“How long do EXPO markers last?” is an important question to know the answer to if you are about to grab a few packs for your home, office, or class. It can give you an idea of whether these dry-erase markers are worthy.
According to the brand’s official website, unused EXPO markers can last 2 to 3 years if they are stored properly.
However, it can be affected by other factors. We will delve into these below and address several relevant FAQs.
Table of Contents
The Service Life of EXPO Markers
As stated briefly in the opening, when not in use, EXPO markers can last up to 3 years if they are taken care of properly. Here, “proper” involves a few things:
- You must store EXPO markers horizontally.
- They must be capped tightly.
- The place you keep them should not be moist.
- It should not be under direct sunlight either.
If you do not store dry erase markers or wet erase markers from EXPO with the aforementioned things in mind, they will not be able to accompany you for a long time.
EXPO markers can also dry out sooner or later depending on other factors, including the type and usage frequency. Let’s look at these two more closely.
Factor #1 – The Type
EXPO markers come in two types. There are EXPO dry erase markers and wet erase markers. The former is made of a formula containing alcohol, while the latter is water-based.
Factor #2 – The Usage Frequency
Alcohol-based can dry out faster because they are heat-sensitive. As such, EXPO wet erase markers can have a longer lifesrevive dry erase markerspan. Just like other writing tools, EXPO markers can dry out faster if they are used more often. By the same token, the less you use a marker, the longer you can avail of it.
If you are using EXPOs for a large project that you work on everyday, they will not last very long. This is because the markers all have a certain amount of ink that depletes with use. Once you drain it, it renders useless.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why do my EXPO markers dry out so quickly?
EXPO markers are supposed to last for 2 to 3 years if you keep their caps on and store them flat on their sides. Your markers might be dying early because of improper storage.
Check that you are capping them tightly and do not keep them in a holder. If you want to stow them horizontally but still have them neatly organized, you can consider getting a rack. There are pre-made ones, but you can make your own as well. Consider converting a wine rack!
How can I make EXPO markers work again?
You can revive dry erase markers from EXPO in a few different ways:
- Store the markers with their caps on and tips down in a vertical position for 24 hours.
- Dip the tips of the markers in a bowl containing a generous amount of rubbing alcohol.
- Saturate the tips of the markers with vinegar. Simply dunk them in a bowl containing the solution.
- Flip the tips of the markers using a pair of needle nose pliers.
- Attach the markers to a string and use it to swing the marker around for 10 to 15 seconds.
Besides encountering dry erase marker dried out situations, you might have to recover wet erase markers from EXPO. For these, try to:
- Submerge the tips of the markers in a bowl with warm water.
- Make a solution with glycerin and water in a 3 to 1 ratio then spritz the tips of the markers with it.
How long do dry erase markers last?
There is no specific timeframe for all dry erase markers because there are many influencing factors at play. For EXPO markers, service life can reach 3 years.
Do dry erase markers fade away?
Yes. They will fade away if you use solvents or go over them with a rag or paper towels. This is because their ink is formulated to be easily wipeable.
How can I leave dry erase markers on a mirror?
If you do not rub it off with anything, it will stay on your mirror. You can also make it more permanent by sealing it. To do this, you can consider using a fixative spray. You can also insert a clear contact sheet or piece of silicone over it.
Conclusion
Now that you have gone through this short blog post, you know the answer to, “How long do EXPO markers last?” When not in use and stored properly, these writing tools can reach 2 to 3 years. Exactly how much time you have with them before they run out of ink, however, depends on other factors, such as the type and usage frequency.
Hopefully, this has been informative and interesting. Did you get what you were looking for? Let us know in the comments down below. If you have any other thoughts to share or questions to ask, leave comments too! We would love to hear from you.
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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.
