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The call came in like many do, “We need IdeaPaint Chalk Markers will your markers work on IdeaPaint?” We have reports from many customers one as far away as Australia using them so “Sure they will work for you.” An easy answer, but our recommendation became a bit cautious for a few reasons.

Explaining the best product for IdeaPaint is the Zig Illumigraph marker we started to review the darker colors like violet, red and blue. Noah Lydiard of PJA Advertising and Marketing started asking if we had any lighter colors. He then explained that this was a clear IdeaPaint wall over a green painted wall. This key lime green wall would make an outstanding palette for all the ZigPosterman Colors.

Noah was looking for wide bold markers, something that would be highly opaque and have wide tips. The advantage with Illumigrpaph is that they can be removed with a damp cloth or even wiped off of IdeaPaint with a soft rag. A nice option in the office or home, plus they come as wide as 2 inches.

A Violet 50mm Zig Illumigrpah marker drawing a driping line on a IdeaPaint Wall, IdeaPaint Chalk Markers

PJA also wanted some dark colors, though not available in the Illumigraph they are available in the Zig-Posterman Wet-Wipe marker. He opted to add Black Blue and Brown in 15mm to all the 50 and 15mm Illumigraph colors offered.

Flourescent Zig Illumigrpah paint on a lime green idea paint wall the design is drippingPausing for a moment in our conversation on his project… Even taking a deep breath when the next statement came up. “We just painted the wall today, (Thursday) the artists set up to come in at the beginning of the next week.” It is recommended by the manufacture of IdeaPaint that the wall dry for three days.  The cure should be a bit longer with ZigPosterman markers.  This is important since the water based Wet-Wipes are removed with a damp cloth.  The fluid can soak into the drywall if it is not sealed and has dried well.

Willing to take the chance Noah at PAJ and Steve Young here at Cohas Chalkboard Systems put together the order. Out it went Friday night UPS ground for delivery to the PJA Advertising and Marketing firm in Cambridge Monday.

Starting with a blank green wall coated with IdeaPaint Clear, artists Josh Falk and Matthew Zaremba create IdeaPaint chalk markers bold radiating lines with the Zig Illumigraph 50mm marker in violet. Surprising us the next color laid down was Yellow while watching the video for the first time. A technician in the lab screamed, “wait, wait, wait” when the artist was pressing down on the marker causing it to drip and run. While not a normal use we just waited for the video to run and the art to develop.

Artists remove Zig Illumigraph paint marker cleanly from a IdeaPaint wallBlending with a water spray and paper towel the next step was to mask of sections of the design. Then the magic of Zigs and IdeaPaint came out. Josh and Matthew cleaned the marker off the IdeaPaint coated wall with a damp cloth. Some of the marker paint was thick from layers in the design. In the end it was 100% clean with no ghosting or marks.  After that the cleaned area received a solid coating of red Zig Illumigraph marker with a Biggie 50 2 inch marker.

Then a surprise came, after coating the large solid triangles in the design they let the Zig Illumigrpaph marker paint dry. Using an eraser on the end of a pencil the Illumigraph marks were selectively removed to inscribe the message “Nurture the Things that Interest You…”

 

Wall art on IdeaPaint whiteboard surface, Masked with Painters tape, coated with Red Zig Illumigraph, words etched with eraserI wonder if we should let PJA know that the Zig Illumigraph marker is Ultra Fluorescent under blacklight?

Listen now to “The Unconventinals” a pja radio production, in this show Mike O’Toole talks with Morgen Newman VP, International Sales and and Jeff Avallon, VP, Business Development of IdeaPaint. Based in Ashland, MA and founded in 2002.  IdeaPaint gives people the opportunity to unleash their creative potential through innovative tools that re-imagine the spaces where they work, learn and play. A dry erase paint, IdeaPaint turns virtually any surface into an erasable canvas.  This provides its customers the space they need to collaborate, interact and fully explore their creativity.

Join Cohas on facebook he “Liked” The Unconventionals we know you will too!

Zig Illumigraph Markers used laying on a painters cloth with tape and rags. Violet, yellow and RedLike to learn more about IdeaPaint? Visit the IdeaPaint website for work school and home!

Order Zig Markers

The markers ordered for this project are available here in our online store.  Just click the type, then select color and size you are interested in for same day shipping.

All in stock orders ship in 12 hours or less!

