Almost every classroom and office has a whiteboard. This is a very helpful way to communicate and share ideas between groups of people. These boards have a number of upsides over regular chalkboards because they minimize mess and fuss, and offer more writing opportunities.
Whiteboard markers are incredibly convenient media which come in a plethora of shades and can be erased. WoWPencils has organized a comprehensive review about these stationery items that are so important for modern school and office life. The world’s quality representatives of stationery are stated below with detailed descriptions as to why they have been honored by being on this list.
Top 10 Dry Erase Markers: Review of Brands
| Rank | Review | Name | Amount of Colors | Type of Tip | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | | ARTEZA | 12 | Chisel | 9.9 |
| 2 | | Pilot V Board Master | 1 | Chisel | 9.7 |
| 3 | | U Brands | 12 | Bullet | 9.6 |
| 4 | | BIC Magic Marker | 12 | Bullet | 9.4 |
| 5 | | Quartet EnduraGlide | 12 | Chisel | 9.3 |
| 6 | | GMAOPHY | 7 | Bullet | 9.1 |
| 7 | | Crayola Dry Erase Travel Pack | 4 | Bullet | 9.0 |
| 8 | | Expo Starter Set | 4 | Chisel | 8.8 |
| 9 | | Pilot FriXion Colors | 12 | Bullet | 8.7 |
| 10 | | BIC Great Erase | 1 | Bullet | 8.5 |
ARTEZA: Best Dry Erase Markers
The Arteza markers work great on any surface. They contain ink which is specially formulated and suitable for any surface with no pores (for plastic, mirrors, or glass). It dries fast and is rub-resistant. The ink is non-toxic and odorless, so it can be safely used by children and adults in schools or offices. This is a good option for kindergarten. The ink is easily removed with a piece of cloth or dry eraser.
The set includes 52 markers in 12 vivid colors. They contain several basic colors and some additional ones like purple, pink, and orange. The pens feature chisel tips which can make both broad and thin lines. The media come with a convenient box for easy storage.
- Non-toxic ink without odor
- Assortment of fun colors
- Quick-drying
- Easily erased with no residue
- The caps go off and on easily
- A large number of markers in a set
- Attractive price
- The ink runs out quickly
- The tips wear out fast
Pilot V Board Master: Great Refillable Markers
This set from Pilot V Board Master contains 2 red markers and 4 refill cartridges. The markers have a unique design and may seem too thick for some users. The cap features a little knob which prevents the pen from rolling off the table. The rechargeable cartridge is attached to the rear part of the pen. It is transparent and helps control the ink level.
The development of this product has a bit of science behind it. The markers use a twin-pipe feeder which controls the ink and air supply to the tip. This special mechanism always guarantees a flawless ink flow, and vibrant and juicy lines.
These media have a chisel tip with a corresponding identification on the body. They erase very quickly.
- Comes with additional cartridges
- The refills are easy to replace
- Highly-pigmented ink
- Special mechanism for steady ink supply
- The pen tips can also be replaced
- Erases easily
- The body is a bit thick
- The ink has a strong smell of alcohol
U Brands: Good Magnetic Markers
This selection of markers from U Brands comes in 12 eye-catching colors with 6 double-ended markers. Their ink has no odor and is non-toxic. It dries quickly and works great on whiteboard surfaces. The markers feature a fine tip.
The caps of the markers have built-in felt erasers for quick and precise erasing. The magnets which are inserted in the caps allow users to attach the media to any metal surface (board or metal file cabinet). The contoured shape of the caps also prevents the pens from rolling off the table.
- Expressive color shades
- Odorless ink
- The magnets in the caps are quite strong
- Handy built-in erasers
- Quality and long-lasting ink
- Not expensive
- The ink is too watery
- The orange and red markers write almost in the same color
BIC Magic Marker: Perfect for Whiteboard
BIC is a famous manufacturer of quality art suppliers. Its selection of Magic Markers is one more proof of this statement. This set of 12 color markers is a wonderful product which can be used to explain math concepts and organic chemistry vividly. They work great on mirrors in the bathroom, whiteboards, glass-top desks, and on windows.
