Dry erase markers typically dry out when the solvent in the ink evaporates, leaving the pigments behind. This process is accelerated by certain environmental factors and improper storage.
Key Factors Causing Dryness
Based on information from the reference, the primary culprits for dry dry-erase markers are:
- Direct Sunlight: Exposure to direct sunlight significantly speeds up the drying process of the ink. It can cause the ink inside the marker to dry out quickly, making the marker difficult to revive.
- Heat: Heat is a major contributor to the evaporation of the solvent within the ink. When the solvent evaporates, the ink thickens and dries out.
- Leaving the Cap Off: If the tip of the marker is exposed without its cap, the solvent in the ink can easily evaporate into the air due to ambient heat, causing the marker to dry out prematurely.
Understanding the Drying Process
Dry erase marker ink contains pigments mixed with a solvent (usually alcohol-based) and a release agent. The solvent keeps the ink in liquid form and allows it to flow. When you write, the solvent evaporates quickly, leaving the solid pigment and release agent on the board.
However, when the marker itself is exposed to unfavorable conditions like heat or open air (cap off), the solvent inside the marker reservoir and tip begins to evaporate before you even use it. Over time, this evaporation reduces the amount of solvent, concentrating the ink and eventually causing it to solidify, making the marker dry and unusable.
Sunlight adds another layer of stress, potentially affecting the chemical stability of the ink components and accelerating drying beyond simple solvent evaporation caused by heat.
Preventing Dry Erase Markers from Drying Out
Proper storage is essential to keep your dry erase markers functional for longer.
Here are practical tips based on the reference and general best practices:
- Always Cap Tightly: Ensure the cap clicks securely onto the marker body when not in use. This seals the tip and prevents solvent evaporation.
- Store Away from Heat: Avoid leaving markers in hot places like inside a car, near heaters, or on sunlit windowsills.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: As highlighted in the reference, direct sunlight can cause the ink inside your marker to dry out pretty quickly. Store markers in a location away from direct sun exposure.
- Choose a Cool, Dry Location: The best place to store your marker is in a cool, dry room without too much exposure to sunlight, as recommended by the reference.
- Store Horizontally (Optional but Recommended): Some sources suggest storing markers horizontally to ensure the ink remains evenly distributed around the tip, although the primary cause of drying is solvent loss, not uneven distribution when capped.
By understanding that heat and open air cause evaporation, and that direct sunlight accelerates the overall drying process, you can take simple steps to extend the life of your dry erase markers.
