The best whiteboard in the room still looks bad with the wrong markers. Faint lines, streaks and stubborn ghosting are usually a marker problem, not a board problem. A few simple choices make daily writing clearer and keep surfaces looking new for longer.
Only use dry-erase markers
It sounds obvious, but permanent and flipchart markers end up on whiteboards every day. Dry-erase ink sits on top of the surface and wipes off; permanent ink bonds with it. Keep dry-erase markers in a dedicated tray and store other markers somewhere else.
Tip shape and line width
- Bullet tip (2–3 mm): everyday writing, notes and lists.
- Chisel tip: headings and diagrams that need to be read from the back of the room.
- Fine tip (1 mm): small boards, calendars and planners where space is tight.
Colours that stay readable
Black and blue are the most legible from a distance. Red works for warnings and deadlines, green for completed items. Yellow, orange and light colours are hard to read on white surfaces and are better kept for highlighting. A four-colour set covers most offices and classrooms.
Low-odour ink for shared spaces
In classrooms, small offices and home workspaces, low-odour markers are more comfortable for everyone. They are also a sensible choice for children’s boards and mini whiteboards used at desks.
Habits that protect the surface
- Wipe the board at the end of each day rather than leaving ink for weeks.
- Replace markers as soon as lines turn faint; pressing harder damages tips and leaves residue.
- Store markers horizontally so ink stays evenly spread.
- Use a proper whiteboard cleaner weekly on busy boards.
Match markers to the board
Fine-tip markers suit calendar boards and fridge calendars, where you write small dates and notes. Large wall and mobile boards need bold bullet or chisel tips so writing is visible across the room. We also supply whiteboard markers to go with board orders.
Ordering boards and markers together for a school or office? Request a bulk quote and list the board sizes and marker quantities you need.
Markers are one cause of ghosting. Learn more in whiteboard ghosting: causes and prevention.
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