From daily specials to live entertainment, special events, and other important information, advertising in the foodservice industry relies heavily on the text we write and the images we draw. But with so many options out there, deciding on the perfect writing utensil for the job can be a little tricky.
Wet Erase vs. Dry Erase Marker
Markers make it easy to convey messages at your food service establishment. They produce bold, dark print, not achievable by pencils, pens, or even chalk on most surfaces.
What Is a Wet Erase Marker?
- Water-soluble dyes can only be removed with a damp cloth
- Paste-based ink makes markings semi-permanent
- Won't fade or bubble when used on illuminated boards or projector lamps
What Is a Dry Erase Marker?
- Erase with a dry eraser when used on the proper surfaces
- Alcohol-based ink makes markings easy to remove
- Easily wipes clean during classroom lectures or office meetings
When to Use Dry Erase vs. Wet Erase Markers
What surfaces do dry erase markers work on? Wondering if you can use wet erase markers on a dry erase board? While both types of markers can be used on non-porous surfaces like whiteboards, glass, laminated papers, metal, mirrors, and plastic, each type has its own distinct advantages.
Wet erase markers' semi-permanent ink makes them better for creating long-lasting markings, while dry erase markers are better for quick-changing, temporary markings. Plus, only wet erase markers can be used on black marker boards and resist heat.
Keep your whiteboards looking like new by cleaning your whiteboards properly!
Unique Advantage: easy to erase for temporary markings
Surfaces
- Best for: whiteboards
- Non-porous surfaces like glass, laminated papers, metal, mirrors, and plastic
Settings
- Classrooms - lectures, diagrams
- Offices and conference rooms - charts, presentations
- Restaurants and bars - quick-changing specials and daily flavors
Unique Advantage: semi-permanent ink for longer-lasting markings; resist heat
Surfaces
- Best for: black marker boards, illuminated boards and projector lamps
- Non-porous surfaces like whiteboards, glass, laminated papers, metal, mirrors, and plastic
Settings
- Restaurants, delis, hotels, and caterers - signs, display boards or windows
- Offices - templates, calendars
- Classrooms - overhead transparencies
Additional Types of Wet Erase Markers
A special type of wet erase markers, liquid chalk markers come in a variety of vibrant colors and are a versatile option for the food service industry.
- These markers are designed specifically to write on chalkboards, with a chalk-like look when dried.
- They're also ideal for glass, mirrors, plastics, metal, and all other non-porous surfaces.
- Note that not all wet erase markers are liquid chalk markers – be sure to check the manufacturer's packaging for surface compatibility prior to use.
Rainproof markers are great for use on outdoor advertisements, such as sidewalk signs out front of your establishment, or tabletop signs at your outdoor eatery.
- These markers ensure that your messages won't run or smudge in the rain
- They can easily be wiped off with a damp cloth
To extend the life of your markers, they should be stored horizontally with the caps on tight when not in use. To revive dried out markers, place the cap on tightly and store with the tips facing down for 24 hours.
Marker Tip Styles
Bullet Tip Markers
- Ensure a consistent line width every time you write
- Can add precise details as well as make broad strokes
Chisel Tip Markers
- Provide the most versatility
- Can easily achieve broad, medium, and fine lines
Wide Tip Markers
- Make it easy to write large letters on signs and display boards
- Feature a 2" wide tip that covers a lot of surface area at once
Fine Point Markers
- Offer a consistent stroke width perfect for writing or filling in small details
- Add small details to your drawings
Medium Point Markers
- Allow you to write on small surfaces or add details and notes to whiteboards
- Perfect for adding both precise details and broad lines
Marker Tip Size
Both wet erase and dry erase markers are available in varying tip sizes, including mini, small, large, and jumbo. Generally, the smaller the tip size, the more detailed the work; the larger the tip size, the larger the surface area covered with each stroke, and therefore the less detailed the work.
Mini Tip Markers
- 1-2 mm
- Use on small write-on chalk cards
Small Tip Markers
- 6-7 mm
- Use on small tabletop sign boards
Large Tip Markers
- 11-12 mm
- Use on write-on menu boards
Jumbo Tip Markers
- 13-15 mm
- Use on large sign boards and a-frame sign boards
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