There are many reasons why people draw on their windows, some for work purposes while others scribble messages for a birthday surprise!
Whatever yours is, you must know which writing material is best to decorate on windows! We all know it could be window crayons vs window markers– and yes, there’s a difference between them!
Although they both produce vibrant colors and are erasable on windows, what makes window crayons and markers distinct? So, without further ado, let’s get into it!
Table of Contents
- What Are Window Crayons and Markers?
- How to Use Window Crayons or Markers?
- Pros and Cons of Window Crayons and Markers!
- What is the Difference Between Window Crayons and Window Markers?
- How Much Do They Cost?
- Which One Should I Choose?
- Tips for Using Window Crayons and Markers
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
What Are Window Crayons and Markers?
1. Window crayons
Window crayons are writing materials that are similar to regular crayons. As you write on the glass pane, they give an oily or buttery texture. Window crayons produce vibrant and bold colors that are removable with glass cleaners or wet wipes.
The Crayola Window Crayons feature five colors: blue, green, black, red, and yellow! Crayola claims their window crayons can work on glass surfaces, mylar, and frames.
But window crayons quickly leave blots on clothes and non-porous surfaces. Unlike regular crayons, window crayons are in plastic containers that seemingly appear like markers from the outside.
2. Window markers
Window markers suit surfaces similar to glass, mirrors, tiles, and more! Although they are best used for non-porous surfaces, they can easily be removed from your skin and fabrics.
Crayola Washable Window Markers offer eight opaque colors: gray, orange, yellow, green, gold, blue, red, and brown!
Crayola Window Markers provide two types– the Color Clear and Regular markers. Regular markers catch the sunlight that passes through them, while the Color Clear lets the sunlight shine through the designs on the window.
Crayola also has the Crystal Effects Window Markers, wherein the ink crystallizes when applied to the window!
How to Use Window Crayons or Markers?
1. Window crayons
Window Crayons are placed in a plastic vertical container or tube. To use them, you must twist the end of the tube to protrude the crayon and start drawing!
It’s uncomplicated to use window crayons, but it must be noted that not all kinds of crayons can be used on glass surfaces.
However, some crayons are made explicitly for glass! Examples are Crayola Window Crayons and the Wonder Stix Crayons.
2. Window markers
Find a window or glass surface with low humidity– an example of a place with high humidity is the bathroom.
Stencils and clings can also be used to draw shapes and figures on the window! The regular Crayola Window Markers do not deliver a good finish if you use window clings. Therefore, you’d have to use the Color Clear variant.
Crayola Crystal Effects Window Markers may confuse you initially as the ink is not visible for the first few seconds upon application. But as you wait, you will notice the ink crystallizing!
This video demonstrates how to use Crayola Crystal Effect Window Markers:
There are no further instructions on window markers, as they are pretty straightforward. All you have to do is open the marker cap and draw window designs!
Pros and Cons of Window Crayons and Markers!
1. Window crayons
- Produce fuller and bolder colors without leaving empty streaks.
- They are removable.
- Kid-friendly tools because they are easy to use.
- Visible and vibrant.
- They are versatile, as some window crayons brands can be used on paper and other surfaces.
- They are harder to remove than window markers.
- They can be messy.
- Easily stick on the skin and fabrics.
- Some window crayons do not deliver great results on paper.
2. Window markers
- They are versatile, as they can be used on other non-porous surfaces.
- Produce neater outcomes as they don’t have residues and flakes.
- They are erasable.
- They come in many variants, like Crystal Effects Window Markers and regular ones.
- Produce vibrant colors.
- There are more brands to choose from.
- The colors may fade when left on a surface with which direct sunlight passes through.
- They must not be used on wood, including the window frames.
- They may damage painted surfaces and wallpapers
- They may leave empty streaks.
- Markers can leak and run out of ink.
- Some marker variants may be less visible than others when used on glass.
What is the Difference Between Window Crayons and Window Markers?
