Permanent marker[edit]

Permanent markers are porous pens that can write on surfaces such as glass, plastic, wood, metal, and
stone. The ink is generally resistant to rubbing and water, and can last for many years. Depending on the
surface and the marker used, however, the marks can often be removed with either vigorous scrubbing or
chemicals such as acetone.
Highlighters[edit]
Highlighters are permanent markers used to highlight and cover over existing writing while still leaving the
writing readable.
Non-permanent marker[edit]
A non-permanent marker (also called a whiteboard marker or dry-erase marker) uses an erasable ink,
made to be used on a slick, non-porous writing surface, for temporary writing with overhead
projectors, whiteboards, and the like. They may also be used by children, making marks that are easy to
clean. The erasable ink does not contain the toxic chemical compounds xylene and/or toluene as have
been used in permanent markers.
Wet erase markers are another version that are used on overhead projectors, signboards, whiteboards,
and other non-porous surfaces.
Security marker[edit]
Special "security" markers, with fluorescent but otherwise invisible inks, are used for marking valuables in
case of burglary. The owner of a stolen, but recovered item can be determined by using ultraviolet light to
make the writing visible.
Election marker[edit]
Marker pens with election ink (an indelible dye and often a photosensitive agent such as silver nitrate)
used to mark the finger, and especially the cuticle, of voters in elections in order to prevent electoral
fraud such as double voting. The stain stays visible for a week or two and may also be used to assist
in vaccinations in developing world communities and refugee camps.
Porous point pen[edit]
A porous point pen contains a point that is made of some porous material such
as felt or ceramic. Draftsman's pens usually have a ceramic tip since this wears well and does not
broaden when pressure is applied while writing.
Dialectal variations[edit]