Claybord Black is a premium quality scratchboard used for creating white on black and color scratchboard art for the fine artist. It is an excellent alternative to traditional scratchboard paper. Beginning with Claybord Original (Smooth), we apply a beautiful even coating of India Ink over the panel. With Claybord Black's rigid backing, there are no wrinkled corners or threats of damage. Also, once sealed, Claybord Black can be framed without glass! It is pH neutral and acid free.

There are many tools that can be used to create a drawing on Claybord Black. We have developed the finest tools and designed them for use on all of our Claybord products. Also, if you need help getting started in scratchboard, we have a variety of kits and a video available.

When beginning an artwork on Claybord Black, sketch in or transfer the drawing desired and lightly scratch in lines using a fine scratch knife. It is important to scratch lightly so that it will be easy to change the area later if needed. Then, focus on the details concentrating on volume and light. When the piece is completed, decide whether or not to add color.

Although Claybord Black is not completely repairable, we have a few suggestions on how to change areas you are unsatisfied with. To cover up lines, we recommend you use Higgins T100 India Ink or Sumi India Ink at a diluted strength. Before applying the ink, sand the area very lightly with a fine sand paper to smooth out the lines. Dilute the ink with a little water and apply it with a cotton swab or damp paper towel, the surface will come out more evenly matched with the rest of the board. If you have an airbrush, spray the area to correct the mistake with a diluted ink wash.

To create incredible color with scratchboard, begin by cleaning off all ink residue left from scratching with a soft brush or the palm of your hand. (Make sure your hand is very clean). Spray a workable fixative on the surface if desired. This will hold the black ink onto the board and keep it from mixing with the paint. Gouache, acrylics and colored India inks work well. The colors stay more vivid than watercolor. Sally Maxwell recommends using Kohinoor colored India inks. They are permanent, transparent colored inks that when applied, disappear over the black areas. The white areas receive the color and maintain bright vivid hues. Ron Ukrainetz uses acrylics to add color to his wildlife images done on Claybord Black.

When finished with your piece, you1ll need to seal it with Claybord Fixative. Before sealing the artwork, go over the piece with a soft brush to remove any clay dust. Spray it with 2 or 3 light coats of fixative and frame without glass. The fixative will remove fingerprints, smudges and any ink variations.