1. Colors and vibrancy
Window crayons and markers create vibrant colors, but the kinds of outcomes they give are contrasting.
Window crayons have a more solid or bold finish, while markers are pretty translucent. There’s no way to determine which vibrancy and color is better. Kind of like comparing apples and oranges!
However, markers have more variants, offering various colors and vibrancy. For instance, Crayola has regular markers and those that give crystallizing effects. Meanwhile, different brands of window crayons are much alike in vibrancy and colors.
2. Texture and finish
There are excellent and negative qualities for window markers and crayons when dealing with their finish.
- The crayons allow the user to design in different tip sizes, creating wide and narrow lines. But the more you add strokes with a window marker, there will be a tendency of empty streaks.
Window crayons prevent empty streaks, as they have a smoother or more solid finish. But the unfavorable outcome of excessive coloring is that it flakes or breaks into smaller pieces, similar to how the Mondo Llama Crayons perform on paper.
- Window markers give a lighter texture on glass surfaces. Its texture is comparable to regular dry-erase markers when used on whiteboards.
Window crayons create textures that are almost identical to regular crayons. The texture is described as buttery, waxy, or oily. They effortlessly glide on the surface because the texture of the crayons is smooth.
3. Cure time
Since markers have liquid inks, window markers require some cure time. However, the cure time for markers is relatively short, as it dries fast.
On the contrary, window crayons do not have a cure time, but the finish is oily or waxy.
4. Removability
Window markers are easier to remove than window crayons. But water is not a recommended agent to erase markers and crayons on glass surfaces.
Window cleaner and paper towels are the best solution to clean them. Wet wipes and cloth may work, too.
It would help if you were warned that you’d need a lot of paper towels. Marker and crayon residues may transfer from one surface to another when you repeatedly use one paper towel.
How Much Do They Cost?
The prices depend significantly on the brands or companies that sell them. Window crayons and markers cost almost the same. Here are some comparisons:
The Wonder Stix Crayons cost about 10.11 USD for 12 crayons. Meanwhile, Crayola Window Crayons are 7.64 USD for a set of 5 crayons.
Tiger Tribe Window Markers are 12.50 USD for 8 window markers. Meanwhile, Crayola Washable Window Markers are 11.40 USD for 8 markers.
Which One Should I Choose?
Window markers and crayons can deliver fantastic results when writing on windows. Depending on your needs, you can choose window markers over crayons or vice versa.
You may also mix and match both to achieve a vibrant and attractive project! The pros and cons of markers and crayons determine which tool suits you best.
Say you’re the kind who doesn’t want to spend so much time cleaning. Maybe markers are the right tools for you! But if you don’t mind the mess and prefer not to have empty streaks on your art, crayons are the best option!
Tips for Using Window Crayons and Markers
- 1. Prepare many sheets of paper towel or wet wipes when cleaning up.
- 2. Kid-proof your windows if you let your little art designer doodle on windows. An example is securing a child lock on the windows to protect children from accidents.
- 3. Keep watch on your children as they use markers and crayons. Both are inedible and should not be digested!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easy to wash off window markers?
Cleaning them off your windows requires spraying window cleaners and using wet wipes or paper towels. But they do not come off with one wipe. So, just prepare many paper towels!
Can you use window markers/crayons on other surfaces?
Window markers and crayons can be used on non-porous surfaces, but some window crayons are incompatible or over-the-top when used on paper.
How do you store window markers/crayons?
Since crayons are predominantly solid, you can store window crayons in whichever position. But it needs to be stored in a cool and dry place.
It would be best to store single-tip window markers vertically with their tip facing down to keep the nib hydrated with ink. You should also keep dual-tip markers in a horizontal position.
Conclusion
While doodling on paper seems boring and traditional, drawing on windows is a fun and unique way to elevate your love for art!
But choosing the best writing material on the window determines how much enjoyment you get as you witness your imagination come to life.
So, it is essential to know what makes window crayons vs window markers different from each other. Doing this lets you understand how crayons or markers can satisfy your needs!
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.
