Writing on cars
What's In This Post?
The market has multiple products to help you write on car windows and body panels. Car window markers and glass chalk are the most commonly used products.
There are two main differences between these products, which is the type of paint used.
- Paint for Car markers is permanent or semi-permanent.
- Glass chalk uses a paint-free water-based formula that will wash away easily with rain.
Consider these things before dipping into your creative side and using them to add temporary artwork to your friend’s vehicle or your own.
Can I write on the glass and body panels?
It’s essential not to use Car markers for writing on a car’s body panels. Most will stain the paintwork and leave permanent marks that are difficult to remove.
On the other hand, car chalk is perfect for temporarily writing on body panels for car shows, and it makes clean lines. In addition, it consists of a chalk-based powder, so it doesn’t stain or cause damage to the paintwork when it’s washed off.
After wiping it off, it does leave very faint marks, but window cleaner or soap will easily remove it. These are typically available in different grades from high to low tack and have a chalk applicator for easy use.
Are there other ways to write on cars?
There are other items for writing on cars, such as shoe polish and standard markers, but not recommended.
Shoe polish
I’ve used liquid shoe polish in the past to write on windows which worked well, but it took some time to dry, and I couldn’t use the window until it had completely dried. It also dried with run marks and was very difficult to remove the next day.
Shoe polish can also damage the paintwork, so I’d recommend only using it if you have an old car and don’t care about the damage. Stick to products designed for writing on vehicles to avoid damaging your vehicle.
Permanent marker
Permanent markers work by using a solvent or alcohol base that will eat into the paintwork over time. They can cause permanent damage to your car’s finish if you don’t know what you’re doing. So they are best avoided for anything other than professional work.
Plain standard marker
A standard marker will not work on auto glass. So unless you have a specially designed window marker, it’s not going to do anything for you except leave a mark that looks like graffiti. If you’ve ever written with a plain marker on your car’s windshield, you know they tend to run & smear if the surface is wet or hot.
Types of car chalk
When I hear the word chalk, I instantly think of the small hard powder sticks a teacher might use on a chalkboard. However, car chalk is different since it comes in a liquid form. There are two types of car chalk on the market.
- Spray chalk – This comes in a can or aerosol form. You can spray this paint onto the surface to quickly write without smearing, but it requires a lengthy clean-up with glass cleaner to remove.
- Chalk marker – This is a bottle of liquid chalk that writes like a regular marker. It will be a paint-based formula perfect for writing on the car’s windows or body panels. Remove the cap and start writing. It’s that simple.
There are other types of products designed to leave messages or images on the side of vehicles. Still, these tend to use fabric paints which won’t work unless there is contact glue involved.
What colors are available?
Chalks are available in many different colors, from ordinary to fluorescent. There’s a color for every mood and occasion, so you can use it to leave custom messages or advertisements.
Can chalk damage the paint?
Glass chalk is made with a water-based formula Glass chalk is a water-based formula that will not damage your vehicle’s finish. So it’s safe to use just about anywhere without any clean-up required afterward. Once the chalk has dried, it will wash off with rain or a hose.
Types of car markers
Below is a shortlist of the different types of car markers available.
- Paint markers: Paint markers work by leaving behind a paint designed to adhere to glass. When it’s dry, most of these markers will require you to use a razor blade, scraper, or another tool like a putty knife to remove it. The removal process is challenging with most other products, so you should consider this when purchasing.
- Crayon markers: Crayon markers work much like crayons: this wax marker or a similar product will enable you to write in different colors on a car’s glass.
- Glass wax markers: Wax-based markers work by imprinting the wax onto your car’s glass which should eventually wear off entirely once washed. The good thing about these is they usually don’t create any smudges, streaks, or other problems like some of the other markers listed here.
Top 5 Car Window Markers
Below is a video I found on YouTube showing five different brands of window markers and how you should use them.
Where to buy markers and chalk
Most car chalks and markers are available for purchase at your local auto parts store or online at places like Amazon. The average cost is typically between $10 and $30 depending on the brand you select.
Can I make car chalk?
Absolutely! If you’re like me and enjoy making things yourself, you can make window chalk using a couple of ingredients. You’ll be surprised at how simple it is.
Material needed
- Liquid dish soap
- Washable Tempera paint (the kind used for kids crafts)
- Plastic squeeze bottle (a small bottle for this recipe)
Mixing the ingredients
- Pour about 1 cup of washable paint into the bottle
- Add approximately ten drops of dish soap
- Stir together
Conclusion
In my opinion, glass chalk is the best product for writing on car windows. It’s easy to use in most applications and will not damage the painted surface of the car. It’s also available in many different colors, so it’s easy to have fun and add a little extra color to your life.
It’s also worth noting that you can make your glass chalk using a couple of ingredients which may be a better solution if you like to tinker with things and create new products from scratch.
