Teachers need whiteboard markers that they can count on. Testing dry markers one after another and replacing your entire stock too often are frustrating experiences. This guide explores the key qualities of the best whiteboard markers for schools, so you can make an informed choice on your next batch and dodge the common frustrations.
Key Takeaways
Vibrant ink, zero nasties: Look for non-toxic whiteboard markers that write boldly and wipe clean without a trace.
Refill, don’t replace: Save time and money with refillable options that last lesson after lesson.
Smudge-free, stress-free: Quality ink should glide on and wipe off a high-quality board without ghosting or staining.
Small habits, big impact: Weekly board cleaning and smart storage can make your markers go the distance, and your budget stretch further.
Why Whiteboard Marker Quality Matters in Schools
We’ve already spoken of the frustration of dry markers; add to that low-quality markers that run dry mid-session, fade, or smudge, and you get the idea. You’ve probably experienced instances of these yourself.
Students’ attention spans are short, and it doesn’t take much to break their focus. Therefore, avoiding disruptions like dry markers is key to keeping lessons flowing smoothly.
What’s more, low-quality markers may contain poor release agents, leading to nasty stains and permanent smudges on your whiteboard, which can lead to expensive replacements. Teachers also tend to write for extended periods, so ergonomic markers with good ink flow consistency are crucial classroom tools.
Overall, better markers equal smoother lessons, fewer disruptions, and overall a more engaged classroom. But what makes a marker “good-quality?” Here are some essential features to look out for in the best whiteboard markers.
The Essential Features of a Great Whiteboard Marker
Ink Visibility & Colour Intensity
The first notable trait of a high-quality marker is vibrant ink that stands out. The ink should feature vibrant colour intensity to be visible from across the entire classroom, even with lighter colours.
Speaking of colour, the best bet is to opt for black or blue for everyday writing, with red and green to help create emphasis on the most important points. Colour markers can dry out when not used daily, but opting for a high-quality marker set can largely avoid this issue.
Low-Odour & Non-Toxic Formulas
Classrooms should be 100% safe, and so markers that contain Xylene, a toxic agent sometimes added to lower-quality markers, are out of the question. Opt for low-odour, xylene-free, and non-toxic markers in your classroom.
These are ideal even in poorly-ventilated classrooms for extended use, although proper ventilation is always encouraged to keep the young minds fresh and engaged.
Erasing Ease & Board Compatibility
Quality markers will feature high-quality release agents that create a film between the ink and the whiteboard, allowing the ink to be erased easily, leaving no mess and no smudging. This is especially important on older or lower-quality whiteboards that are more prone to staining.
That said, it’s advised to regularly clean your whiteboard (at least weekly) to ensure that the surface stays pristine. Opting for high-quality whiteboards with a non-porous surface is also a great idea – they can be more expensive, but will save money in the long term, given their durability.
Finally, using a high-quality whiteboard eraser will help to further reduce the chance of smudging, staining, and replacing whiteboards too often.
Tip Shape and Line Width
Quality markers usually give you an option in tip shape and size, with bullet tips being the most common and well-suited to everyday writing. If you want to experiment with line thickness for additional emphasis, chisel-tips are great for this.
Longevity and Sustainability
Even if you purchase the highest-quality marker possible, it can’t function without ink. Investing in markers with a visible ink level will help you determine when it’s time to replace – or better yet – refill your markers. Refillable markers offer better value over the long term and help reduce plastic waste.
We can’t speak for everyone, but PILOT markers are made with recycled materials, offering greater environmental sustainability. It’s always wise to check on the manufacturer and see whether they use recycled materials in their products.
Matching Marker Features to Teaching Styles
For the most effective learning experience, it’s a good idea to tailor your marker set according to your teaching style and students. Whether you’re teaching a preschool class or high schoolers, different markers will help you attain different goals.
Using a whiteboard with preschoolers or primary school kids, bright, fun colours can be a great way to engage students. You can add plenty of visual stimulation for the younger minds so they can effectively soak up information.
Teaching complex subjects such as maths or science requires a high-quality blue or black marker for all those formulas. For special emphasis on critical steps or commonly misunderstood concepts, a red marker can also come in handy.
If you’re teaching back-to-back classes all day, durable, low-maintenance markers are crucial. On the other side, if you’re a substitute teacher and don’t use your markers every day, you’ll want reliable markers that work out of the box on demand.
There is another consideration to make, though, regarding sustainability and the environment.
High-Quality Markers Should be Sustainable
Many Australian schools are working towards greener classrooms, and it’s a great idea to consider how markers can impact the environment. Plastic waste is an undeniable modern problem.
But we don’t have to swear off plastic altogether. Instead, we can simply seek viable alternatives. One such alternative is refillable markers, which produce far less plastic waste than disposable alternatives.
They’re also more affordable over the long term, with refills costing less, on average, than a box of new markers. Also, keep an eye out for markers made from recycled materials when possible, since this practice also helps to reduce waste.
Longer-lasting markers will further reduce the waste produced, and we have a few tips to help extend the life of your markers, too.
Tips to Maximise Marker Life and Whiteboard Longevity
Whether you do it for the environment or for your own pocket, we all want our markers to last longer. So here are a few solid tips to help maximise their lifetime.
Store markers horizontally to keep ink flowing evenly.
Always cap markers when not in use or during an extended pause in a lesson to prevent drying.
Clean the whiteboard at least once a week with a quality whiteboard cleaner to prevent a buildup of grime that could affect the performance and lifetime of your markers.
Use adequate pressure when using markers – excess pressure can damage the tip.
Use soft erasers or cloths to avoid damaging the surface of your whiteboard.
These few helpful tips will help your markers last longer, reducing waste and cost in one.
Better Tools, Better Teaching
Whiteboard markers are just one small part of our lives. High-quality markers won’t change lives and save the world from plastic waste. But every small difference adds up and amplifies the quality of teaching and learning.
If you’re in the market for a new set of high-quality, refillable markers that keep the environment in mind, we highly recommend the PILOT V Board Master range. These markers have pure, bright ink, are refillable, and are made from 93% recycled materials. They match all the characteristics of a high-quality marker.
About Author
Stephanie Janolo
At Pilot Pen Australia, she bridges the gap between digital and timeless writing instruments. Beyond the realm of pixels and algorithms, her inspiration strikes in the form of art, museums and lyrical narratives of Taylor Swift.
