The Best Markers for Your Acrylic Calendar or Board (Chalk Markers vs. Wet-Erase vs. Dry-Erase — Explained)

If you've ever picked up the wrong marker and ended up with ink that won't budge, you already know: not all markers are created equal. Acrylic boards have a smooth, non-porous surface that's gorgeous to look at — but it does require a little know-how when it comes to what you write on it.

Here's the definitive breakdown.

The Three Types of Markers That Work on Acrylic

1. Liquid Chalk Markers 

Liquid chalk markers like the Chalk Ink markers we carry here at Girl Friday — are hands-down the most popular choice for acrylic calendars and boards, and for good reason.

They write beautifully on clear and white acrylic surfaces, producing bold, vibrant lines that look crisp and intentional. The ink wipes off cleanly with a damp cloth or paper towel. No ghosting, no residue.

Best for:

• Clear acrylic wall calendars
• Fridge calendars (clear or white)
• Any board where you want a clean, decorative look

Tips for using chalk markers on acrylic:

• Shake the marker well and pump the tip on scrap paper before you start writing.
• For extra-fine detail work (like writing dates in small calendar squares), reach for an extra-fine tip marker.
• Let the ink dry completely before closing a fridge door or touching the surface — it only takes a minute.
• To erase, just use a damp cloth. 

What NOT to do: Don't use chalk markers on matte or frosted acrylic — the ink can absorb into textured surfaces and become very difficult to remove.

2. Wet Erase Markers

Wet-erase markers write darker and more crisp than dry-erase markers, and if your hand passes over the ink, the ink doesn't come off. Your board will come with a black wet-erase marker.

MULTI-COLORED WET-ERASE MARKERS
Our multi-colored FRAULINER markers are from Germany. They are wet-erase, and will erase completely from the acrylic surface. They will not be quite as vibrant as the chalk ink markers, but they are very reliable and easy to use.  You do not have to shake them or prime them.  

2. Dry Erase Markers

Yes, dry erase markers do work on acrylic — but with some caveats.

Standard dry erase markers (like Expo) erase easily when the ink is fresh, but they can ghost over time, especially if you leave writing on the board for weeks without wiping. If you use your acrylic calendar as a long-term planning tool that you only update monthly, dry erase ink may leave a faint shadow behind.

Best for:

• White acrylic boards and fridge boards (where ghosting is less visible)
• Frequent writing and erasing (daily task lists, weekly planners)
• Office or business boards where speed matters over aesthetics

Tips for using dry erase markers on acrylic:

• Wipe the board clean every time you update it — don't let ink sit for more than a few weeks.
• Use a dry erase eraser or a microfiber cloth for best results.
• Avoid low-quality markers; they're more prone to staining. Expo and similar name brands perform better.
• If you notice ghosting, wipe the board with a small amount of isopropyl alcohol on a soft cloth.

What About Regular Markers (Sharpies, etc.)?

Don't do it. Permanent markers will stain acrylic and are extremely difficult to remove without damaging the surface. Stick to products made for dry erase or chalk ink use.

Which Should You Choose?

The Markers We Recommend

At Girl Friday, we carry chalk ink markers specifically chosen for use with our acrylic boards. They come in fine tip and extra-fine tip, plus a range of colors — from classic white to fun multicolor sets. Our wet-erase markers also work great on the clear acrylic.

Shop Girl Friday's full marker collection →