Illumigraph 5 sizes

Wet-Wipe 4 sizes

Waterproof 9 sizes

 

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Unlike dry erase markers, not everyone knows the details of the paint marker. You won’t find them in office supply stores; you may have never even seen one!

To make it even more confusing, paint markers are sometimes called chalk markers or wet-erase markers and come in several different types. Our “Zig Markers” come in three varieties and up to seven different sizes; three different finish types and as many as 50 colors!

This application note will help explain the types of markers offered and what they can be used for, as well as the best marker for your mission.

Waterproof Paint Marker

These markers are most often used outdoors, as they will not come off in the rain. Use them on car windows, on the painted part of a car, plastic, glass, aluminum, steel and stone; any surface that is not porous will accept the marker. They work well on chalkboards and look like chalk when dry.

Even though they make a strong bold mark, they are semi-permanent and can be removed with Windex. The marks made are resistant to UV light, so they will not fade.

Typical Applications

  • Store Window Signs
  • A-Frame Signs
  • Sidewalk Signs
  • Police Markers (for parking violations or Marking a disabled car)
  • Decorating Car Windows or the Car
  • Arts and Crafts
  • Marking Glass or Ceramics
  • Home Decor
  • Fast Pitch Signs
  • Chalk Board Art
  • White Board for semi-permanent application
  • Skateboard Art Excellent on Grip Tape
  • Helmets, Headphones, Computers and Footwear
  • Canvas and Fine Art

The marker will not “lift” when you re-coat after drying. The same color or different colors can be used next to each other with no bleeding or streaking. Just let the paint dry for 1-2 minutes before adding the next color.

On paper, canvas, cloth or other porous surfaces, the paint marker leaves a nice matte finish; an opaque mark that is permanent and light-fast. Artist will find they can create giant size calligraphy with the larger markers.

Sizes AvailableWindex shown with four sizes of Paint Marker available at Cohas.com

  • Extra Fine 1/2mm
  • Fine 1mm
  • Medium Bullet 2mm
  • Broad Chisel 6mm
  • Big and Broad 15mm
  • Cohas Modified 20mm
  • Biggie 30 30mm In new “Plus Size” long barrels!
  • Cohas Modified  30mm
  • Cohas Modified 40mm
  • Biggie 50 50mm

This type of marker only removes with Windex, Zig Posterman Cleaner or most whiteboard cleaners. The Windex must have ammonia to work.  The chemical properties needed in the cleaner for removal is a pH of 10 or higher.

The waterproof paint marker is compatible with dry erase and wet erase markers on the same board.  When removing the dry erase marker with an eraser, the waterproof mark will not remove.

Other Waterproof paint markers offered by Zig Posterman include Woodcraft and Acrylista, both of these are the same formulation as the Zig Posterman Waterproof but offer more colors.

 Wet-Wipe Paint Marker

Used on glass, plastic, blackboards, stone, whiteboards and any non-porous surface, these paint markers will always come off with a damp cloth or sponge.

Often used for menus in restaurants or special boards, they are easy to change.  Just wash away the item you would like to change.

Typical Applications

  • Store Signs
  • POP displays
  • Table, Counter or Bar Top displays
  • Arts and Crafts when easy removal is required
  • Child artwork on counters or glass
  • Chalk Board Art
  • White Board for easy to use, “erase when dry” applications
  • Menu Boards
  • Wedding and Function Message Boards
  • Kitchen Menu Boards
  • Family Calendar and Activity Board

Use as a Dry Erase Marker?

The most often used search on Cohas.com is “Wide Dry-Erase Marker”. The question is, can the wide Zig Posterman Wet-Wipe marker be used on a dry erase board?

In one word, yes!

The wet-wipe Zig Posterman (along with the Illumigraph) is the most like a dry erase marker. It is however very opaque, unlike a dry erase marker. The mark will be bold and strong on your boards, not transparent and thin.  Simply removed with water and a damp cloth or sponge.   It will not damage your whiteboard and always clean completely off your board.

Sizes Available

  • Bullet Tip 2mm
  • Broad Chisel 6mm
  • Big and Broad 15mm
  • Biggie 30 30mm (Black and White Only) Other Colors Factory discontinued January 2017

Looking for a wide marker to use on your IdeaPaint walls? The Wet-Wipe is a great option and can be cleaned with a damp cloth or sponge.  This will remove the marks even if your surface has slight defects in it.

