This is a very specialized art form that is not widely practiced by many artists. Because the term “scratchboard” can be a bit vague, it’s important to know exactly what materials are used to create scratchboard art.
There are a few different types of scratchboard art, such as black and white, color gradients, and watercolor. Each type of scratchboard art has its own set of materials and techniques.
Here are the best scratchboard art materials to help you get started.
Our Editor’s Best Scratchboard Art Materials Reviews
Bestseller No. 1
Ampersand Art Supply Scratchbord | 5" x 7" - Pack of 3 | 1/8" Flat Profile | Professional Scratchboard Art Panel | for Scratchboard Drawing, Illustration & Mixed Media
- Surface for Detailed Illustration: Built for artists who demand precision, this acid-free, museum-quality panel begins with the same ultra-smooth kaolin clay surface used on Ampersand Claybord, then is coated with rich black India ink. Scratch through the surface to reveal the white clay beneath—perfect for high-contrast drawings, wildlife art, realism, hyper-detailed illustration, and subtractive scratchboard techniques with unmatched clarity.
- Warp-Resistant Hardbord Core: Crafted on Ampersand’s premium Hardbord, this rigid panel stays perfectly flat—never tearing, buckling, or wrinkling like paper scratchboards. The ultra-smooth clay surface allows tools to glide cleanly for crisp lines, textures, shading, cross-hatching, stippling, sgraffito, engraving effects, and detailed illustration.
- Repair Marks Easily: Apply transparent Scratchbord/Claybord Inks (sold separately) to the exposed white clay for rich, vivid color that stays luminous. Scratch again to refine highlights or deepen contrast. Unwanted marks or over-scratched areas can be repaired cleanly using black India ink or Ampersand Scratchbord Black Repair Ink.
- No Mounting Board Required: Unlike paper scratchboards, the 1/8" Hardbord backing provides a durable, non-flexing foundation that frames beautifully without foamcore, matboard, or other support. Perfect for professional display and conservation framing.
- Display Without Glass After Sealing: When sealed with a spray varnish, Scratchbord artwork becomes durable enough to display without glass — eliminating glare and giving the finished piece a striking, gallery-style presentation rarely possible with traditional scratchboard papers.
Bestseller No. 2
Ampersand Art Supply Scratchbord | 8" x 10" | 1/8" Flat Profile | Professional Scratchboard Art Panel | for Scratchboard Drawing, Illustration & Mixed Media
- Surface for Detailed Illustration: Built for artists who demand precision, this acid-free, museum-quality panel begins with the same ultra-smooth kaolin clay surface used on Ampersand Claybord, then is coated with rich black India ink. Scratch through the surface to reveal the white clay beneath—perfect for high-contrast drawings, wildlife art, realism, hyper-detailed illustration, and subtractive scratchboard techniques with unmatched clarity.
- Warp-Resistant Hardbord Core: Crafted on Ampersand’s premium Hardbord, this rigid panel stays perfectly flat—never tearing, buckling, or wrinkling like paper scratchboards. The ultra-smooth clay surface allows tools to glide cleanly for crisp lines, textures, shading, cross-hatching, stippling, sgraffito, engraving effects, and detailed illustration.
- Repair Marks Easily: Apply transparent Scratchbord/Claybord Inks (sold separately) to the exposed white clay for rich, vivid color that stays luminous. Scratch again to refine highlights or deepen contrast. Unwanted marks or over-scratched areas can be repaired cleanly using black India ink or Ampersand Scratchbord Black Repair Ink.
- No Mounting Board Required: Unlike paper scratchboards, the 1/8" Hardbord backing provides a durable, non-flexing foundation that frames beautifully without foamcore, matboard, or other support. Perfect for professional display and conservation framing.
- Display Without Glass After Sealing: When sealed with a spray varnish, Scratchbord artwork becomes durable enough to display without glass — eliminating glare and giving the finished piece a striking, gallery-style presentation rarely possible with traditional scratchboard papers.
Bestseller No. 3
Ampersand Art Supply Scratchbord | 9" x 12" | 1/8" Flat Profile | Professional Scratchboard Art Panel | for Scratchboard Drawing, Illustration & Mixed Media
- Surface for Detailed Illustration: Built for artists who demand precision, this acid-free, museum-quality panel begins with the same ultra-smooth kaolin clay surface used on Ampersand Claybord, then is coated with rich black India ink. Scratch through the surface to reveal the white clay beneath—perfect for high-contrast drawings, wildlife art, realism, hyper-detailed illustration, and subtractive scratchboard techniques with unmatched clarity.