They are one of the best brands which features the brightest colors and solid bullet tips. Their barrel has a transparent section so a user can tell how much ink is left. The caps contain a flange to prevent them from rolling off the table. The markers are great at erasing and don’t leave lingering marks.
- Thrifty choice
- Do not smudge
- Odor-free writing
- Easy to clean
- Vivid color selection
- The transparent body provides ink control
- Can be used on mirrors and glass surfaces
- Have a good lifespan
- The tips are not too fine
- The ink runs out quickly
- The set doesn’t contain yellow
Quartet EnduraGlide: Top Thick Tipped Markers
This set from Quartet includes 12 markers in ultra-bright colors which look very vibrant for displaying multiple diagrams on whiteboards. The neon blue, orange, lime, purple, and pink are just some of those included in this expressive set.
The pens feature a three-chamber design patented by this brand which ensures an uninterrupted supply of ink to the tip. A see-through barrel allows users to see how much liquid is left. The ink carries no odor and is not toxic.
The markers have roll-resistant caps which prevent markers from drifting away. These are thick-tipped pens. The tips are very soft and really glide. They are able to produce both thin and broad strokes. The ink wipes away easily and leaves a clean surface.
- Patented formula for ink supply
- Array of strong colors
- Transparent body
- No odor
- Not expensive
- Roll-resistant caps
- Smooth writing
- Not suitable for colored boards
- The caps sit too tightly
GMAOPHY: Great Bright Markers
These 7 vivid colors with 2 markers of each shade from GMAOPHY is a great set of coloring utensils for both school and home use. The ink is developed with an easy-wipe formula which leaves any whiteboard looking clean. It is non-toxic with no chemical odor so that it can be safely used by kids.
Each marker has a magnetic dry eraser which both keeps the pen on any metal board and provides a fast cleanup. The tips are very fine which are good for marking your calendar. The body of the markers is perfectly sized and ensures a convenient grip.
- The magnets are very strong
- There are two markers per color
- Built-in eraser on the cap
- Good for glass and for porcelain
- Very fine tips
- Dries quickly
- The ink is not highly pigmented
- The colors are not 100% true to their caps
Crayola Dry Erase Travel Pack: Perfect for Kids
This travel pack of markers from Crayola is an easy way for two-year-old kids to be entertained during long car rides and flights, or in restaurants. The set includes a folding board with 2 drawing surfaces, 4 markers in basic colors (yellow, red, green, and blue), and an erase cloth.
The markers and the cloth are stored in special loops inside the board. The markers feature fine tips for drawing details. This is a good opportunity for kids to practice the spelling of words or for mathematics.
The media are non-toxic and kid-friendly. The waste is easily eliminated due to the reusable drawing surface. The ink is washable and doesn’t stain car seats, hands, or clothes.
- Portable pack for toddlers to make art outdoors
- Comes with a wiping cloth
- Compact design
- Lightweight
- Double-sided drawing area
- Washable
- Don’t last long
- The loops which hold the media are very tight
- The ink is too light
Expo Starter Set: Best Markers with Finest Point
This marvelous kit from Expo includes six pieces – 4 markers in basic colors (red, black, blue, and green), an eraser, and a bottle of cleaner (2 oz./60 ml). The markers contain a low-odor ink and ensure smooth and skip-free writing. They are a perfect size and feel very comfortable in the hand. They feature a versatile chisel tip ideal for both fine and broad writing.
The lines are easily wiped off with an eraser or a dry cloth. The cleaning spray helps remove ghost words and any colored film left after erasing.
The set is well-packed and includes the primary things needed for writing on boards for a reasonable price.
