Pros: bullet-tip offers consistent line width when writing, slim barrel fits easily in hand, non-toxic
Cons: dry erase marker stains clothing, odor may be offensive to some
The Bottom Line: I wrote a list of chores for the Bottom Line using the dry erase marker on white board. The Bottom Line erased the list and is watching TV!
dlstewart's Full Review: Sanford Expo Dry Erase Marker Fine Point
The girls enjoy writing on white boards. So, of course, being the dutiful auntie that I am ... I bought them portable white boards and some Expo Dry Erase markers. In their marker stash, the girls each have one red bullet marker. How does it compare to a chisel point dry erase marker ... and which markers do they use most often?
Description
The Expo bullet-tip markers I own are slim-shaped like a pen. They measure 5 3/8" long x 3/8" wide. The barrel is round and designed so that the cap fits on the end of marker (so it doesn’t get lost). Conveniently, the cap is the color of the ink ... in this case the color red. The marker barrel is marked “Sanford Expo” and “Bold Color Dry Erase”.
Expo markers come in four tip sizes: chisel, bullet, fine, ultra fine. This marker has the bullet tip, and as the name suggests, is in the shape of a bullet. The tip is 1/4" long and rounded at the end.
The ink is certified as AP non-toxic. While these markers are designed to easily erase from white board surfaces, the markers will stain clothing.
In case you are wondering, these markers come in eight colors: black, red, blue, green, yellow, orange, brown, purple. They can also be purchased with a fat barrel.
Our Experiences
The girls have owned these Expo dry erase markers for over two years. I keep the white boards and markers at my house so they have something to do while visiting. They enjoy drawing pictures, creating mazes, writing dinner menus and activity lists, and even keep game scores and do math problems.
One thing I like about these markers is that they are slim and easily fit the hand. It’s just like writing with a slim marker or a pen. The caps fit snugly on the end of the markers, too. They don’t just perch on the end ... they slide an inch over the barrel for a secure fit.
Written lines are about an 1/8" wide. The lines are bold and easy to read on the white board. The marker flows with consistently shaped lines, no jerking or fading unless the writer uses uneven pressure. The red is a nice color, too. Not too light and not dark like a burgundy. It’s a bit darker than a true red. The ink also quickly dries.
I don’t notice much odor when these markers are used. As an experiment I wrote a message and could smell the ink for maybe a minute after writing. And the smell is moderate. You know the marker has been used, but the smell doesn’t make your eyes roll in your head.
The girls also have Expo chisel-tip markers. The chisel-tip markers allow the user to write in different widths depending upon how the marker is held. A chisel marker can write in the same width as the bullet-tip marker. The biggest difference between the two types of markers is that 1) chisel-tips offer more writing widths and 2) the bullet markers I own have a slimmer barrel.
When the girls open the bag of markers, they reach for the chisel-tip markers. It doesn’t matter to them if the barrel is slim or wide. I asked them why they preferred using the chisel-tip markers, and they said that the chisel markers make fatter, bolder writing.
I sometimes use Expo markers and like the bullet-tip marker. The slim barrel is more comfortable in my hand than a wider barrel. I like that I don’t have to wonder if I am holding the chisel-tip marker the correct way to create consistent width letters. The bullet-tip marker writes the same way all the time.
When the girls use the dry erase markers, they are very careful not to mark their clothing. Dry erase markers tend to ruin clothes.
Expo vs. Expo2
I was confused at first when I learned there were two types of Expo markers. The Expo marker (like this one) has a stronger smell since it uses methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK). This chemical is like the one used in fingernail polish remover.
The Expo2 markers still have an odor, but it is not as invasive. The ink is alcohol based.
Dry Erase Marker Care
These markers should be stored horizontally, which is easy with the girls. We keep their dry erase markers in a clear zippered plastic bag. The markers lay flat, are easy to view, and stay all in one place.
Should a marker tip fade during writing, there is a way to restore color to the tip. Simply place the marker vertically so that the tip is face down. Make sure the cap is tightly sealed before doing this. Keep the marker in the vertical position for 24 hours. According to the manufacturer, this should restore color to the tip. Since our markers have not yet displayed faded ink, we have not had to try this technique.
It is easy to wipe dry eraser marker from white boards. Either use a dry erase eraser or a dry paper towel. A swipe of paper towel lifts the marker with ease.
Purchasing
I bought these dry erase markers at my local pharmacy for 99-cents each. However, they are also available at office supply and department stores. Staples sells a 4 pack of assorted colors for $5.55 and an 8 pack for $9.71.
Summary
The girls give these markers a grade B. Would I buy the Expo Bullet Tip Markers again? No. I don’t often use the white board. These markers last a long time, so I don’t expect I’ll need to replace them soon. Since the girls prefer using the chisel-tip markers, I would buy those again. The bullet-tip markers have missed the bulls-eye for this family.
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