Why would anyone be interested in the best markers for poster board? After all, everyone uses apps to make keynotes and digital mind maps that allow every collaborator to edit simultaneously.
Here’s what science says: Writing forces us to digest the information and re-write it to keep up with the pace of the discussion. Thus, it helps in learning. If you are looking for markers to facilitate discussions with classmates, students, or co-workers, be sure to look for these three features:
Tip size:
It is important to have markers with fine points to create illustrations. However, the marker line should be thick enough for drawing on poster board. So it’s important to look for the correct sets with thick and flexible chisel nibs or fine point tips.
Color selection:
To draw on a poster board, to bounce ideas with colleagues or give a lecture to students, four to eight colored markers will suffice.
Ink formula:
Poster boards can be made of cardboard or plastic. The former is a porous material and the latter is non-porous. A flip chart, on the other hand, is composed of sheets of paper bound on one end so you can “flip” them. Whether you use alcohol or paint markers, the inks will behave differently on these surfaces.
Of course, there are other important factors to consider when purchasing writing implements for poster boards so don’t worry—we will tackle that again later.
In the meantime, check out these quality marker sets and discuss the pros and cons to help you decide which one to buy.
3 Premium-Rated Picks
SHARPIE Permanent Markers
Number of markers: 8
Point type: Chisel
Tip size: Bold
Mr. Sketch® 1905069 Watercolor Markers
Number of markers: 8
Point type: Chisel
Tip size: Bold
Shuttle Art ‎CPM30 Permanent Markers
Number of markers: 30
Point type: Chisel
Tip size: Fine
Table of Contents
7 Best Poster Board Markers
1. SHARPIE Permanent Markers
- Number of markers: 8
- Ink formula: AP-certified fast-drying permanent ink
- Point type: Chisel
- Tip size: Bold
- Manufacturer recommended age: Unspecified
These Sharpie markers work on paper, plastic, and other materials. What’s more, this set offers eight hues for all types of creative decorating and noting.
With broad chisel nibs, I can write bold text and use different colors to underline each word. Now and then, my kids would borrow it for their science fair display boards. Besides that, I know creative friends make exciting art pieces using these markers.
I’m amazed that the nibs never show any signs of wearing. Plus, the shape allows me to create thick and fine lines by changing how I hold the pen.
As expected from a world-renowned marker brand, the ink dries when I lay the color on the surface. Even better, they resist water and fading. Unlike others, they do not emit foul chemical odors.
So far, these thick markers are comfortable to grip, especially when working for hours.
The only thing that I don’t like about this brand is that their caps are too tight. On the bright side, this design ensures that the markers’ inks do not dry easily.
- 8 colors work on paper, plastic, and other materials
- Creates both thick and fine lines
- The nibs never show any signs of wearing
- Dries quickly to prevent smudges
- Resists water and fading
- No foul chemical odors
- The lid is quite tight
2. Mr. Sketch® 1905069 Watercolor Markers
- Number of markers: 8
- Ink formula: AP-certified nontoxic scented ink
- Point type: Chisel
- Tip size: Bold
- Manufacturer recommended age: 3 y/o and above
Each color of Mr. Sketch has this fruity smell, making sketching, coloring, and learning activities more fun and engaging. What I like about it is that the aromas are not too overpowering.
Designed for kids over three years old, the manufacturer created chunky cylinder-shaped barrels to promote a good grasp.
Apart from that, the nontoxic inks are AP-certified, so parents and educators do not have to worry about the safety of their youngsters. But if this set is for kids, can adults use it for work or school?
The short answer is a resounding yes! For starters, I love the way these markers work on poster board surfaces. The chisel nibs help me sketch thick and thin lines with precision.
They glide very smoothly and release inks without skipping or leaking. With a dozen of shades to choose from, I can add a splash of vibrant colors to graphs and text.
Note that these markers are not washable. Based on experience, the inks stayed on my hands throughout the day. They will come off after a couple of washes.
Other than that, I don’t have any issues. As a long-time fan of this brand, I’m glad the quality has not changed all these years.
- Each color has a fruity smell, ideal for kids
- Chunky cylinder-shaped barrels promote a good grasp
- The nontoxic inks are AP-certified
- Glide very smoothly
- Add a splash of vibrant colors to graphs and text
- These markers are not washable
3. Shuttle Art ‎CPM30 Permanent Markers
- Number of markers: 30
- Ink formula: Quick-drying waterproof, meeting ASTM D- 4236 & EN71
- Point type: Chisel
- Tip size: Fine
- Manufacturer recommended age: 3 y/o and above
Adding Shuttle Art’s fine point markers to my growing collection of poster board writing implements proves to be a good decision.
Since it works on multiple porous and non-porous materials, this set is ideal for all kinds of household, school, and office tasks. I would label containers, shade the line drawings in coloring books, brainstorm solutions to a problem in the office, or help my kids make posters for their school projects.