- Comes with an eraser and cleaner
- Ink emanates no odor, non-toxic
- The ink dries fast
- Erases cleanly
- Bright and saturated colors for classrooms and presentations
- Excellent quality for a good price
- The eraser is cheap and light, so it doesn’t work well for a large board
- The ink is hard to remove if it is left on the board for too long
Pilot FriXion Colors: Cool for Teachers
These markers from Pilot use erasable gel ink made with a special thermo-sensitive formula. The ink disappears with erasing friction. The set contains a dozen vibrant colors like Baby Pink, Violet, and Soft Green. At the top of each marker, there is a rubber eraser for removing mistakes without damaging the whole document.
The media have a fine tip which is retractable. They are good at erasing and don’t leave any shadowing behind. The pens provide smooth writing, quick drying, and they don’t leak through paper.
These pens are incredible media for teachers. They can be used at conferences for making notes with an opportunity to correct typos afterwards.
- Innovative FriXion technology of erasable ink
- The colors don’t smear
- Great for marking fabrics
- The fine tip is suitable for both writing and coloring
- Perfect for presentations
- Roll-free design
- Variety of fresh colors
- The colors are light (not saturated)
- Frequent erasing makes the spot thinner
- The ink disappears when exposed to heat
BIC Great Erase: Ideal for Classroom
A dozen black BIC Great Erase markers is a perfect option for classrooms where students and teachers use them very often. The media have a rubberized grip which helps ease finger pain during durable writing and keeps the markers from slipping in wet hands. This feature is not typical for whiteboard markers, but it prevents hand fatigue and gives more control to people who do a lot of writing. The cap contains a pocket clip which is tight enough.
The ink wipes off easily, leaving no residue. It can be removed with any tissue, fabric, or felt eraser. The ink is of good quality and has little to no noticeable smell, no kind of chemical odor. The markers feature a very fine point for precise writing.
- A big pack of pens for a low cost
- Low-odor ink
- The finest tip
- Pocket clip for convenient carrying
- Comfortable texturized grip
- Can be used on boards, glass, and mirror surfaces
- The black color is not enough dark
- May leave slight ghosting on the board
- Comes only in one color
Guide for Choosing the Best Dry Erase Markers
Often, people rely on images which they draw. Advertisements in the foodservice industry, math demonstrations by a teacher, or doodles of your child all require a perfect writing tool. There are many types of markers, and it can be tricky to find the right one. We are here to determine the main factors that users have to consider before buying dry erase markers.
Choosing the best dry erase markers is not an easy task. If you specify your needs regarding this buying guide, it will take you less time to find the right type of markers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Erasable markers have become very popular and are widely used in offices and classrooms. Usually, new users are worried about similar things concerning their maintenance and composition. We’ve tried to cover the most common points.
What Is Dry Erase Marker?
What is a dry erase (or whiteboard) marker ?? This is a writing tool which makes temporary marks on a surface. This temporary writing is usually carried out on whiteboards. The ink in these media is manufactured from color pigments combined with a chemical solvent and a silicone polymer which prevents the color from adhering to the surface permanently. These media should be used on smooth and non-porous surfaces. They are easily erased with a tissue, clothing items, paper, or even with your bare hands ?. They have many upsides – requiring less pressure to write, generating no dust, and not being affected by water.
How Dry Erase Markers Are Made?
The markers ? for whiteboards consist of a container (body) which is usually made of polypropylene plastic and a tip developed of pressed synthetic fibers (mainly felt). The body of a marker serves as a reservoir for the erasable ink. A tight cap prevents the medium from drying out. Some pens feature an ink cartridge which can be refilled when the ink runs out.
Where Dry Erase Markers Can Be Used?
These markers ? should be used on smooth surfaces in order to be easily removed. You can write on:
- windows (to leave reminders, send love messages, or learn vocabulary);
- mirrors (to make to-do lists or draw a goatee around your face);
- wine glasses ? or other glassware (to write the names of guests before a party);
- battle mats for D&D game (for Dungeons and Dragons fans);
- blank CDs ? (to indicate placemats of guests);
- shower backer board or door;
- plexiglass;
- ceramic surfaces;
- stainless steel;
- your frozen foods (to write the date on the lid of the container);
- sheets of laminated paper;
- whiteboards and smartboards.
