Top 12 Best Chalk Markers in 2023

Chalk markers are an easy choice for illustrations on various non-porous surfaces with their powdery and vivid pigments. We can see many use chalk markers to decorate blackboards, mirrors, windows, and glasses for home and business use.

However, with so many available marker brands, with their different designs, price, and ink quality, it can be overwhelming to pick out the best chalk markers that will suit your needs.

To make your search easier, we have compiled all the highly-recommended chalk markers among experienced buyers. We will discuss what we like and don’t like about each of them, plus a buying guide for your convenience. So, read on!

Chalk Markers Reviews

1. Chalky Crown Liquid Chalk Markers

First on our list is Chalky Crown’s Liquid Chalk Markers. These markers are non-toxic, water-based, and very easy to use, making it perfect for adults and children alike. They sell these markers in three styles – bold, jumbo, and metallic – so whatever you need them for, surely at least one of these is for you.

I like that the colors come out bold and bright and that the 6mm tips for the bold and metallic styles are reversible between bullet and chisel tips, making the markers more versatile. That means I can make fine, precise details with the smaller end of the chisel tip and make thicker ones with the widest side or with the bullet tip, perfect for any purpose that isn’t very big lettering.

It’s also not hard to get the ink running at first use. If in any case a marker tip gets worn out, there are two replacement tips, at least for the bold and metallic versions. The jumbo version comes in 15mm square tips and doesn’t have extra replacement ones.

It says on the box that it’s best used on glass, plastic, metal, and other non-porous surfaces. However, I’ve found that these may not be good chalk pens for chalkboard paint. The longer it is left on the chalkboard, the harder it becomes to remove, and it even leaves a nasty mark. The extra tips might also be a choking hazard for younger kids, so be warned.

2. Cedar Markers Liquid Chalk Markers

Cedar Markers Liquid Chalk Markers are the best chalk pens for you, if you want a good bang for your buck or if you’re looking into buying markers in bulk. Each set, 12 or 18-pack, comes with the normal vibrant pastel colors and a few extra metallic and/or wine glass markers.

These markers are water-based and non-toxic, so it’s safe for your family and the environment. I also love that it comes with over 40 free chalkboard labels with different designs, so I can use and customize the labels on so many things and can easily change them whenever I want to.

What makes this product unique, which I especially like, is that the box comes with tweezers for changing the marker tips. Not only does it make reversing them much easier, but it also eliminates having to touch the tips with my hands, making it a mess-free process. The marker caps are also improved to help keep the tips from getting worn out over time.

Unfortunately, like Cedar Markers has mentioned, not all chalkboards are suitable for their markers. Do a spot test first before fully using the markers, especially the silver, gold, and black ones on your chalkboard. They explicitly mention that chalkboard markers don’t come off chalk paint.

It also takes a while to get the ink running through the tip of the markers, and there are no replacement tips included in the box. However these markers are inexpensive, and you can buy some separately.

3. Chalkola Vintage Colors Chalk Markers

If you’re into pastel colors, then Chalkola’s Vintage Colors Chalk Markers are for you. They come in 10 beautiful and classic pastel colors and are safe for kids to use, as they are non-toxic, water-based, and dust-free compared to regular chalk.

I think the pastel colors give off a different feel compared to the usual neon colors chalk markers come in, which I like.

These markers can be used on all sorts of non-porous surfaces such as glass and ceramic, so I find it nice that you can easily make DIY art projects with it for home decorations and even use them for the kids’ art activities.

The reversible tips make the markers versatile enough for multiple purposes, so it’s not a problem. I can make both fine and thick lines in one product.

It’s also nice that it’s not hard to get the markers started on first use, and after that, it glides smoothly on surfaces and gives off a very rich color. When you need to erase them, Chalkola mentions that these markers are wet erase (use water) on blackboards, but they are dry erase (use a dry cloth) on glass and mirrors. Still, I find that it varies per surface.

You have to be careful with using them on chalkboards, though. Not all chalkboards are non-porous, so you might want to test the markers first on a small spot before really using them. Otherwise, you might find that you can’t erase your supposedly-erasable chalk markers.

