We have emerged from a generation that uses dusty chalks to one that relies on erasable markers– may it be for work, school, or personal use! In this day and age, we are presented with a whole variety of markers catering to our specific needs.
As more and more marker collections are released, some pens seemingly share the same features. One perfect example would be glass board markers and dry-erase markers. Both are erasable and used on non-porous surfaces.
Today, it settles. Glass board markers vs dry erase markers. What are the differences? Keep reading, and you’ll find out!
Table of Contents
What Are Glass Board Markers and Dry Erase Markers?
Glass board markers
According to what it’s called, glass board markers are pens used for glass boards. These markers come off glass, which means they are erasable on mirrors and windows. Nonetheless, a marker for glass can also be written on other non-porous surfaces!
The market offers various colors for glass markers. Having different colors is frequently helpful to bring out compelling illustrations, like presenting for your boss at work or getting your students’ attention in school.
Dry erase markers
Dry erase markers also go by the term white board markers. These tools are famous for their versatility, as you can use them on many surfaces– including plastic, glass, etc.
Similar to glass board markers, you can also use dry erase on glass as it produces a special polymer that does not leave permanent blots on your board.
It also comes in different shades, mostly primary and secondary colors. There are also opaque white dry erase markers to make your drawing visible in a dark-colored medium!
How to Use These Markers?
Glass board markers
The first step is to remove the cap and press the nib with your finger to remove excess air inside the tube.
Most glass board markers require you to shake it firmly before using and ensure to put the cap back when doing this. Then, you should lightly press its nib up and down several times on the chosen surface to allow the ink to flow.
Afterward, you can use your glass board marker as intended.
Dry erase markers
A great thing about using dry erase markers is their effortless use! All you have to do is remove its marker cap and start drawing!
What’s the Difference Between These Markers?
1. Ink composition
Glass board markers contain pigmented, liquid ink inside its barrel. This kind of markers write on glass surfaces due to how the ink was made.
Glass board markers are normally alcohol-based, but there are also water-based glass markers in the market, like Artline. Some brands also manufacture Xylene-free glass markers, making them safe for the body and emitting less odor.
Dry-erase markers are alcohol-based markers and have a strong chemical smell. They dry up quickly and do not firmly adhere to the surface. Due to the ink formula, it is suitable for non-porous surfaces like whiteboards and even projector films.
2, Types of nib
Truthfully, the kind of nib depends on the marker brand you choose. The good thing about glass board markers is that the tips are replaceable! Some whiteboard markers in the market are also refillable.
Quartet glass board markers have fine tips. Carmel glass board paint markers are also available in medium and wide nis! Arteza glass board markers have replaceable chisel and rounded tips!
Dry-erase markers from Artline and EXPO also offer numerous nib choices, such as bullet, fine, ultra-fine, and even dual tips. While Crayola has chisel tip dry erase markers.
3. Colors available
Both glass board markers and whiteboard markers are available in multiple bold colors. However, some brands offer eccentric colors.
Arteza has glass board markers sold in sets of ten, eighteen, or twenty assorted colors. They also have a set of ten neon colors. This brand also gives a pair of tweezers for when you want to replace the marker nibs!
Regular dry erase markers typically have black, blue, and red ink. But many brands, like Crayola and EXPO, have prismatic colors for those needing various colors.
For instance, EXPO neon markers provide vibrant, fluorescent dry erase markers in dark green, light green, blue, pink, and orange!
4. Mediums and surfaces
Glass markers are erasable markers to write on glass surfaces, including mirrors and windows. Legible writings and visible illustrations are possible using the correct shade, like black glass board markers on clear glass.
Dry erase markers suit mediums like whiteboard, plastic, projector film, and clear glass dry erase board. As long as they are non-porous, whiteboard markers can be used and erased.
How Much Do These Markers Cost?
Factors such as the number of markers in a set, the brand, and the nib type determine the price range for glass board and dry erase markers. Here are some:
- Arteza glass board markers– The lowest cost for their set of 10 glass board markers is 15.99 USD, while the most expensive is their neon series at 27.99 USD for 18 markers.
- Carmel glass board paint markers– They are sold separately at 6.44 USD for the medium tip and 8.75 USD for the marker set with wide tips.
- Crayola dry erase markers– They sell sets of 12 broad markers at 7.99 to 11.99 USD.
- Pilot dry erase markers– The lowest price is 10.82 USD for their set of 5 whiteboard markers, while the most expensive is their set of 12 markers at 25.20 USD.
Which One Should I Use?
When deciding on glass board vs whiteboard markers, you should consider your manner of application. The answer you’re looking for really depends on your type of usage!
Let’s say, for example, you’d want to write words on a whiteboard for a lecture. It’s best to use dry erase markers as they are easy to use and do not require much effort to pump the ink out.
In another scenario, you have decorative things to draw in mind for Christmas or Mother’s Day, and you want to have them situated on a glass board for wall. Then, you may opt for erasable glass markers in this case.
Remember that glass board markers work on glass surfaces as they are specifically made for them! Dry erase markers can be used on non-porous surfaces like whiteboards.
What Are Other Alternatives to Use on Board?
As said at the beginning of this article, there are many markers in the market today, but each has advantages and disadvantages. Here are some dry erase marker and glassboard alternatives:
- Wet erase markers – They are similar to dry erase markers but made especially for melamine surfaces. They are more complex to remove than whiteboard markers but are heat-resistant, making them suitable for outdoor usage.
- Permanent markers – They require much effort to remove to a point where they may not be completely erased. However, it can write on almost all surfaces, whether porous or non-porous.
- Grease pencils – Surprisingly, these pencils work on whiteboards, melamine, and other non-porous surfaces. But the downside is that they can be sort of expensive.
How Can I Store and Care for My Markers?
Due to the variance in how markers are made, the manner of storing them may sometimes depend on the recommendation of the brands. For instance, EXPO recommends that users keep their markers horizontally.
But if the brand did not indicate how to store them properly, glass board and dry-erase markers are best kept vertically in a container while their nibs are facing down. The marker caps should also be securely placed on the marker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dry erase markers on glass?
Since glass is a non-porous surface, dry erase markers can also be used on glass surfaces. Some of these are windows and mirrors!
How to choose the right marker for your needs?
Brands and store owners typically indicate the best markers for the surface you want to write or draw on.
For instance, Carmel glass board paint markers recommend using the pen on non-porous surfaces, like windows, car windshields, vinyl, ceramic, etc.
EXPO also has dry-erase markers with a magnet and eraser attached to make it more convenient.
How do I clean my glass board or whiteboard effectively?
You remove the ink blots with an eraser. But if marks seem insistent on the surface, using a mild cleaning solution is best to keep your glass board or whiteboard clean.
Do not clean it while direct sunlight is present, as it makes the surface hot and may react to the cleaning solution.
Conclusion
Although similar, glass board and dry erase markers have some differences! Knowing when and how to use them is crucial in deciding which suits you best.
Ponder your artistic ideas before buying markers to have a clear goal in mind and prevent regretting getting the wrong marker for your needs. Sometimes, the problem isn’t your creative skills but the materials you use!
Isn’t it worth spending a little time reading this article on glass board markers vs dry erase to save time and money?
Hi, I am Eveline Kessler, a content creator. My love for colors and arts draws me here to join the Intermediarts team with Leilani. I am responsible for testing new products and techniques with her and providing honest reviews and tips based on our experience. I have gained a lot of knowledge from this, and I believe you will find her suggestions to be invaluable as well.
