The best way to store whiteboard pens to maintain their longevity is horizontally.
Why Horizontal Storage is Key
Based on expert advice, the most certain method is to store your pens horizontally. This specific orientation is crucial for several reasons related to the ink distribution within the marker:
- Prevents Ink Pooling: Storing pens vertically can cause the ink to settle at one end (either the cap end or the opposite end).
- Avoids Drying Out: When ink pools away from the nib (tip) in vertical storage, the nib can dry out prematurely, making the pen seem dead even if there's ink left.
- Prevents Flooding: Conversely, storing cap-end down vertically can cause too much ink to flood the nib, potentially leading to drips or excessive ink flow that damages the tip or board.
By keeping the pen horizontal, the ink stays evenly distributed along the reservoir, ensuring the nib remains consistently saturated without being oversaturated.
What About Nearly Empty Pens?
There is a specific exception to the horizontal rule for pens that are running low on ink:
- If your marker is on its last legs, then try storing it cap-end down. This allows any last remaining ink to pool towards the nib, potentially giving you a little extra writing time before the pen needs replacing.
Practical Storage Solutions
Achieving horizontal storage is simple with various readily available tools and organizers:
- Desk Organizers: Many desk organizers have horizontal compartments or drawers perfect for laying pens flat.
- Pencil Cases/Pouches: Soft or hard cases allow pens to lie flat.
- Trays: Simple plastic or metal trays can be used in drawers or on shelves to keep pens horizontal and organized.
- Magnetic Holders: Some magnetic pen holders are designed to hold pens horizontally on a whiteboard or magnetic surface.
- Dedicated Marker Storage: Products specifically designed for art markers often feature horizontal slots for individual pens.
Implementing horizontal storage is a simple yet effective way to ensure your whiteboard pens last longer and perform consistently.