Lastly, it looks like there are no extra marker tips that come with the product. You’ll have to buy it separately whenever you get a tip lost or worn out. They’re inexpensive, so it shouldn’t be a problem.

4. Gotideal Liquid Chalk Markers

This product offers a huge range of colors in one set. The GOTIDEAL Liquid Chalk Markers come with 30 colored markers; 26 of which are neon and 4 are metallic, which makes them practical for various purposes.

The marker tips are also reversible between the bullet and chisel type. For me, the reversible tips plus the wide assortment of colors means that I won’t have any problems whenever I want to do more detailed line and colorwork. It also means that there are fewer limitations in whatever project I get into.

Apart from those, the product also comes with 24 label stickers and 3 extra tips for free, so you can change tips if some of them get worn out or get lost. They’re also very easy to clean off and are non-toxic and water-based. It’s also nice that they are smooth to use and that the colors show up vibrant, which is exactly what I want in chalk markers. Regular chalk is not as saturated.

There’s really not a lot of bad things to say about this product apart from that they may not be suitable for chalkboards. Double-check and test a spot on your board first before using these markers on it, or you might accidentally leave a mark permanently.

5. Brilliant Bee Liquid Chalk Markers

A product for all sorts of creators, there’s not a lot that can go wrong with Brilliant Bee’s Liquid Chalk Markers.

This product includes a variety of colors from black to white, classic to neon, and even metallic colors. These markers can be used on any non-porous surface such as metal, plastic, and even your car windows.

Easy and mess-free markers are always a plus, and these ones hit the spot perfectly. Not only are the colors vibrant and diverse, but it’s also really convenient that the tips are reversible. I can use the chisel tip for finer lines and the other for thicker ones. Versatile markers always have a space in my art projects.

These markers are also non-toxic, water-based, and easy to erase, so not only is the cleanup mess-free, but you can also bring kids along for your art activities without worrying about a thing. They’re dust and odor-free, making it safe for you and the kids’ respiratory health.

However, it’s important to remember that these markers should only be used on enamel chalkboards and not slate. They can be hard to erase on slate chalkboards, and they may leave permanent marks. Regardless, try it first on any surface you’re working on before using it. Another downside is that it doesn’t come with extra marker tips.

6. Blami Arts Rainbow Splash Chalk Markers

Get children away from electronics and free their imaginations with these colorful chalk markers from Blami Arts. These water-based markers are non-toxic and dust-free, making it perfect and safe for kids to use as compared to the regular, dusty chalk. Plus, the ink dries very quickly, which means artists and creators can work quickly as well.

It’s great that it’s not hard to get these markers started, and I’m amazed that the ink flow is just right. It’s not too dry and not too runny. The application is smooth too, and I have no problems with it. It’s also convenient that the tips are reversible from the bullet to chisel type, which just adds to the product’s versatility.

These markers work on any non-porous surface and even on semi-porous ones, although I found out that you might need a little elbow grease when cleaning it off the latter. Needless to say, it’s not only for kids to use, as adults can also use these markers for their own art projects or their businesses. Imagination is not limited by age, after all.

What’s unique about this product is that they provide you with a cleaning sponge specifically for their markers. Blami Arts mentions that it’s also for erasing marks on chalkboards which are semi-porous surfaces, so it can be difficult getting them off of it.

They also note that the gold and silver metallic markers are only erasable from non-porous surfaces, and they might leave permanent marks on chalkboards. Remember to always test your work surface first before using the markers on them.

7. Chalkola Liquid Chalk Markers

If you’re looking for a wide variety of colors in one box, then these Chalkola Chalk Markers are for you. Each box contains 30 different neon and classic colors.

The product comes in 3mm and 6mm variants, so it’s nice that they give you the option to choose the size that works for your purposes better.

The tips of these markers are reversible between bullet/fine and chisel tip, and with its huge selection of colors, this product is no doubt an ace in versatility. They are also very easy to get started with the instructions given, and they flow very smoothly with bold colors. They also look amazing on a solid black background.

These chalk markers are advertised for everyone to use and seeing as it is non-toxic, water-based, and dustless that also makes it safe for kids to use. It’s a wet-wipe marker which means that all you’ll need is a damp cloth to erase it from surfaces. When used on glass, though, it turns to a dry-erase marker, which means you can simply erase it with a dry cloth.

