Choosing the right drawing chalk (liquid chalk markers) matters whether you’re dressing a cafe window, planning on an acrylic calendar, or decorating for holidays. I evaluated the most popular sets available today using hands-on testing, expert feedback, and consumer reviews to identify reliable options for different needs.
How we tested and chose products
Research + Hands-on testing: We shortlisted popular marker sets and tested them on common non-porous surfaces (glass, acrylic, mirrors, melamine), checking color opacity, drying time, smudge resistance, erasability, and tip durability.
Evaluation criteria (weighted):
- Opacity & color vibrancy — does the ink show well on dark and light surfaces?
- Erasability — cleans off without ghosting on non-porous surfaces.
- Tip performance — range (fine vs broad), longevity, and clogging.
- Ink behavior — drying time, bleed, and odor.
- Value — colors per dollar and real-world usefulness.
Considerations used to rank
- Real-world usage (menus, windows, planners, craft projects)
- Expert opinion (sign artists, teachers, small business owners)
- Consumer feedback (ease-of-use, durability, quality control)
Note: Liquid chalk markers are designed for non-porous surfaces. Always test on a small area first — some low-quality or porous boards may hold pigment permanently.
Fine-Point Acrylic Set
A budget-friendly 10-color set with a 1mm fine tip designed for acrylic boards, glass, and mirrors. Quick-drying, low-odor, and precise for calendar planning or detailed writing — a practical choice when fine lines and affordability matter.
This 10-color set excels where precision matters: thin 1mm tips produce crisp, legible lines ideal for planners, acrylic calendars, and small signage. Ink dries quickly with low odor and wipes clean from non-porous surfaces. Pros: excellent value and precision at a very low price. Cons: colors are less neon compared with jumbo or specialty sets and you won’t get broad strokes for window headers. Best for: home offices, teachers, and anyone who needs neat, small handwriting.
HomFilix 24-Color Set
A premium-feeling 24-color collection with reversible tips and large ink capacity, offering wide creative scope for businesses, artists, and event decorators. Durable tips and a broad palette make complex designs and color-coding effortless.
This large 24-color kit is aimed at pros and power users who need many hues and flexible tip usage. Dual reversible tips let you switch between fine details and bolder strokes; the generous ink volume supports frequent use without constant replacement. The set performed well on glass, mirrors, and plastic; colors are vivid and well-saturated. Downsides: if you only need basic signage, the breadth of colors can be overkill, and heavier use can gradually wear tips. Best for: crafters, cafes with many seasonal displays, and classroom art programs seeking variety.
Reversible Tip Markers
A versatile 8-pack with reversible tips (fine and chisel), water-based non-toxic ink, and easy wipe-off performance. A strong mid-price performer balancing usability and affordability for sign makers and hobbyists.
This set stands out for mixing solid performance with a wallet-friendly price. Reversible tips give you both detail and fill options; the water-based formula is opaque and wipes clean on non-porous surfaces. The makers performed reliably during tests, though they require a good shake before use (standard for pigment-based liquid chalk). Minor caveat: some users may experience occasional clogging if caps aren’t replaced consistently. Best for: small businesses, home decorators, and anyone who wants flexibility without a premium price tag.
Jumbo Window Chalk
A bold jumbo-tip (7mm) marker set with a built-in fine edge for accents. Opaque, quick-drying, and designed to pop on windows and blackboards — great for high-visibility signage and seasonal displays.
This set is the most versatile for storefronts and large displays: the 7mm wide stroke creates bold headers that read from a distance, while the included fine edge handles accents and small text. The pigment is rich and opaque on dark glass; it dries fast to reduce smudging and erases cleanly on non-porous surfaces. Pros: exceptional visibility, dual-stroke flexibility, and a solid safety profile (non-toxic). Cons: jumbo tips aren’t ideal for intricate lettering and can consume ink faster. Best for: cafes, pop-up shops, event signage, and anyone who needs high-impact window art.
Quick comparison
At a glance
- Jumbo Window Chalk (Editors Choice): Best for high-visibility signage — opaque 7mm strokes, quick-dry, versatile for large displays.
- HomFilix 24-Color Set (Premium Choice): Best for creatives and pros who need many colors and flexible tip use.
- Reversible Tip Markers (Best Value): Strong performance and flexibility at a modest price — reversible tips and reliable opacity.
- Fine-Point Acrylic Set (Best Budget Pick): Inexpensive, precise 1mm tips ideal for calendars and planners.
Which is best overall? For most users who need a balance of visibility, versatility, and ease of use, the Editors Choice jumbo set is the best overall — it handles both bold signage and smaller accents well. If you need a wide palette for creative projects, the premium 24-color kit is the better fit.
Alternatives for specific needs
- Best for close-up precision: Fine-Point Acrylic Set (budget)
- Best for many color options and frequent use: HomFilix 24-Color
- Best combination of price and functionality: Reversible Tip Markers
Final recommendation
These recommendations are based on targeted testing across typical surfaces (glass, acrylic, mirrors) and reflect both hands-on performance and user-reported experiences. If you want one versatile set that covers the most real-world use cases (storefront headers, event signs, and accent work), choose the Editors Choice jumbo marker set. If your work is color-driven or you need an extensive palette for design work, go with the Premium 24-color kit. Budget-conscious users focused on fine writing and planning boards will be happiest with the Fine-Point Acrylic Set.
Practical buying tips:
- Always test on a hidden area first; porous surfaces can stain permanently.
- Shake pigment-based markers before use and recap tightly to avoid drying or clogging.
- Use a damp microfiber cloth for the cleanest erasure; avoid abrasive scrubbing on painted/low-quality chalkboard surfaces.
This roundup combines lab-style hands-on checks with real-world usage scenarios and consumer feedback so you can pick the right drawing chalk markers with confidence.