind the black-coated clay. You must scratch the gray lines with the help of a scratch pen and the wood stylus provided. You can also put your own design on this black clay-coated scratchboard art,  frame it, and keep it as a showpiece in your living room.

This pack includes four Scratch drawing boards, four blank boards, one scratch pen, four wood styluses, and one cleaning brush.

Pros	Cons
➕ Fun craft that is easy to use	➖  The color underneath might not match the image in your mind
➕ Scratchboard is fantastic to work with

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

2. Ampersand Art Supply Scratch Art Panel Museum Series Scratchboard

Product Dimensions: 10 x 8 x 0.13 inches | Item Weight: 7.2 ounces | Brand: Ampersand Art Supply

Discover the best scratchboard art materials that will elevate your creative journey to new heights.

Among these exceptional options, we’ve had the privilege of enjoying the Ampersand Art Supply Museum Series scratchboard—a true standout in the realm of scratch art.

Crafted from premium, warp-resistant FSC-certified hardboard and protected with the Archiva seal, this scratchboard boasts remarkable durability and longevity. 

The surface is coated with an ultra-smooth, highly absorbent, acid-free kaolin clay ground and infused with India ink, setting it apart from traditional paper scratchboards.

One thing that impresses us about this scratchboard is how it allows for intricate detailing and clean, crisp lines. Unlike conventional paper scratchboards that may rip, tear, or wrinkle, this scratchboard withstands the test of time, ensuring a seamless artistic process.

Moreover, this scratchboard is an eco-friendly and formaldehyde-free option, aligning with the values of environmentally conscious artists. Seal and proudly display your artwork, knowing it’s crafted with care and dedication to both artistic excellence and sustainable practices.

Ampersand Art Supply’s dedication to quality and craftsmanship has earned them a well-deserved reputation as a leader in the arts, crafts, and creative materials industries.

With the Ampersand Museum Series scratchboard at your disposal, your artistic endeavors are bound to flourish, and your passion for scratchboard art will soar to new heights.

What’s remarkable about scratchboard art is that it doesn’t rely on markers or traditional coloring tools to represent vibrant hues.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider when working with this scratchboard art. One potential limitation lies in the representation of dull colors underneath the scratched surface.

Pros	Cons
➕ FSC-certified hardboard	➖ Colors appear slightly dull
➕ Eco-friendly
➕ Formaldehyde free
➕ Strong and durable

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

3. Melissa & Doug Scratch Art Scratchboard

Product Dimensions: 14 x 11 x 1 inch | Item Weight: 3.84 ounces | Brand: Melissa & Doug

Introducing the Melissa & Doug’s Pre-Inked Scratchboard Art Set: one of the best scratchboard sets available online! This exquisite set will offer artists and designers an immersive creative experience like no other..

This set includes 11″ x 14″ scratchboards with comprehensive instructions to guide your way. Digital tools like Procreate brushes, scratchboard knives, and metal tools provide a tangible connection between you and the medium, allowing a tactile experience throughout your creative process. 

Beyond its exceptional artistic qualities, Melissa & Doug’s scratchboard art set is also an ideal craft kit for students. Engaging with this medium not only fosters creativity but also enhances fine motor skills, deepening a budding artist’s intuitive sense of the intricacies of new techniques.

With nearly 25 years in the business, Melissa & Doug’s products have always encouraged innovation and open-ended thinking. Their mission is to inspire individuals to embrace new possibilities, stirring the imagination and sense of wonder.

Pros	Cons
➕ Does not come with carving tools.	➖ Cannot scratch evenly on the scratchboard
➕ Good value for the price
➕ Sturdy build

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

4. Scratch Rainbow Painting Art Paper

Product Dimensions: 14.72 x 10.04 x 0.71 inches | Item Weight: 9.6 ounces | Brand: BOTEEN

Scratch rainbow Art Paper is made up of high-quality coated paper. It is odorless, non-toxic, and has passed CE-ROHS certification. 

This has been designed according to the real city night scene pictures with high reproduction. It can work for anyone aged four and up.

This is the perfect gift that can work as a holiday or birthday gift. You can use the scratch tool that comes with the kit to scratch off the gray sketch on the scratch rainbow art paper, which will reveal the beautiful city night scene. 

This scratchboard art can work as a nice piece of decoration. 

You can use your idle time wisely; the size and weight of the scratchboard are portable, and you can create it at any time, making for a clean and entertaining project.

Pros	Cons
➕ Perfect activity for relaxation	➖ Harder to use than others
➕ Makes for an excellent gift
➕ Beautiful and creative

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

5. 16 Pack Scratch Arts and Crafts Notebooks

Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 3.9 x 0.01 inches | Item Weight: 2 pounds | Brand: Rrshnsgv

The Rainbow Scratch Art Notepads are made from high-quality cardboard. They are lightweight and durable. Each and every notepad has 10 sheets of paper in it. The Notepad is thick, and you cannot tear it off easily. 

There is a rainbow of colors that hides under the blank, matte pages of the notebook. The wooden pen with the scratchboard can work for scraping the black coating that reveals the rainbow of colors under it. The drawing stencils that come with the pack can also serve as artistic creations. 

This scratchboard art notepad is apt for use in doodling, painting, creating cards, sketching, art making, and making cool illustrations and designs. It can also be used to enhance children’s creativity. You can also improvise with the child’s artistic talent. You can use it as a gift for your friends and family.

Each and every note set has 16 scratch art notebooks, four drawing stencils, and 16 wooden styluses. Each and every piece of paper art is made up of premium paper, and they are safe to use as they do not tear up easily. The paper note is durable for long-term use and safe for creating colorful pictures. 