It’s important to note, however, that these markers are only erasable on non-porous objects, and they become permanent on porous ones. You should also be careful when using it on chalkboards because they might still leave a mark. It depends on the boards, but always do a spot test before using them. Additionally, when you damage a tip, you have to get a replacement separately.

8. Chalktastic Liquid Chalk Markers

These Fantastic Chalktastic Professional Liquid Chalk Markers are perfect for your signs, mirrors, menus, and any other decorative purposes on all sorts of non-porous surfaces. These are also safe for kids as they are non-toxic and odorless, so there’s no harm in bringing them along on the fun.

There are 8 neon markers in each box, and during use, I find that they are very vibrant and the marker runs smoothly on the surface. It’s also dust-free and very easy to clean up with just a cloth or a sponge damp with water. I can use it on windows and boards and have no problems cleaning them up. There are only 8 colors though, so I don’t think you can do big art projects with this set.

The caps of these markers are also designed to avoid tip damage while replacing the caps, which I find really convenient as someone who has worn out a couple of markers just from placing the caps on. That means it also prevents kids from doing the same. When you’re busy switching colors, you don’t always notice how you place the caps on.

It’s hard to get the markers running at first without a little effort, though, despite the instructions given in the box. But after that, they run smoothly and evenly. You should also note that these markers are not suitable for all chalkboards since these boards are not all made the same because of the many manufacturers. As always, test on a small area before use.

Lastly, the product doesn’t come with extra marker tips in case you lose or break one.

9. MMFB Arts & Crafts Liquid Chalk Markers

The MMFB Arts & Crafts Liquid Chalk Markers is magnificent because of all the options they give you. It’s very attractive to me that I am given so many color and tip size choices, along with 45 free chalkboard labels. Whatever your needs are, they’ll definitely have an option for you.

Their tip sizes can go as small as 1mm fine and as big as 15mm square. Except for the 1mm fine tip, all the tips for the different size variants are reversible, adding versatility to each box. The color choices they offer are bright, classic, metallic, and pastel with the bright set being neon under UV light, best for bars and cafés signs at night. Plus, the ink dries off within seconds.

What’s interesting about these markers is that while they won’t fade over time, they are meant to smudge as regular chalk does. It all boils down to preference, how you want your chalk markers to behave, but I think it gives the markers a little personality. It just becomes troublesome when you’re using them for labels on items you hold often, like jars and bottles.

These markers are erasable on non-porous surfaces and are permanent on porous ones, but they do not bleed on paper. However, they are not designed for use on traditional porous chalkboards, so they advise to do a small test area first before use. It also doesn’t have extra marker tips.

10. Crafty Croc Liquid Chalk Markers

If you’ve always had problems with markers running out too quickly, then the Crafty Croc Liquid Chalk Markers are for you. With 8 grams of ink in each marker, it’s guaranteed that there will be no need to buy a new set anytime soon, which saves you time and money.

These award-winning chalk markers come in 3mm non-reversible fine tips and 6mm bullet/chisel reversible tips. They also give you bright neon and earth tones color options, allowing for a little more diverse color detail in your illustrations.

The colors on these markers are bright and vibrant, and a box comes with replacement tips for when one becomes damaged. It’s also neat that the tips are reversible. These non-toxic and water-based markers are very easy to wipe off with a damp cloth or even baby wipes.

These markers work on all non-porous surfaces but may be permanent on porous ones. Crafty Croc also warns that you have to determine first if your chalkboard is porous or non-porous because the markers can leave a mark on porous ones.

As a little extra too, they have a program called Crafty Cares where they donate toothbrushes to their humanitarian aid partners every time someone purchases their products, which I think is a very nice thing for them to do.

11. Penguin Art Supplies Artist Chalk Markers

These chalk markers from Penguin Art Supplies are 3mm fine tips, allowing for precise lines and small detailed work. Each box contains 12 markers, a mix of classic and silver and gold colors and 24 bonus chalkboard labels in 8 designs.

