Markers and Glass Boards: What’s the Perfect Combination?

You’ve got your Float wall-mounted glass board. Now, what glass marker are you going to use to write on it? You have many options to consider. Some are better than others. Some points to consider in selecting markers include the following:

• The tip. What will you use the glass board for primarily? Script? Detailed drawings? The size of the stroke depends on the tip size. The bullet tip is the most popular, with a stroke width of 2-3 mm. The chisel tip can produce three types of stroke widths, ranging from 2-5 mm. The fine or extra-fine tip produces a stroke width of 1 mm. 
• Color selection. Markers can come in basic colors, neon colors – even metallic colors. For eye-catching, visually stimulating presentations, you’ll want to use a combination of bright colors. Bright, bold colors used in broad strokes are more easily viewed from a distance.
• Longevity. Some markers dry out quicker than others. Other markers may have a thinner consistency of ink that runs out faster. 

Here and the pros and cons of several of the most popular options.

Liquid Chalk Markers

Nostalgic for good old-fashioned chalk and chalkboard? Liquid chalk markers combine the flexibility and advantages of a modern marker with the look of chalk. They go on smooth as silk, then dry to a powdery chalk-like finish when applied to the glass board. Best of all, there’s none of the mess associated with using chalk. Another plus is that they are available in an extensive range of colors, from neon to classic – even silver and gold. If you want your presentation to stand out, consider liquid chalk markers. To make your display even more engaging, consider color-coordinating by utilizing a colored glass dry erase board. 

Pentel Maxiflo Markers

Maxiflo markers are always ready to flow, thanks to their unique pump-up action that replenishes the ink as you use it. You’ll appreciate this feature the next time you forget and leave the cap off your marker! With Maxiflo markers, you’ll get a steady ink flow that delivers consistent line thickness that won’t smudge or streak. They come in a variety of tips for precise to bold lines. The ink is easy to remove using a regular dry eraser or damp cloth. Maxiflo markers are available in four traditional but vibrant colors – red, green, blue, and black.

These markers were explicitly created for whiteboards and glass whiteboards and may be pricier than other options. Additionally, the limited number of available color choices will be an issue if you need or want more than a basic color palette.

VBoard Markers

If you’re looking for a more cost-effective marker, VBoard markers may be for you. These high-quality markers are eco-friendly and made from 91% recycled content. You can refill your markers up to four times when you buy a refillable ink cartridge, so you don’t have to worry about wasting your markers. These markers offer long-lasting ink that performs beautifully on a glass board. They feature an innovative twin-pipe system, ensuring a steady ink flow with a responsive tip that feels like a pen. The markers come on smooth and are easily erasable. You can choose from five vibrant colors: black, blue, green, red, and orange.

Staedtler Whiteboard Markers

Staedtler makes several types (or series) of markers specifically for whiteboards. Lumocolor series markers are also always ready to flow, even if left uncapped for days, thanks to Staedtler’s Dry Safe ink feature. Since this feature prohibits ink evaporation, the markers last longer than other markers. In addition, their automatic pressure equalization feature means you don’t have to worry about leakage, and they’ll work even when you’re traveling by airplane. They come in a variety of tips and colors: red, green, blue, black, brown, orange, purple, and yellow. The barrel can be refilled with the Staedtler Lumocolor Whiteboard Ink Refill Station. These low-odor markers are environmentally friendly, containing no toluene, xylene, or alcohol.

Expo Neon Dry Erase Markers

These markers are designed specifically for glass boards, but you can write on and easily erase that writing from any glass surface – including windows. The attention-getting neon assortment set includes vibrant markers in green, yellow, orange, pink, and blue. The bullet tip on an Expo Neon Dry Erase Marker makes thick, broad lines that can be seen from a distance, making these markers a good candidate to use in the classroom. The low-odor formulation ink can be easily erased.

The barrel of the Expo Neon Dry Erase Marker is not refillable and the ink may not last as long as other markers. They are advertised for use on both white and black surfaces, but they tend to look a little more washed out on a white surface. Overall, Expo Neon Dry Erase Markers are very affordable and easily accessible markers.

Permanent Markers

Permanent markers can be used on glass boards, although it’s best to use only water-based ones. The Sharpie brand is among the most well-known. Sharpie’s non-toxic, quick-drying ink is opaque and more on the glossy side. It’s also water-resistant and fade-resistant. These markers come in an assortment pack containing black, blue, red, white, and yellow markers, specialty glitter colors, and metallic silver and gold. Points are available in medium through extra fine. 

A standard dry eraser won’t do the trick when it comes to erasing permanent markers but spraying the markings with glass cleaner and wiping them off with a paper towel works just fine. Still, this makes permanent markers a bit less convenient than non-permanent ones. Oil-based permanent markers – even Sharpies – can’t be removed as easily and may leave permanent marks on the glass. You need to know what kind of Sharpie you’re dealing with before using it on your glass board. 

Now that you know the best markers out there, it’s time to pick what’s best for you and your glass board. For more helpful information, check out Clarus today and discover the benefits of Acoustic Glass and How to clean a dry erase board.