- Ryan Robinson
- Updated: September 11, 2026
Most people only use dry erase markers to scribble a few words here or there on a whiteboard. At Ink Factory, the whiteboard is a huge part of our day-to-day.
Our studio has over 500 square feet of whiteboard space that we cover in dry erase drawings on a regular basis.
We’ve talked about ways to maximize your office’s whiteboard, but how about becoming an expert at dry erase drawings? Here are some helpful tips and tricks to help boost your dry-erase drawing abilities.
What Supplies Do You Need for Dry Erase Drawings?
The right markers make the biggest difference: fresh, non-dried-out markers with the correct tip type for what you’re drawing.
First, check your markers to make sure they aren’t dried up. When markers are dry, they become hard to use and the ink is harder to see. We recommend stocking up on plenty of fresh markers. Black is used most often, so double or triple up on your black marker inventory. We also like to reduce waste by using refillable dry-erase markers.
There are two main types of dry-erase marker tips, and knowing the difference matters:
Chisel tips are actually two tips in one—the fatter side draws a thicker line, the thinner side a skinnier one. Pick one side and stick with it for consistent lettering.
Bullet tips have a single, even line width no matter the angle you hold them at. They’re less common for dry-erase markers, but great for writing and small details.
How Can You Improve Your Handwriting for Dry Erase Drawings?
Practice writing on a vertical surface at a larger size than you’re used to (about 1 inch tall or more) since dry erase markers feel different than a pen or pencil.
It helps to practice your handwriting using dry erase markers specifically. The marker itself feels different (more slippery) than a pen or pencil, and writing vertically on a whiteboard is a different motion than writing on a horizontal surface like a table.
It also helps to practice because other people are usually going to be reading what you write. Give yourself a little extra time as you write to keep your handwriting legible.
If you’re writing down notes during a meeting on a whiteboard, focus on capturing only the main points rather than every word. Filtering information in your head as you go gives you more time to make a few words really easy to read, instead of scribbling as many words as possible. You can find more tips on this in our guide to learning visual note-taking.
How Do You Erase Dry Erase Marker Ink Cleanly?
Let the ink dry fully before erasing. Wet ink smudges, but dry ink wipes off cleanly with your finger, a pencil eraser, or a microfiber cloth.
One of the best features of dry-erase markers is the ability to erase. Once dry, the ink wipes off very cleanly, which you can use to your advantage—straightening a line, cleaning up the edge of a shape, or even writing on top of a solid color. Just make sure the ink is fully dry first, or it will smudge. To speed up drying, simply blow air onto it. It should dry almost instantly.
This also means ink can get erased by accident. Someone leaning against the board, or your own hand resting on a drawn image, can wipe off part of your work. To avoid this, stabilize your hand with your pinky while drawing instead of resting your whole hand on the board. This minimizes how much of the board you touch and helps protect the rest of your work.
How Do You Color In Dry Erase Drawings Without Smudging?
Work slowly and use smaller strokes—dry-erase ink can’t keep up with fast, large movements, so a more deliberate pace gives you fuller, cleaner color.
Dry erase markers feel different than normal markers when covering a larger surface. If you’ve tried to color with a dry-erase marker and watched it erase itself as you go, here’s how to avoid that:
Take it slow. Covering a large area too quickly outpaces the marker’s ink flow. A slower, more deliberate pace gives you fuller color.
Go smaller with your lines. Working in smaller strokes, even though it seems counterintuitive, helps you use the ink more fully as you color.
Start with color and finish with your outline, rather than the reverse especially with light colors under a black outline. Even once dry, lighter colors are still easy to erase or blend if the outline touches them.
If you need to sketch your image before coloring, use pencil directly on the board. Draw lightly, color in your chosen shade, then trace over your outline in black for a clean, finished image. Pencil erases easily with the same 50/50 water-alcohol spray mix that removes dry erase marker ink.
These are a few ways to make you a dry erase marker expert. If you want to learn more about making the most of the whiteboards in your office, we can teach you and your team how with a custom workshop.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get my dry erase markers to work better?
Why are my dry erase markers drying out so fast?
The lifespan of your marker can be impacted by how much you use it, how well the cap is sealing around the marker, the quality of the marker itself, and even how humid or dry your environment is.
If you find the dry erase markers you buy are constantly drying out, try purchasing a set of refillable dry erase markers.
What is the difference between bullet tip and chisel tip dry erase markers?
Chisel tips are wedge-shaped and actually function as two tips in one. The thicker side draws a thicker line, the thinner side a skinnier one.
Bullet tips are rounded and have a single, even line width no matter the angle you hold them at. They're less common for dry-erase markers, but great for writing and small details.
What are the best fine tip dry erase markers?
If you're drawing on a small scale dry erase board, fine tip dry erase markers are a good option. We don't recommend them for large scale boards, as the marks they make will be too small to see from a distance.
Neuland, Uline, Expo, and Pilot all make excellent options for fine tip dry erase markers.
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