Dear Netfah,
I recently heard about a fabric that children can use to write on like a chalk board. I’ve heard it referred to as oilcloth, vinyl coated cotton, or chalk cloth. Anyway, with little children at home constantly looking to be entertained, I purchased a yard from my local craft store. What I didn’t inquire about was how to care for my new fabric. Any suggestions?
Eloise S., Corydon KY
Dear Eloise,
Oilcloth became popular in the 18th century during which it was used as an inexpensive floor and roof covering. The fabric was produced by stretching a linen cloth with a four-sided vertical frame. In order to keep the cloth from becoming brittle and breaking the fabric was coated with a sizing solution and rubbed smooth with a pumice block. Finally the cloth was coated with a mixture of linseed oil and paint pigment. Today’s oilcloth is vinyl overlaying a cotton mesh base. The canvas like back is rough to the touch and the fabric itself is usually 47-54″ wide. Vinyl coated cotton is regular cotton that has been laminated with clear vinyl. It is softer than oilcloth and a little easier to sew. Finally, chalk cloth is similar to oilcloth in that you can write on it, roll it, and sew it. The difference is that chalk cloth usually has a matte finish and is only 48″ wide. Chalk cloth is lightweight with an erasable surface which makes it a great fabric for teaching, childplay, entertaining, backpacks and upholstery.
Chalkcloth is very easy to maintain, but it is advisable to cure your new fabric before you use it for the first time. To do this, just lay a piece of chalk on the surface of the chalkcloth and rub it all over the material. Repeat this process again in order to prep your chalkcloth for initial use. Just sponge it clean with water thereafter to maintain.
Came across this little tid bit of info from the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 prohibiting oilcloth garments such as biba ans aprons or toys for children. According to their investigation, though there are no heavy metals in oildcloth, it does contain Phthalates which as well regarding oilcloth / chalkcloth material. Please note that the recent Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) prohibits oilcloth garments such as bibs and aprons or toys for children. While there are no heavy metals in oilcloth, it does contain Phthalates which have been linked to hormonal imbalances and reproductive impairment in humans. With this in mind it may not be suited for Snack Bags and Sandwich Wraps especially for children. An alternative option would be the lux oilcloth which is more consumer and environmentally friendly.
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