Whiteboard marker - Analysis and Buying Guide - 2023
Whiteboards seem to follow us through the years: as young students, they are a focal point in the classroom, and as adults, they are one of the most important accessories in the office. If you use a whiteboard as an educator or corporate professional, then you appreciate the importance of having the right dry erase markers at your disposal.
Dry erase markers are writing and erasing instruments for whiteboards. Imagine the whiteboard as a giant blank slate… the possibilities are endless. It is quite incredible to imagine how many lessons, lines and lists appear in one through the years.
Dry erase markers come in a variety of colors to create vivid notes that disappear with the ease of a dry cloth or eraser. You can even choose between chiseled, fine and round tips to make lines as thick or thin as you like. If you're sensitive to odor or concerned about children using them, rest assured there are plenty of low-odor, non-toxic markers available. We've dipped our pens to review the best dry erase marker sets and invite you to read on to find the right set for your classroom, home, or office.
Key Considerations
Quantity Per Set
Dry erase marker sets can include up to a dozen colors. Some outfits duplicate popular colors (such as primaries) since they tend to be the most commonly used. There are also class size sets available that include several complete sets of the full color spectrum. Having multiples comes in handy, especially during the school year...never have to worry about running out of specific colors.
Tip Style
Chisel : The tips of the chisels are at a 45° angle. They give the option of creating thin or thick lines, depending on how you place the tip on the board. If you're creative and experimenting with lettering, chisel tips offer some latitude when it comes to calligraphy and other artistic writing styles.
Fine : The fine tip is the thinnest tip available and is often used on smaller whiteboards. Ink is limited because the barrel and brush are obviously smaller, so using them on larger boards might be a wasted effort.
Bullet : The bullet tips are rounded and create consistently thick lines. When it comes to ink reliability, bullet tips are the best performers because they feed ink evenly to the brush tip. This style is beneficial if you find yourself drawing large diagrams and letters on a regular basis.
Board Size
Large Whiteboards like those used in classrooms often require larger markers, especially those with chisel or bullet tips.
Medium Sized Boards often seen in offices can use any type of dry erase markers. If you find that there is a lot of information going up on these boards, you may prefer to use fine tip markers to correctly form letters and numbers in limited space.
Small Whiteboards used by individuals or on the fridge work well with fine-point markers, especially since the surface area is so limited. If you don't put a lot of information in it, any size marker will do.
Useful life
Dry erase markers dry like any ink writing instrument. The average useful life is between one and two years. Of course, shelf life speeds up with use, so shelf life really refers to how long a marker still has wet ink when not in use. Longer-lasting markers are equipped with tight-fitting caps, so look for ones with a snap closure for a secure fit.
Characteristic
Ink Ingredients
Dry erase marker ink is made from a formula that combines alcohol, resin, and silicone-based polymers for a non-sticky, non-permanent mix. These special ingredients have different properties than other pens as they are not absorbed and therefore not permanent. The pigment is added to the formula during the manufacturing process.
Stay Put Characteristics
In addition to their unique formula, dry erase markers also include "stay-put" features to reduce the chance of unwanted ink transfer. Some markers have smudge-proof or quick-drying formulas that are forgiving with a smooth, light contact on the ink. Quick dry formulas rely on smear removal by not staying wet long enough for transfer. They require a few extra strokes of a dry eraser to get off the board. If you are left-handed, these features are definitely worth exploring.
Safety Engineering
Dry-erase markers include safety precautions to make them as safe as possible for users. Low-odor markers reduce or eliminate the chemical odor given off in regular markers, which can trigger migraines or allergies. Non-toxic formulas are ideal in classroom settings as they do not contain certain chemicals that could be dangerous if ingested or come in contact with skin.
Some dry erase markers are AP Certified, which is an official seal of approval for art supplies from the Art & Creative Materials Institute, ensuring that they do not contain substances in sufficient quantities to be considered toxic or hazardous. Others are ASTM and EN71 compliant, meaning the markers have undergone rigorous global laboratory testing and meet a number of international safety standards.
Color Variety
Dry erase markers used to be limited to flat colors: black, blue, red, and green. While the sets still include these colors, there are new additions of different shades and other bright colors like pink, purple, or orange. The largest sets include more than a dozen colors, so if color coordination is part of your organizing plan, you'll... be delighted with what... is out there.
Value Packs
Marker sets may come packaged as a value pack that includes other dry erase accessories. Simple value packs come with a matching eraser, a useful addition. Other value packs come with whiteboard cleaning supplies, like a specially formulated solution to clean ghost marks or a microfiber cloth. There are also bookmark sets that are part of stationery packs that include a collection of sticky notes, paperclips, and staples, although these bookmarks tend to be of inferior quality compared to regular bookmark sets or value packs.
Tips
Remember to cover the marker well. After each use, remember to secure the cap back on the marker so it doesn't dry out. Once you hear or feel a click, you know it's properly sealed.
Buy more than one tip style. If you write on your whiteboard often, you may benefit from having more than one tip style. Fine tip markers are great for writing, but if you're drawing large diagrams, opt for a bullet or chisel tip.
Gift bookmarks to a new teacher. When someone close to you teaches his first class, he needs all the right tools. Giving them a bright collection of dry erase markers gives them a splash of color as they write their first lesson on the board.
Change markers when streaks start. Once you start to notice drying or streaking, it's time to change your dry erase marker. Even though what you're typing is still visible, people in the back of the room might have a hard time seeing it, especially if there's a glare.
Color code your lessons. If you want to incorporate a visual element into your lessons, use a color coding system so students can associate important information with specific colors.
FAQ
Que. Can I use regular dry erase markers on glass boards?
Ans. Yes. Like traditional whiteboards, glass whiteboards also have non-porous surfaces, which means your dry-erase markers glide across them with ease. One thing to keep in mind when using glass boards is the color of the wall behind them. Always choose the color of your markers based on what is easiest to see from the farthest corner of the room.
Que. I have a small personal whiteboard for my son to practice his homework on. What style of whiteboard should I choose?
Ans. It depends on both his age and the nature of his tasks. For younger children just learning to hold writing instruments, opt for thicker markers for little hands to grasp. For elementary kids practicing math, choose fine-tipped markers so they can write intricate problems with precision.
Que. What is the most universally visible marker color on a whiteboard?
Ans. Everyone sees colors differently, but in general, blue and black are easy to see against a white background. If you want a consensus, write a word in each color you have and ask the people in the back of the room which one they can see better.