Things to Consider When Choosing Whiteboard Markers

As versatile and useful as they are downright fun, the best dry erase markers have earned their spot as a mainstay at both work and home. Are you ready to start shopping? Here are a few considerations to keep in mind as you begin your search.

Erase-ability

How easily do the markers erase? Do they leave a smear or a stain behind or does all of the pigment releases without leaving a trace? Wet erase markers will require a damp cloth to remove the ink, but a dry erase marker should wipe up quickly.

Do you have to use a special, specific eraser designed just for the set, or can you use any cloth or even your hand in a pinch? Look for ones that are as fuss-free as possible.

How Much Ink?

You don’t want to run out of ink within a few days, do you? Unfortunately, there are tons of markers that come with a less amount of ink inside their barrels. You write a few things and after two or three days, the ink’s gone.

So, you have to go for a marker that has got a great amount of ink in its barrel. This will last longer than the ones you’re disappointed with.

Color-Variation

This will be more of an issue for some than others. If you’re just looking for standard black markers, you can find a set that meets that need easily.

Yet, if you’re in a more artistic field and need a wider range of shades, you’ll need to narrow your search to brands that can provide that spectrum. The good news? Even well-known brands such as Expo create assorted sets chocked full of almost every colour in the rainbow.

Safety & Toxicity 

Traditionally, dry erase markers have been synonymous with pungent chemical smells. Yet, the low-odour solutions that have taken over the market make this a thing of the past.

Toxic markers can be harmful to your skin if you’re someone who messes up his hands with ink now and then. If you buy one of these, you’ll have allergies and itches pretty soon. This is why it’s always better for you to go for non-toxic markers.

However, if you somehow buy toxic markers, make sure they’re less toxic than the mainstream.

Is It Smear-Proof?

Typical Markers tend to get sticky and greasy whenever you write something on the whiteboard. What’s worse is the fact that they often become so oily. The next thing you know your writing turns liquid-ish and you can say goodbye to its quality.

To make sure you don’t experience such ill-fate you have to get your hands on the markers that are smear-proof. These markers don’t get sticky or greasy at all. Rather, they dry up pretty quickly and you can remove them with a single wipe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the best dry erase markers?

If you want black markers that last a long time, go for deeply pigmented, fast-drying markers! They produce smudge-free black lines that look terrific on whiteboards.

Markers for colouring and hand-lettering need to have chiselled tips for fine, elaborate artworks.

However, as you lean the marker to the sides, you can get bolder and more distinctive lines for classroom use. You also have to consider ink quality for neatly wiping it off the board leaving no stains behind.

Choosing markers with eco-friendly properties without the presence of harmful xylene should also be a priority.

Q: Is a dry erase marker harmful to the skin?

Dry erase markers, which are labelled nontoxic and eco-friendly, are not harmful to your skin. Their smell, now free of toluene and xylene, is extremely low-odour and safe.

Although, we cannot say the same for dry erase markers that do not meet certain standards. Buy markers that satisfy EN71 and ASTM regulations to have a safe ink supply at your workplace.

Q: Are dry erase markers the same as whiteboard markers?

Dry erase marker stains are easily removable. They also dry quickly to not smudge the lines in the process. For this reason, we only use dry erase markers to write on whiteboards.

In fact, for a long time, dry erase markers were only used for writing on whiteboards. Hence, they got the name- whiteboard markers. Dry erase markers are great for taking a class or conducting a workshop for their pigmented, fast-drying ink.

Q: How long do whiteboard markers last?

It depends on how well you maintain the marker, its ink flow, and its quality. Again, if it’s not good enough, to begin with, there’s no point in reviving the marker. A cheap dry erase marker will dry out from within even when you remember to put its cap back on.

However, a POWERGATHER marker easily passes the test of time and lasts for at least four months on regular use. If you keep a new dry erase marker completely intact, it can last two to three years before you use it.

Snapping the cap tightly on and storing a used marker upside down will go just as long without needing any form of maintenance.

Q: Do I use dry erase markers on paper?

Yes! Whiteboard markers can be used on paper, but not for professional use. Since whiteboard markers are dry erase markers, they are strictly compatible with non-porous materials only.

Paper is a highly porous material. This type of marker on paper will make it wet or even tear. Most importantly, you won’t be able to erase the lines. The colours will also spread out and fade instantly.

Maintaining a bullet tip is difficult because the marker will bleed through the paper. Although, whiteboard markers work just fine on laminated paper. You can erase the lines with one wipe of a sponge. The same goes for plastic, wrapping paper, and poster boards.

Q: Are there white dry erase markers?

Since there are black markers and vibrant colours, releasing white dry erase markers was only a matter of time. You can find liquid chalk marker pens that write splendidly on both colourful and black non-porous materials.

Just like erasing a regular dry-erase marker, this white alternative also takes a simple wipe to get off your plastic chalkboards. White dry erase markers have become insanely popular these days, especially for party planning and scrapbooking.

Q: How can I remove dry erase marker stains?

If your dry erase markers are leaving noticeable stains on the whiteboard, you need more than a piece of cloth to rub them away! For starters, you may take a few pumps of hand sanitiser and wipe the board with a clean sponge.

A “home remedy” would be to mix vinegar and water since their acidic properties remove stains quite well.

Now, a non-conventional technique is to use toothpaste or Ben-Gay. It restores nearly every non-porous surface- freeing whiteboards from stubborn marker stains!

And when all else fails, only a 90% solution of isopropyl alcohol can make your whiteboard look brand-new again!

With so many makes and models to choose from, you can take your pick from a bevvy of options, all designed to spur creativity and inspire communication.

Looking to learn more about everything marker-related? You’ve come to the right place.