The nib creates fine lines that make it suitable for drawing and coloring small diagrams. Despite being heavy-handed, its durability maintains its fine bullet shape.
Meanwhile, the quick-drying ink prevents smudging the colors I laid on the paper. Plus, their fade-resistant and waterproof formulas preserve the illustrations and lettering I made.
My only gripe is that the cap’s colors are inconsistent with the ink. Considering the set offers different shades of every color, I have to swatch each marker on different surfaces.
Aside from that, the inks appear lighter on plastic poster boards. In any case, these minor flaws do not affect my work in the office since my colleagues and I use flip charts and cardboard posters.
- Works on multiple porous and non-porous materials
- Suitable for drawing and coloring small diagrams
- The quick-drying ink prevents smudging
- Their fade-resistant and waterproof formulas preserve the illustrations and lettering
- Offers different shades of every color
- The colors on the cap are not consistent with the ink
- Appear lighter on plastic poster boards
4. Crayola XL Poster Markers
- Number of markers: 4
- Ink formula: Washable ink
- Point type: Chisel
- Line size: Bold
- Manufacturer recommended age: 6 y/o and above
Crayola may be a brand that most people associate with kiddie art supplies. But their extra-large poster markers will always have a place on my desk.
Their chisel nibs can produce thin, medium, and thick lines by holding the pen at certain angles. Perfect for poster-sized boards, I can compose massive diagrams, hand lettering, and decorative elements to catch everyone’s attention.
This set offers four basic colors—black, red, blue, and green. Even though it is fewer than most marker packs I review, the color selection is sufficient for posters, presentations, or signs for “Yard Sale.”
Furthermore, I’m sure that parents will like the fact that these markers are washable. In my experience, it only takes a bit of soap and water to remove the stain on my hands and uniform.
When I draw, the nib continuously moves across the paper, helping me create neat, crisp lines. Notably, these markers are huge, since they come in super-large sizes. However, for small kids, the markers will not be too easy to grip and manipulate.
- Can produce thin, medium, and thick lines
- The color selection is sufficient for posters, presentations, or signs
- Only takes a bit of soap and water to remove the stain on my hands and uniform
- The nib slides smoothly on drawing surface
- Cost-effective collection of 4 big markers
- Large-sized markers might not fit small kids’ hands
5. BIC Intensity Metallic Permanent Marker
- Number of markers: 8
- Ink formula: Alcohol-based
- Point type: Chisel
- Line size: Fine point
- Manufacturer recommended age: Undisclosed
Sometimes, working with white sheets of paper and cardboard can get boring. That’s why I’m always on the lookout for markers with inks formulated for black poster board types. One of the best I have used is BIC’s Intensity Metallic Permanent markers.
The high-opacity inks stand out against the light and dark-colored backgrounds. On top of that, I also like how the metallic sheen makes the poster signs more stylish.
Since the ink dries within seconds, I can keep my writing and sketches smear-free. They also come with fine point tips, which are helpful in drawing in tight spaces or adding details to large drawings.
But I’m more impressed by the fact that the nibs can retain their shapes, given that I have been using this set regularly.
I also love this brand because their markers are designed with snap caps to avoid dry-out. Rest assured that the caps are not difficult to remove even if they attach securely to the barrels. Thanks to the barrels that come with soft rubber grips, my hand does not get hurt when I am scribbling.
That said, I noticed that the inks’ consistency is a bit watery. It took a while to get used to sketching with them.
- Stands out against the light and dark-colored backgrounds
- The metallic sheen makes the poster signs more stylish
- The ink dries within seconds
- Useful for drawing in tight spaces or adding details to large drawings
- The caps are not difficult to remove even if they attach securely to the barrels
- The inks’ consistency is a bit watery
6. Mr. Pen Jumbo Permanent Markers
- Number of markers: 4
- Ink formula: Quick-drying waterproof
- Point type: Chisel
- Line size: Extra bold
- Manufacturer recommended age: Undisclosed
Recommended for poster-making, Mr. Pen’s four jumbo markers can draw broad-width lines to make letters and shapes visible from a distance.
Best of all, the inks adhere to almost any porous and non-porous surface. In other words, we can write on cardboard or specialty paper. It’s fun and rather easy to decorate plastic display boards, label plastic boxes, or mark wooden surfaces with these markers.
As the name implies, these writing implements have thick barrels that make gripping feel easier and comfier. In addition to that, their quarter-of-an-inch chisel tips allow lines with varying width sizes.
With four different shades, I can assign different colors to a poster’s title and text body. Meanwhile, in work or school presentations, they are useful for creating anchor charts or diagrams—The possibilities are endless!
Though it is not explicitly advertised, the markers’ quick-drying inks can prevent smudges, making them the top choice for left-handed folks. Moreover, these non-toxic markers do not give off a nasty smell, so I don’t mind using them indoors.