I like that the product is very simple and straightforward at a reasonable price. There are no reversible tips. The markers are non-toxic, water-based, and odor-free, and it can be used by anyone above 3 years old. They can easily be erased on all non-porous surfaces, and they are permanent on porous ones.

It’s a bit difficult to get the ink running on the tips, but after that, it’s smooth and gives out fine and bright marks. Along with the bonus stickers, not only is labeling much easier, but it’s also more fun. I can draw cute custom illustrations along with the text, so the labels are colorful and not dull.

Unfortunately, I find that the tips of the markers can deform quite easily, so there needs to be a little extra care when using them. That includes placing the cap back on. It’s also sad that they don’t include extra marker tips in the package, so you have to buy some separately.

It’s also important to remember that chalk markers are not suitable for all chalkboards, and you need to test it first before using them.

12. Kassa Liquid Chalk Markers

These Kassa Liquid Chalk Markers are kid-friendly and very easy to clean. They are non-toxic, odor-free, and dustless compared to their regular chalk counterparts. So, if you’ve grown tired of the mess of chalk, then get this product and see how different it can be.

Each package of these markers come in 10 colors, and the product comes in 3mm and 6mm tip sizes. It’s very simple to use, and I like that the tips are reversible for both tip size options. The tips can be switched between bullet and chisel type, so even if you got yourself the bigger size, your drawing can still get even finer with the smaller side of the chisel tip.

The colors also come out bright and bold. As someone who can occasionally damage the marker tips, I love that they include two extra replacement ones in the package in case you lose a tip or it gets worn out. It’s also very easy to clean with a damp cloth or sponge.

It’s unfortunately inconvenient that it takes some work to get the ink running on these markers. It also seems like the tips are cheaply made, so they can break easily. Just be careful not to apply too much pressure during use. It can also be hard to erase and may leave a phantom mark on some chalkboards.

How To Choose Chalk Markers

What are chalk markers and what makes them different?

Chalk markers or chalkboard pens are liquid markers that dry to a chalk-like texture. Contrary to its name, they don’t actually have chalk in them. They are only similar to regular chalk in appearance and nothing else. While chalk is made of limestone, chalk markers are made of pigment ink that gives it that famous chalk-like texture when dry.

Regular chalk is known to produce a lot of dust when used, and this dust is bad for those who have allergies or asthma. It is also bad for electronic devices located in the same room. Because of that, chalk markers became a popular option for those who are facing these problems. With chalk markers, you get a chalk-like result without the dust residue.

The best liquid chalk markers are those that are non-toxic and odor-free which is what we all want in markers, especially if they are going to be used by kids. They should also have vibrant colors that do not fade. These markers come in different types and tip shapes.

Types

There are two most popular types of chalk markers.

Waterproof markers will not be erased by water, as the name implies; so, they are mainly for outdoor applications where the drawing surface may be susceptible to getting wet from the rain. They are semi-permanent and resistant to UV light, so they will not fade in any weather while they’re outdoors.

These markers are ideal for outdoor surfaces where there’s no need to frequently change what you’ve made. To remove waterproof markers, you need cleaners with a pH level of 10 or above, such as Windex.

Wet-wipe markers are more appropriate for indoor purposes because these can easily be removed with a damp cloth. They cannot be rubbed off when they’re dry. There are also UV wet-wipe chalk markers that are very fluorescent and show true neon colors on dark boards. These can be removed dry and without using a damp cloth.

Wet-wipe chalk markers are perfect when you need to frequently change what you wrote, like in café menus.

Both marker types need 1-2 minutes to dry before you can add another color to avoid streaking or bleeding. It’s also important that you’re using these markers on non-porous surfaces, so they can be removed, but nothing’s stopping you from using them on mediums such as paper. Just be warned that they may leave a permanent mark on porous surfaces.

Tip Shapes

There are different types of marker tips, each having their own advantages against others.

Fine point tips are for drawing or writing smaller and more accurate details. They offer a consistent stroke width. Use this if precision is important.

Bullet point tips are rounder compared to fine point tips, and they are for drawing thicker lines but still with a consistent stroke width.

Chisel tips are slanted and versatile. Because of it, you can draw thick or thin lines with one marker by changing the angle. Popular in lettering and calligraphy.

Square tips are wide and used for bigger drawings.

