Glad to be of help and to hear that the eraser worked well for you. I know some guys will paint on white or gray paint to make mortar lines in brick walls, then use a big pink eraser {or artist's gum eraser} to "erase" off the excess paint not needed on top the bricks they want exposed. I assumed it couldn't hurt to try to "erase" chalk too.
-G .
Just my thoughts, ideas, opinions and experiences. Others may vary.
HO and N Scale.
After long and careful thought, they have convinced me. I have come to the conclusion that they are right. The aliens did it.
Your suggestion worked great. The eraser allowed me to selectively remove the chalk as needed while leaving it in other areas. I reapplied and removed the chalk several times until it was just right.
May I offer a suggestion to the Model Rairoader staff, that they enhance their articles/ videos by explaining how to remove or safely alter finishes they recommend placing on layouts, trains, buildings, etc.. All those items entail a large number of hours and money. We just can't throw out somethine and start over if we make a mistake while applying the finishing touches. Thanks
Thank you for the reply. I am saving the tip for another time. I did not try it on my finished- but not sealed- building because I was afraid of removing the decals, and the pink eraser reply worked well. I intend to rub some chalk into a blank sheet of plastic and then use your suggestion as a trial.
I'm making the assumption that the building is made from plastic and not wood since you've already tried washing it with soap and water. Try taking some distilled white vinegar and mix it with some distilled water to dilute it. Try a 50/50 mix at first and you can strengthen if you need. Use it in an inconspiciuos spot first to make sure it doesn't bother the finish below the chalk. The acid in the vinegar should disolve the chalk. Repeat until the chalk is gone and then rinse with some straight distilled water. The reason for the distilled water is it doesn't have any minerals or contaminants in it that will be left behind on the building when your done.
Let us know how it works out for you.
Try a regular old large pink eraser to erase it off. Or an artist's gum eraser available in any art supply store.
What is the best method for removing chalk weathering from the side of a building? I powdered stick chalk by scraping it with a knife blade. I then applied it to the side of the building with a soft bristle brush. I did not like the splotchy effect so I did not seal it. I attempted to remove it using a tooth brush, liquid dish soap, and hot water. The chalk is still there. Where do I go next withou ruining the underlying paint?