The wet-wipe should not be used outdoors since it will come off in the rain.  It does take 1-2 minutes to dry, not as fast as a dry erase marker.  The Zig Posterman Wet-Wipe will come off cleaner than dry erase markers from dry erase boards. We have never seen staining on a white board that happens with poor quality dry erase markers.

 Zig Illumigraph Paint Marker

This is the same ink type as Wet-Wipe in how it functions.  The colors are very fluorescent, especially under black-light, lights at night or on a LED board. Dark surfaces look best with this product. The appearance can be described as a true neon line when on a lighted board like a back-lit menu board or a LED Flashing Board.

This paint marker will not damage your acrylic menu board surface and can be removed by rubbing with a soft cloth. Any stubborn marks, or if the item you are using it on has scratches or micro scratching, can be removed with a damp sponge or cloth.

A simple dry ersase eraser in Black wih a gray felt base, used to remove Zig Posterman Wet-Wipe marks from a paint marker

Zig Illumigraph Markers work very well with Dry Erasers

When used on your boards, there’s no need to take them down to change them. Unlike the inexpensive markers, these high quality paint markers will not run when you load the tip. No more dripping and dribbling down the board!

If your LED Flashing board came with markers, you will not believe the performance of the Zig Illumigraph markers when you replace them. Not only are the marks cleaner and brighter, they are also available in wider sizes allowing for big bold messages!

Typical Applications

  • Blacklight Environments
  • LED Flashing Boards
  • Table, Counter or Bar Top displays on Black Backgrounds
  • Chalk Board Art
  • Blackboard Chalk Marker for Easy to Use, “Erase When Dry” Applications
  • Menu Boards
  • Wedding and Function Message Boards Super Bright on Dark Surfaces
  • Nightclub, Hotel, Restaurant and Lounge Displays

Once dry, the marks are easy to change; perfect for price changes or changing the special of the day on your message board.

Ultra Flourescent Illumigraph Paint Marker in Red, Violet, Green, Whte, Lt. Blue, Yellow, Pink and Orange

The 8 Zig Illumigraph Ultra Fluorescent Colors come in 6mm, 15mm, 30mm and 50mm. Shown in a 15mm Size

Sizes Available

  • Bullet Tip 2mm
  • Broad Chisel 6mm
  • Big and Broad 15mm
  • Biggie 30 30mm (White Only) Other Colors Factory discontinued January 2017
  • Biggie 50 50mm (White Only) Other Colors Factory discontinued January 2017

The Zig Illumigraph Marker should not be used outdoors since it will come off in the rain. The marker is water based ink with a pigment; use care around energized electronic devices. Unplug your LED Flashing or Light Board before use and allow ink to dry.  Follow the manufactures recommendation on your writing surfaces.

Dry Erase ~ Wet Erase Tip

The Zig Posterman Illumigraph works well on Dry Erase Boards and menu boards, then when dry is removed with a soft cloth or fiber eraser.  You should always let the “ink” dry 1-2 minutes before removing.  This will keep from smearing the marks that you have made on the board.  If the marks do not come off your board it may have a softer surface than most whiteboards, in this case a damp cloth will clean away the marks with no damage to the board.

While the markers do not have the typical “Expo Colors” try the red, orange and violet markers on your whiteboard.  The marks will turn to dust when you wipe them.

Marker Safety

Pigment based solution is water based, has no odor, no VOC’s and are non-toxic.  The markers conform to EU product safety regulations for children.

Zig Posterman and Zig Illumigraph markers carry the AP Seal, all markers conform to ASTM D4236. This means that the products bearing the AP Approved Product Seal of ACMI are certified in a program of toxicological evaluation by a medic expert to contain no materials in sufficient quantities to be toxic or injurious to humans or to cause acute or chronic health problems.  This program is reviewed by ACMI’s Toxicological Advisory Board. These products are certified by ACMI to be labeled in accordance with the chronic hazard labeling standard, ASTM D 4236 and federal law, P.L. 100-695.  In addition, there is no physical hazard as defined within the 29 CFR part 1910.1200 (c).

All markers have the CE mark and comply with the CE legislation. This means that the products bearing the CE mark meet the Toy Safety regulation, EN-71, in the European Community for Standardization.

The marker caps also comply with the UK Safety Standard BS7272.  This relates to the design practices of caps to reduce the risk of asphyxiation to children.

Like to learn more?

Read about the secret world of the chalk marker to see why paint markers have exploded into the world of Chalk Art!

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