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
- Premium quality scratchboard for creating white on black scratches
- Claybord that is evenly coated with India ink
- Frame without glass once sealed
- pH neutral and acid free
- 8 x 10 inches - 1/8 inch depth
- 【Scratch Art Tools】You will get 10 scratch painting pens, 1 red scraper, 1 cleaning brush, 1 bamboo stick, and 1 storage bag. These adult scratch art tools have different functions to meet your various needs
- 【Full-featured】10 drawing tools are suitable for various scratching，the red scraper is suitable for fine scratching and detail processing, the black brush is used to clean up the residue after scratching, and can also be used to enhance certain effects, the bamboo stick is suitable for mixing colors or as an auxiliary tool, and the included storage bag is designed for easy carrying and storage, keeping the tools tidy and convenient for creation anytime, anywhere
- 【Double-head Design with Cover】The scratchboard pen adopts a double-head design, the metal tip can be used for detail painting and is equipped with a protective cover, and the other tip is flat and can be used to scratch a large area. Please note that the tip is sharp and is not recommended for children
- 【Reliable Materials】The scratch off tool is made of alloy + wood + plastic materials, which is durable and not easy to break. It has a classic shape and a smooth grip, which can enhance your scratch coloring art experience and is suitable for professional artists and amateurs
- 【Wide Application】Scratch art kits for adults are suitable for painting on scratch craft paper or scratchboard, suitable for beginners and amateurs of different ages to develop creativity and imagination in indoor activities, and are very suitable as birthday gifts, Christmas gifts, educational gifts for classmates, friends and family
- 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.
- Large Quantity to Spark Creativity and Imagination: with 500 scratch mini notes included in each package, you'll have an abundance of opportunities to unleash adult creativity and imagination; Let's transform these blank scratch notes into vibrant and colorful masterpieces for endless DIY fun
- Proper Size for Convenient Use: measuring approximately 3.46 x 3.46 inches/ 8.8 x 8.8 cm, these scratch notes are suitably sized for woman or man easy handling and portability; Take them with you anywhere and let your artistic ideas flow freely whenever inspiration strikes
- Versatile and Fun for Multiple Purposes: whether you're an aspiring artist or teacher, these scratch paper are ideal for a variety of purposes; You can use them for creating distinctive greeting cards, illustrations and designs, doodle pads, or simply to enjoy the therapeutic joy of scratching away to reveal vibrant colors
- Good Gift Idea : surprise your loved ones with a gift that sparks joy and creativity, these art party favors make a good present for artists, and craft enthusiasts , which will encourage adult artistic expression and provide hours of entertainment
- Quality Materials: scratch notes are crafted from quality paper, and with 20 bamboo stylus included, sturdy and not easy to break, allowing woman or man to enjoy a smooth scratch experience and bringing more joy to your leisure time
- 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
- 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
- 【PACKAGE INCLUDING】: 4 x Sheets Scratch Cards, 1 x Scratch Pen, 1x Clean Brush, 1 x Wood Stylus Stick - 11.6 x 8.3 inch(A4)
- 【SCRATCH ART RAINBOW】: Scratch Art products feature bright colors and patterns hidden beneath a matte coating, Each Scratch Cards features a foil layer of sketches, Use scratch pen (included) to scratch off gray colored sketches, Revealing a beautiful colors underneath.
- 【LEISURE TIME CREATIVITY】 Amazing creative artwork, signs, and more! Makes an excellent arts and crafts activity for adults and young artists, keeping you engaged with this delightful craft supply.
- 【PERFECT GIFT FOR CREATIVE MINDS】 Complete engraving art set suitable for artists of all skill levels. The compact size makes it easy to carry along—perfect for a weekend trip or a creative break during errands.
- 【HOME DECORATION&CREATIVE GIFTS】: You Can Mount It with A Picture Frame Hung Up on The Wall or Put on Your Desk Top increase The Artistic Atmosphere and Decorate Your House, Also You can display the stunning final art or give them as gifts to friends or family.
- 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.
- Scratch Paper Painting Kit: this glow in the dark scratch set comes with 8 glow in the dark scratch paper painting papers, 5 versatile pens made from sturdy materials, and a plastic and wool brush, offering everything needed to dive into scratch paper rainbow painting; Each tool is nice sized for small hands, encouraging artistic expression
- Durable Specialty Paper for Long Lasting Art: our luminous scratchboard kit from high hardness paper measuring, is made of luminous ink; The durable design allowing people to create masterpiece after masterpiece in their adventure
- Material: the scratch paper art rainbow paper is made from high strength, paper; The scratch powder is odorless and non toxic, Caution: do not put residue in your mouth
- Fluorescent Effect: our adults scratchboard art after the paper is scratched off, it will release a fascinating fluorescent art in the dark after shining a flashlight or other bright light source for about 5 minutes, This hidden colorful luminous design adds an element of mystery and discovery to the scratching process, adding different fun and creativity to the traditional scratch paper
- Home Decor and Creative Gifts: you can frame the artwork and hang it on the wall or place it on a table to enhance the artistic atmosphere and decorate your home; You can also display these stunning final scratch paper art pieces or give them as gifts to friends or family; They are nice as DIY gifts and great presents for birthdays, Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other holidays
- SCRATCH ART TOOL SET: This complete set includes: 1 x tool bag, 2 x dual-tip scratch coloring pens, 1 x cleaning brush, 1 x repair pen, 1 x plastic stylus, 1 x wooden stylus, 1 x scraper, and 1 x artist glove—everything needed for professional scratch art creation.
- PRECISION SCRATCH PENS: Featuring a fine tip for detailed work and a broader tip for outlines, each pen is capped for protection. The safe, dual-tip design enhances control and enriches your scratch art experience.
- PRACTICAL & FUNCTIONAL TOOLS: The two-finger drawing glove keeps your artwork clean, even during extended sessions. The included repair pen allows for precise touch-ups in small areas, ensuring a polished final piece.
- IDEAL FOR DIY & ART PROJECTS: A wonderful gift for drawing enthusiasts, this complete scratch art kit helps you create beautiful patterns with ease. Suitable for beginners and experienced artists alike, it encourages creativity and imagination for indoor crafting and artistic exploration.
- EASY TO USE & STORE: Use the scratch pens and stylus to reveal vibrant colors beneath the black surface, the scraper for fine detailing, and the brush to keep your workspace clean. All tools fit neatly into the included storage bag for portability and organization.
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.