There can be more shapes that are not listed here. Some brands also sell their markers with reversible tips to add versatility, and they can also come in varying sizes, depending on the manufacturer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is This for?

Chalk markers are versatile and can be used for many applications. It’s for anyone who doesn’t like the mess that comes with regular chalks and the chemical odor from dry-erase markers.

They’re very popularly used for food advertisements and menus in cafes and bars, but they can also be used for schools in place of regular chalk or simply for decorative purposes in your home or business applications.

What are The Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Chalk Markers?

There are many ways to decorate or write on surfaces, but each medium has traits that may be unattractive for some people.

Regular chalk generates a lot of dust, and therefore can be dangerous not only for people with allergies and asthma but also for electronic devices. Dustless chalk exists, but they are not completely dustless; the dust particles they generate are heavier, so they fall to the ground instead of staying in the air; but, they still create a mess.

Dye-based markers like Sharpie pens or the ones used on whiteboards are dustless, but they also emit a strong chemical odor.

The advantages of chalk markers against the ones written above are that they are non-toxic and odor-free. They work on all non-porous surfaces. However, it’s important to note that if you want to use them on chalkboards, you have to be careful. Not all chalkboards are suitable for chalk markers, and they may leave a permanent mark. Try it out on a small area first.

How do You Use Chalk Markers?

When using new chalk markers for the first time, you want to first make sure to get the tips saturated with ink, so you can use it normally. There should be instructions in the box the markers came in, but the general idea is to shake the marker and to press (but not too hard) and release the tip on a surface until ink flows to it.

After that, you can use the chalk markers as you would any regular marker. Double-check if the type you’re using is the right one for your indoor or outdoor application. Make sure the surface you’re drawing on is non-porous, so you can erase it easily.

Keep in mind that chalk markers need 1-2 minutes to dry before you can draw over a different color. Also, remember to store your markers properly after use.

Where can We Buy Them?

You can find chalk markers in a variety of places, as they are highly available everywhere. There are many chalk markers available online like Amazon or eBay, but be wary because buying them online means you can’t test them beforehand.

You can also get them in physical stores such as Walmart and Home Depot where you can test them before you buy them, so you’re sure of what you’re getting.

How do You Care for Chalk Markers?

The most important thing to remember is to always put the caps on whenever you’re not using the markers, even when you’re switching from color to color. Additionally, don’t put too much pressure when you’re using them, so the tips don’t deform too quickly. If ever, replacement tips should not be too costly.

When not in use, always store the markers horizontally or upright and with the cap on very tight, so they don’t dry out. If they do, try to revive them by making sure the caps are put on tightly and store them vertically with the tips pointing down for 24 hours.

How do You Erase Them?

Each product you buy will have its instructions on how to erase the marks. The general idea is, if they are wet-wipes, remove them with a damp cloth. Otherwise, a high-pH cleaner like Windex should work. Unfortunately, the simple damp cloth method will not work on all surfaces since some can be semi-porous.

Even if the box says they’re wet-wipe markers, you’ll find that sometimes they won’t remove without cleaners. I also recommend picking up a magic eraser for your chalkboard markers, as they can help significantly.

Always test your surface first before using the markers on them. It can be difficult to find the best chalk marker for chalkboard paint because they are not all made the same and not all of them are non-porous. Some people also recommend priming or seasoning your chalkboard before use, but sometimes the markers can still leave marks. You’ll just have to be careful.

What are The Most Reliable Chalk Marker Brands?

There are a lot of manufacturers of chalk markers in the market, and each may have different target audiences. The more popular ones include Chalkola and Chalky Crown and Crafty Croc’s markers got an award for their quality product. However, the brand should not be a significant factor in choosing a set of markers.

Give ample time to check and research chalk markers no matter what the brand. You’ll never know the quality of a product unless you allot time to try them out and to read customer reviews. Maybe the perfect chalk markers for you are not from a popular brand.

Conclusion

Chalk markers are versatile and can be used for all sorts of project. Looking for the best ones for your art needs requires thorough consideration, especially because there are so many brands and options available. It can be overwhelming to choose, but with our reviews and buying guide, you should now be well on your way to finding the best chalk markers for you.