- Warp-Resistant Hardbord Core: Crafted on Ampersand’s premium Hardbord, this rigid panel stays perfectly flat—never tearing, buckling, or wrinkling like paper scratchboards. The ultra-smooth clay surface allows tools to glide cleanly for crisp lines, textures, shading, cross-hatching, stippling, sgraffito, engraving effects, and detailed illustration.
- Repair Marks Easily: Apply transparent Scratchbord/Claybord Inks (sold separately) to the exposed white clay for rich, vivid color that stays luminous. Scratch again to refine highlights or deepen contrast. Unwanted marks or over-scratched areas can be repaired cleanly using black India ink or Ampersand Scratchbord Black Repair Ink.
- No Mounting Board Required: Unlike paper scratchboards, the 1/8" Hardbord backing provides a durable, non-flexing foundation that frames beautifully without foamcore, matboard, or other support. Perfect for professional display and conservation framing.
- Display Without Glass After Sealing: When sealed with a spray varnish, Scratchbord artwork becomes durable enough to display without glass — eliminating glare and giving the finished piece a striking, gallery-style presentation rarely possible with traditional scratchboard papers.
Bestseller No. 4
36 Pcs 3 Styles Scratch Paper Art, Scratch Bookmarks Craft Kits Rainbow Scratch Paper Art Sets for Adults, Engraving Game Party Favors DIY Bookmarks Bulk with Scratching Tools
- Complete scratch art kits: These craft kits include 36 rainbow scratch art bookmarks, 3 scratch tools, and scratch art bookmark is equipped with a scratch stick, ensuring that all participants have a complete experience
- Durable, non-toxic and neat: These graffiti bookmarks are made of high-quality paper and feature a layer of grey pattern prompts. The scratch-off grey coating will show bright rainbow colors when scratched. Use non-toxic materials to ensure the safety of participants' creative exploration
- Compact and portable design: Each rainbow scratch paper bookmark is approximately 8.7 inches long and 2.8 inches wide. The entire set of equipment is portable, suitable for various uses and easy to store
- Cultivating creativity and skill development: Fostering creativity, imagination and self-expression, providing screenless entertainment. Scratch art is an ideal tool for honing writing or painting skills, and is highly suitable for teenagers, the elderly and adults who enjoy art, handicrafts and personalized bookmarks
- Versatile: Suitable for various activities, including gift-giving, indoor events, family time, classroom projects, party gifts, and creative pastimes. We offer one-year after-sales service. If there are any quality issues with the product, please contact us in a timely manner
Bestseller No. 5
ZOCONE Scratch Paper Art Set, 50 Sheets 8x11in Black Coated Scratchboard Large Scratch Paper with Wooden Styluses and Stencils, DIY Scratch Painting Art Paper for Kids Adults Birthday Christmas Gift
- Scratch Paper Art Set for Kids: You will receive 50 sheets of black scratch art paper, 15 wooden styluses, 4 different painting stencils, 1 cleaning brush and 1 plastic scratching pen. You can enjoy the fun of creating
- Easy to Use: Just use wooden styluses or plastic scratching pens to draw your favorite patterns and lines on the scratchboard. You will get stylish and modern black and white paintings
- A Healthy, Clean Way of Painting: No need to worry about your child's clothes and hands getting dirty with pencils or crayons while drawing. Our black scratch art paper will not leave marks on your hands, and the included cleaning brush can easily clean up the debris, very convenient
- Multiple Uses: Use your creativity to make more beautiful works. You can even cut and fold black scratch paper into the shape you like and make greeting cards, envelopes, gift cards, decorations and more
- Creative Gift: Both children and adults can't resist the pleasure of writing and drawing on paper, right? Give ZOCONE Scratch Paper Art Set to your children and friends, so they can enjoy the fun of hands-on, unlimited imagination and creativity
Bestseller No. 6
Scratchboard Art for Adult Luminous Scratch Painting Kits, A5 Scratch Art Rainbow Painting Paper 8 Sheet with 4 Tools, Scratchboard for Teens & Adults, Fun Creative Craft Toy/Gifts/Decor, Dreams
- Luminous Effect Scratchboard ： This scratch art paper with premium quality, ensures every scratch reveals a clear and vivid image, maintaining the integrity of the artwork. Simple scratches are all that is needed to reveal, no paint is required, unlike traditional paintings that tend to stain clothes. Unique glow-in-the-dark design, you can also see the beautiful and extraordinary artwork at night!