You can use this scratchboard art for doodles, and notes, creating cards, sketching, drawing, tracing, and more. These notebooks are lightweight, and each pad is spiral-bound.

They offer a high level of portability as it does not take up much space. You can take it along with you for traveling purposes during weekend vacations or long-distance family trips. 

Pros	Cons
➕ High-quality cardboard	➖ Scratchboards are difficult to scratch
➕ Useful to jot notes and create cards
➕ Easy to carry around

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

6. Scratch Art Painting Kits

Product Dimensions: 12.48 x 8.86 x 1.22 inches | Item Weight: 9.9 ounces | Brand: MIASTAR

Scratch Art Painting Kit includes a set of eight scratch drawing boards, one scratch pen, one red scraper, one clean brush, and one repair fluid. It is amazing for creative work. You can use this as an excellent arts and crafts activity kit for children and adults. 

The Scratch Art products feature bright colors and patterns under the matte coating. Each scratch card features a foil layer of sketches. Use the scratch pen to scratch off gray-colored sketches that will help you reveal the beautiful colors lying underneath them.

It is a complete engraving art set for any age. The size is excellent for teens and can be easily carried around. It can be easily carried around. You can also mount it in a picture frame on the wall. It is a good decorative piece and can be used to display the stunning final art. And they can be used as gifts for friends or family.

Pros	Cons
➕ Excellent art and craft kit	➖ Scratching tools do not come with the pack
➕ Pictures are awesome
➕ Good quality scratchboard

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

7. Animal Scratch Art Rainbow Painting Paper

Product Dimensions: 16.5 x 11.38 x 0.63 inches | Item Weight: 5.9 ounces | Brand: Artsper

The Animal Scratch Art Rainbow Painting Paper package includes one scratching drawing board, one blank board for free drawing, and one scratch pen.

Animal scratch products have bright colors and patterns that lie behind the matte coating. Each scratch card has a foil layer of sketches. You can make use of the scratch pen that comes with the pack to scratch off the grey-colored sketches to reveal the beautiful colors lying under the scratchboard.

You will focus more on your work if you are able to take some time off and invest it in this scratchboard. 

This is a complete engraving art set that is available for people of all ages. The size is appropriate for you to carry around for a short trip. 

This kit helps you educate your kid with art in the most innovative and fun manner, as it is a good way to develop hands-on skills and intelligence.

Pros	Cons
➕ Sturdy scratching board	➖ Scratch pen is not sharp enough
➕ Good value for the price
➕ Attractive colors under the board

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

8. Wisdom Garden Scratch Book

Product Dimensions:  10.63 x 8.7 x 0.28 inches | Item Weight: 7.7 ounces | Brand: 

Wisdom Garden Scratch Book contains more diverse and rich colors through the white background and the existing black background. It is a healing art book that allows you to complete very high-quality works with a simple pen.  The intense yellow light of the sunflower, the red color of the rose shining like a drop of blood, and the pastel tone color of the wildflower are softer in the white background. 

This book has 12 colorful flower pictures that work for all ages. 

Even if you are not good at painting, you will have beautiful flowers that bloom just by using the scratchboard.

You need not worry about the kind of drawing you need to do. You will not have the hassle and trouble of using colorful colored pencils or paints. With one scratching tool, you will create beautiful art without any issues. 

Pros	Cons
➕ Beautiful and attractive flowers	➖ Poor quality of the print
➕ Has a set of 12 colorful flower pictures

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

9. Ampersand Art Supply Scratchboard Artist Tool Kit

Product Dimensions:  8.7 x 5.8 x 1 inch | Item Weight: 4 ounces | Brand: Ampersand Art Supply

Ampersand Art Supply tool kit is a five-piece set that includes one line tool, a scratch knife with two nibs, a wire brush, a fiber brush, a piece of steel wool, and a sample piece of clay board. 

You can use these tools to scratch away the surface coating, exposing the white clay underneath. 

It is the perfect kit for the do-it-yourself art designs. You can create a variety of linework and textures using hatching, cross-hatching, and stippling on clayboard or scratchboard. The tools in this tool kit are available as a single piece or as a five-piece set.

Pros	Cons
➕ Perfect for DIY art designs	➖ Expensive
➕ Easy to use
➕ Create unique designs
➕ Five-piece art supply set

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

10. pigipigi Scratch Paper Art for Kids

Product Dimensions:  7.4 x 5.71 x 1.46 inches | Item Weight: 1.28 pounds | Brand: pigipigi

The quality of the pigipigi Scratch Paper Art for Kids scratchboard art is excellent and is made of environmentally friendly materials.

There is no toxic powder or strange smell that comes with it. It is safe for children to use, as they can scratch and draw the way they want. It helps them develop their painting skills as well. 

When you scratch the paper with the wooden stylus, it reveals the bright rainbow colors beneath it. You can make the best craft project with drawing paper. You will be impressed with the art your child creates. 

It is a fun and sweet craft gift for Birthdays, Halloween, Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, School Activities Outdoor Travel, etc. It is a gift that is suitable for all ages.

Pros	Cons
➕ Perfect gift for children	➖ Not durable enough
➕ No harmful materials
➕ Bright rainbow colors

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Best Scratchboard Art Summary

Scratchboard Art is a great way of bringing your creativity to life. They are in a way great stress relievers in between the busy schedules of work. They can also work as a gift for children. However, you must choose scratchboard art kits depending on the requirements.

There are expensive and affordable ones available in the market, so it’s best to keep your eyes open for the best deals. You may choose the one that suits your needs and start venturing into the world of creativity.

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