Use your creativity and write with these media on any surface with no pores.
Are Dry Erasers Markers Washable?
They are not washable. The ink in whiteboard markers contains color pigments and special release agents which don’t allow the color to stick to a surface with no pores. If they are used on a porous surface, small color particles come into contact with surface fibers and become trapped. Certain brands manufacture markers with ink that is both washable and erasable.
Are Dry Erase Markers Toxic?
Until the 1990s, toluene and xylene were used as solvents in whiteboard markers. These are harmful substances for human health which are even able to cause skin irritation, eye burning, headaches, or nausea from long-term use.
Today, these chemicals are replaced by less dangerous solvents. The ink is manufactured on a basis of alcohol and contains propylene carbonate. It may also include non-dangerous additives and preservatives.
Are Dry Erase Markers Water Soluble?
The ink in these markers is insoluble in water. It can be erased by a cloth/eraser/hand, or it can be dissolved using alcoholic products. “Like dissolves like,” so use scent, hand sanitizer, alcohol, or WD-40 to get rid of color marks.
Dry Erase Vs Wet Erase Markers
Let’s determine the main difference between these types of writing instruments:
- wet erase markers include acrylic polymer (paste instead of ink that contains alcohol) which allows color pigments to stick to the surface. Dry erase media use a silicone polymer;
- both markers should be used on a non-porous surface. Dry erase media can be easily wiped off with an eraser, and wet erase pens need a damp cloth to be removed from the surface;
- wet erase media don’t fade under heat and can be used with projector lamps and illumination boards;
- wet erase pens are rated as less likely to cause allergies in users;
- both media work best on glass, mirrors, whiteboards, and metal surfaces. Wet erase markers can also be used on laminated surfaces and black marker boards;
- due to alcohol composition, the dry erase ink dries quicker. However, the text written with wet erase pens will last longer, and it is less likely to smear with your hand;
It can be difficult to distinguish between dry and wet erase markers because both of them are available in similar ink colors, dimensions, and tip designs. The instruction for their use is usually given on the marker label.
Cool Facts
Here are a few unknown and cool facts about erasable markers that you probably don’t know.
- a marker has plenty of names. It is called a “koki” in South Africa, a “texta” in Australia (after the brand), and a “sketch pen” in India;
- Jerry Woolf from Techform Laboratories invented the first whiteboard marker. In 1975, it was patented by Pilot Pen;
- in 1976, Sanford made its first erasable EXPO marker. It was bulky and available only in 4 basic colors. Later, it became thinner, had a less unpleasant smell, and became available in more colors;
- dry erase markers contain alcohol, and sniffing these media can make people get high. Alcohol, glue, and paint are inhalants. If people sniff high concentrations of inhalants, this may lead to a loss of sensation or hearing loss. Use these media in well-ventilated areas;
- three quarters of all whiteboard markers used by people are disposable media, because refillable markers are more expensive. This is a big problem for the environment because when disposable media stop writing they make a direct flight into a trash bin. This arises international awareness because markers cannot be recycled.
While this discussion is still going on, the only thing we can do is to use refillable markers instead of disposable ones.
Summing Up
Whiteboards have become a great brainstorming tool. They help people keep track of basic topics during conferences, map out plans, and illustrate key points of the discussion. That is why markers play an important role and show how your board looks. As WoWPencils has done all the legwork for you, now it will be easy to determine the dry erase media for your needs. Correctly chosen markers will help signify the best things in our life – education, creativity, and innovation.
References
- Whats in a Dry Erase Marker? – https://www.clarus.com/
- Wet and Dry Erase Markers Buying Guide – https://www.webstaurantstore.com/
- How Are Dry Erase Markers Made? – https://www.magnatag.com/
- Are Whiteboard Markers Harmful? – https://www.quora.com/
- 10+ Things to Do with Dry-Erase Markers – https://www.lifehack.org/