- Portable entertainment: Lightweight and compact, these scratch boards are perfect for travel. Keep yourself or your kids entertained on long trips, rainy days, or quiet evenings at home
- Create stunning wall art: Turn your scratch art into beautiful home decor. Frame your finished pieces for unique, personalized wall hangings that showcase your artistic flair and travel memories
- Preserve travel memories creatively: Recreate favorite city scenes from your adventures. A unique way to commemorate special trips and relive cherished moments, more personal than photos
- MOVE YOUR TIP AND RELAX：Each Scratchboard has a foil sketch on it, use the scratch tools (included) to scratch off the gray sketch to reveal the beautiful colors underneath. A complete sculpting art set for artists of all ages. When you are stressed, angry or upset, try the stress release scratch art, the best way to whip boredom or release stress.
Bestseller No. 7
20pcs Scratch Art Tools Scratch Art Stylus Sticks Tools for Adults with Bag Scratchs Arts Pen with Clean Brush Scratching Drawing Color Pens Paper Painting Scratchboard Crafts Set
- 【Complete Art Tool Set】This comprehensive scratch tools for scratch art package includes 20 essential items: 6 red scrapers, 6 white scrapers, 6 black scrapers, 1 black cleaning brush, and 1 convenient pen case. The dual tip metal scratch art stylus feature both sharp tips for detailed drawing and flat tips for scraping large areas, providing versatile functionality for various scratch art techniques and ensuring artists have all necessary tools in one organized set.
- 【Durable Material Construction】Crafted from high-quality ABS plastic, sturdy steel components, and soft felt materials, these scratch art sticks are built to withstand regular use without breaking or wearing down. The metal tips maintain their sharpness for precise detailing, while the ergonomic handles provide comfortable grip during extended drawing sessions, making scratch art pen tool reliable tools for both beginners and experienced artists working on scratch paper projects.
- 【Dual-head design】Our scratch art tools for adults contain two pen tips. The metal tip can be used for detail drawing, and the other tip is flat for scratching large areas, you can easily switch to use.
- 【Portable Storage Solution】The included pen bag measures 25x18.5 cm with organized compartments, providing secure storage and easy transportation for all 20 tools.
- 【DIY Art Tools】The wonderful scratching kit allow you to quickly create beautiful DIY patterns,allow beginner to fully exert their imagination and creativity,it's also very easy for beginners to get started with the operation.
Bestseller No. 8
Lusofie 12 Sheets Scratch Painting Rainbow Paper, Sketch Pads DIY Art Craft City Series Night View Scratchboard Craft Art Kits with 6 Tools for Adults Halloween Christmas(7.8 X 5.5 Inches(Style A))
- Environmentally friendly: This scratch art book is made of harmless colored cardboard, ensuring dual care for the human body and the environment, allowing you to use it with more peace of mind.
- Easy to operate: Pick up the wooden stylus and gently scratch it to unveil the mysterious veil and show an art world full of surprises.
- Art decoration: Frame these hue board scratch, whether hanging them on the wall or placing them on the desktop, they can add a touch of artistic atmosphere to your space.
- Suitable for all ages: Scratch Art Paper not only allows you to cultivate their interest in painting and exercise their hands-on ability in happiness, but also allows adults to relax and enjoy a moment of tranquility in creation.
- Selected gifts: Pair the completed Scratch Art Painting with exquisite frames and give them as gifts to relatives and friends. It is an excellent choice for birthdays, festivals, celebrations and other occasions.
Bestseller No. 9
Gersoniel 60 Pieces Scratch Paper Craft Art Set Adults Scratchboard Kits 7.2 x 5 Inch Black Scratch Off Paper Scratchboard Pad Art Supplies with Wooden Stylus for DIY Birthday Party Gift Supplies
- DIY Personalized Crafts: when the black coating on the surface of the scratch board paper is scraped off, the white paper underneath comes out; You can give full play to your imagination and creativity, to scrape out beautiful patterns on it, experiencing an interesting craft activity
- Let You Have Fun: the package contains 50 pieces of scratchboard papers and 10 pieces of scratch paper sticks, 60 pieces in total, enough quantity and a nice combination to meet your daily play and DIY needs; Also, you can share them with your friends, family members, classmates and more, to have fun
- Save Time and Energy: the scratch craft paper is suitable for kids and adults, easy to use; Just use the scratch paper wooden stick to scratch off the black coating, and create the pattern you want, simple and convenient, without taking too much time and energy
- Proper Sizes to Use: the black scratch paper measures approx. 7.2 x 5 inches/ 18.5 x 12.5 cm, and the paper scratch stylus measures approx. 5.51 inches/ 14 cm long, lightweight and portable for fitting well in a backpack, which will not add a burden to you, allowing you to take them out and create in spare time
- Applicable Occasions: these scratching paper with tools are suitable for DIY craft projects, art classes, school projects, classroom activities, family fun days, notes and cards making, sketching, drawing, tracing etc., adding more fun for you
Bestseller No. 10
Scratch Art Paper, Rainbow Night View Scratchboard Pads for Adults and Kids, Mini Envelope Postcard Art & Crafts Set: 12 Sheets Scratch Cards & Scratch Drawing Pen, Brush 7.9"x5.5" (Fireworks Series)
- [PACKAGE INCLUDING]: 2 x Scratch Pen, 1x Clean Brush, 3 x Wood Stylus Stick, 12 x Sheets Scratch Cards (Fireworks / Sakura / Castle / Tokyo Tower / Empire State Building / Eiffel tower)
- [ SCRATCH ART RAINBOW ] : Each Scratch Cards features a foil layer of sketches, Use scratch pen (included) to scratch off gray colored sketches, Revealing a beautiful colors underneath, and use a small brush to clean the scraped black powder in time.