However, I don’t use these markers on outdoor surfaces since the inks are not fade-resistant.
- Draw broad-width lines to make letters and shapes visible from a distance
- Adhere to almost any porous and non-porous surface
- Render lines with varying width sizes
- Top-choice for left-handed folks
- Contains more ink than other brands
- The inks are not fade resistant
7. ArtSkills PA-4602 Dual-Ended Large Poster Markers
- Number of markers: 4 dual-end markers 8 colors
- Ink formula: Water-based
- Point type: Chisel
- Line size: Fine, bold, extra-bold
- Manufacturer recommended age: Undisclosed
One of the reasons why I love these dual-ended poster markers from ArtSkills is that they are travel-friendly. This set lets me bring fewer pens without reducing the number of colors I can sketch with. Because of that, I can fit more art supplies in my bag.
Now the question is: Is the quality of the markers up to snuff?
After using these markers for a couple of months, I can confidently say that their quality can match those made by popular brands. Their inks are non-toxic, odor-free, and water-based, making them safe for children to use.
I keep a set on my work desk since I like scribbling and doodling with them if I want to mind-map or present ideas.
Featuring chisel nibs, these writing implements are perfect for drawing lines with varying thicknesses. Coupled with the vibrant colors, I can create large lettering and images that people can see from a distance.
Furthermore, the markers’ inks have high opacity. I only need to draw or lay the color once. Truly, this set can help users work more efficiently.
However, the nibs wear down faster compared to other brands. As a result, I use them mostly for coloring. Aside from that, the markers contain smaller quantities of ink by design.
- Travel-friendly duel-end set with 8 colors
- Non-toxic, odor-free, and water-based, safe for children
- Chisel nibs for creating lines with varying thicknesses
- Vibrant colors for creating images and lettering
- High opacity colors for more efficient work
- The nibs wear down faster compared to other brands
- Contains smaller quantities of ink by design
Factors to Consider When Buying Markers for Poster Board
Age appropriate
Not all markers are safe for children to use, even if the packaging says that they are non-toxic and odor-free. After all, it is not just the ink that you should be worried about.
Studies show that children up to 24 months old tend to put non-food items in their mouths as they go through sensory developments. The marker’s cap can be a choking hazard.
This explains why most products featured above are meant for three-year-olds and older. Still, I strongly suggest that you don’t leave your child alone when they use these supplies.
If you don’t see any age recommendations, stay on the safe side and keep the marker out of your child’s reach.
Application
Although markers that are designed for art, office, and school applications share identical features, they have some differences.
Beyond providing a wider range of colors, art supplies manufacturers craft ink formulas that enable artists to create illustrations on the surface of their choice be it on canvas, paper, plastic, or other surfaces.
They need to ensure that the ink will not smudge when other wet mediums are applied. It is something that regular markers cannot achieve.
In most workplaces, employees do not care about aesthetics. Their goal is simply to brainstorm or presenting ideas on whiteboards, flip charts, and display boards. Eventually, they document these pieces of information on their gadgets.
High opacity
Most writing implements are designed to write on white surfaces. But if you are looking for markers for black foam board, the ink’s ‘hiding power’ matters a lot.
Note that the term ‘hiding power’ is more commonly used on paints than inks to describe their ability to conceal the surfaces they are applied. Similarly, markers that are formulated for dark-colored boards should have solid opacity. Otherwise, you will use up more ink to cover the area.
Quick-drying and waterproof
Artists and crafters are not the only ones who should be concerned about drying time. Even when we mind-map ideas on flip charts, getting inks smearing all over the text and diagram we created can make it look messy and illegible.
Suppose you are a student working on a school project. In that case, your teacher might take off a few points only because your poster board presentation looks untidy.
Washability
Washable markers are not just for toddlers who may write purposely or accidentally on their skin and clothing. They can come in handy for older children and adults, too! If the ink accidentally gets on your work or school uniform, you can clean up the stain easily.
Are These Markers Fade-Resistant?
Yes, the markers we featured are generally fade-resistant but keep in mind that they are intended for indoor use. If you plan to make poster boards for long-term outdoor use (e.g. exhibitions in parks), they may fade in a couple of weeks due to moisture and UV exposure.
Do These Markers Bleed Through the Poster Board?
Ultimately, bleeding happens when the ink is used on thin sheets of paper. Generally, markers have a low chance of bleeding through illustration or poster boards due to their thickness. If you are using flip charts in meetings or lectures, I recommend choosing markers formulated for this type of paper.
Conclusion
From school projects to corporate meetings, the best markers for poster board help kids and adults create eye-catching presentations.
With these writing implements, you can use the colors to organize information by assigning or drawing simple illustrations to make complex concepts easier to digest. There’s no limit to what you can do!
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.
