Best markers for chessex game mat?

[claudekennilol]

I'm wondering what the best choice might be for markers for my new chessex game mat. I was looking at the chessex recommended markers on amazon and one user said he couldn't even leave the marks on the mat for over an hour before it stained.

So I'm wondering what others' experiences are? Any suggestions?

[Daniel Thrace]

Oh I just went through this!

Don't get the set of Sharpie Water Based Caligraphy Markers (they work, but are such a thin line it is almost impossible to see).

Do get the Crayola Ultra Clean Washable Markers (broad line). Set of 10 colors, I paid a whopping $2.00 at a local big box store (school supply sale). These work great, are very cheap, and clean very well with merely a damp cloth.

A fellow DM has the Chessex Role Playing Mat 4 Pack (overhead projection water based markers) and they work very well too. They just cost more for fewer markers.

Other than that, I have no experience with other markers. Do Not Buy Dry Erase Markers.

[RCW]

I prefer the standard dry erase markers myself. I found that Windex and a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser will clean stuff thats been left on the mat for a few weeks. But as was said above, they can leave faint stains. I am still trying to find something to bring back that "new mat" look.

[HalifaxDM]

I will confer that the Crayola ones work great

[Daniel Thrace]

Ah yes, my friend the other DM advised that regardless of what you use, if for some reason it is really stuck on there you can use cheap beer as a cleaner and it works very well. Good beer works but that is dumb to waste.

[Bardarok]

Dry erase markers are very hard to remove from chessex vinyl mats. Don't use them.

If it does happen Mr. Clean magic erasers help.

I use expo vis-a-vis wet erase markers and have had no problems. Just be sure to clean up after the battle or session.

[BigDTBone]

Second the vis-a-vis pens. Also staedler wet erase are fantastic. Red ink of any brand will stain, do not use. Green and blue will both stain if left on the mat for a long time (more than 2 weeks.)

I find that a damp wash cloth is the best method for ink removal, but windex wipes are also really good.

[Gargamel the Evil Wizard]

Sharpie Brand Industrial-Grade Permanent Markers ought to do the job just fine!

[Torbyne]

Daniel Thrace wrote:

Ah yes, my friend the other DM advised that regardless of what you use, if for some reason it is really stuck on there you can use cheap beer as a cleaner and it works very well. Good beer works but that is dumb to waste.

I've lost count of how many players I've seen accidentally learn this at the table.

[Artanthos]

BigDTBone wrote:

Second the vis-a-vis pens. Also staedler wet erase are fantastic. Red ink of any brand will stain, do not use. Green and blue will both stain if left on the mat for a long time (more than 2 weeks.)

I find that a damp wash cloth is the best method for ink removal, but windex wipes are also really good.

I use wet-erase markers and baby wipes.

[Ivan Rûski]

Vis-a-vis is what I use as well. I haven't had problems with any of the colors staining, but the longest I've had something drawn on it so far is 2 hours. I generally don't draw anything until right before a fight, then erase it immediately after with a spray bottle and paper towels.