- [ SCRATCH ART THERAPY ] : You're more likely to work well if you take a short break for mindless work everyday. This scratch off painting is exactly what you are looking for, easy, time-wasting and stress-free.
- [ PERFECT GIFT FOR KIDS' SKETCHES (AND ADULTS) ] : Complete engraving art set for any age artist. The size is excellent for kids and can be easily carried around say for a girls trip or your next trip to the grocery store.
- [ HOME DECORATION&CREATIVE GIFTS ] : You can make your own unique postcard or frame as an ornament. You can write down what you want to express on the back. A unique and surprise gift for the people you care.
Best Scratchboard Art Materials Buying Guide
Before choosing the best scratch board art materials you should consider following options:
1. Ink: The ink you use will depend on what you want to do with your scratchboard. Ink can be water-based or oil-based.
If you want to create an image that can be photographed or scanned and then colored in with computer software, then you should use water-based ink.
If you want to create an image that is purely black and white, then you should use oil-based ink. You can also use a combination of ink types.
2. Inkpad: You will need an inkpad to hold your ink. Inkpads come in a range of sizes and materials. Some have a ridged bottom, which helps the ink from soaking into the board.
If you are using water-based ink, it is probably best to have a smooth bottom for the inkpad so that the ink doesn’t soak in too much.
If you are using oil-based ink, you should have a ridged bottom so that the ink doesn’t spread too far.
3. Inkbrush: You will need an inkbrush to apply ink to the board. There are different types of inkbrushes available.
You can choose a brush that has synthetic bristles, which is good for applying water-based ink, or you can choose a brush that has hog bristle, which is good for applying oil-based ink.
4. Ink Eraser: An ink eraser is needed to remove ink from your board. An eraser that is too hard will damage your board, and an eraser that is too soft will not remove the ink.
It is best to test the eraser before you buy it to make sure it is the right type for you.
5. Masking Tape: Masking tape is used to mask off areas of the board before you ink it. You can also use it to lift the ink off the board once it is dry.
6. Fixative: Fixative is used to seal the ink into the board. You can use fixative as you ink your board, or you can use it after the board is dry.
Fixative can be water-based or oil-based.
What else you should know about scratchboard art materials
1. What is a scratchboard?
A scratchboard is a board coated with a layer of wax or clay that can be scratched to create a design.
2. What are the different types of scratchboards?
There are several different types of scratchboards, but the most common are the black and white scratchboard, the colored scratchboard, and the metal scratchboard.
3. What are the best scratchboard art materials?
The best scratchboard art materials are the ones that suit your needs and preferences. Some people prefer to use traditional scratchboards made from wood, while others prefer to use modern materials such as plastic or metal. There is no right or wrong answer, so it really depends on what you want to achieve with your artwork.
4. How do I use a scratchboard?
To use a scratchboard, you will need a sharp object like a pen or a pencil. You will also need some sort of abrasive material like sandpaper.
First, you will want to sketch out your design on the scratchboard. Once you have your sketch, you will want to start scratching away at the board with your sharp object. Be sure to use light pressure at first so you don’t damage the board. As you scratch away, the abrasive material will start to remove the top layer of the board, revealing the layer beneath. You can continue to scratch away until you have the desired effect.
5. What are some scratchboard techniques?
Some scratchboard techniques are hatching, stippling, cross hatching, and scumbling.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best scratchboard art materials. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best scratchboard art materials will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.