Liquitex Questions From an Office Buyer: Pens, Spray Paint, and the Whiteboard Trick

Since I took over purchasing in 2020, I've answered a lot of art-supply questions. I'm the office administrator for a 150-person company, and I manage education, studio, and office supply orders—roughly $8,000 a year across 9 vendors. This article is based on about 50 orders a year. If you're working in a one-person studio, your experience might differ.

Most requests are straightforward: get more Liquitex pens, or can we try Liquitex acrylic spray paint? But a few searches are weird enough that I figured I'd answer them all in one FAQ.

What's the difference between Liquitex pens and Liquitex acrylic spray paint?

Liquitex pens are acrylic ink in marker form. They dry quickly, become water-resistant after drying, and are handy for details, classroom projects, and mixed-media work. Liquitex acrylic spray paint is the same high-pigment acrylic concept in an aerosol can. It covers large surfaces fast and leaves a fine, even mist. They are not interchangeable. I order both.

For a school, pens are the easier daily tool. Spray paint needs a ventilated room and more supervision. Based on online listings I checked in January 2025, a 400ml can of Liquitex Professional spray paint runs roughly $18–24 before discounts. Verify current pricing at your distributor.

Also worth knowing: many Liquitex colors are formulated cadmium-free. That doesn't mean all colors are non-toxic. Check the label and the AP seal before using anything around young students.

Why does the Dave Ramsey investment calculator keep showing up in our planning?

This one surprised me. A teacher once asked if I had used 'that Dave Ramsey investment calculator' to plan our five-year art supply budget. I hadn't, but I get why the question came up. The calc is built for compound growth, and budgeting for supplies is similar: you put in a current cost, assume a 4% annual increase, and see what happens in five years.

A quick run with that kind of tool helps me show finance why this year's Liquitex order costs more than last year's. It also helps me decide whether to buy 12 large bottles now or 4 bottles every quarter. Usually the bulk case wins if storage is free. Which, honestly, it never is.

Do I need a cubic feet calculator when ordering art and office supplies?

Yes. I learned this in 2024 when I ordered 20 spray cans, a set of Liquitex pens, and a dozen 250ml bottles. On paper it didn't look huge. Then the boxes arrived and the supply closet couldn't hold them. The custodian was not pleased.

The formula is simple:

• Measure each box in inches.
• Multiply length × width × height.
• Divide by 1,728.

That gives you cubic feet. A cubic feet calculator makes this faster, and it's useful for shipping quotes too. Freight carriers use dimensional weight, so a bigger box can cost more even if the contents weigh the same. I keep one tab open whenever I place a large Liquitex order. It takes two minutes and saves a real headache later.

How to Get Permanent Marker Off a Whiteboard

I know this article is about Liquitex, but permanent marker on a whiteboard is the question I hear most from office staff. The actual search phrase people type is 'how to get permanent marker off whiteboard.' The answer: draw over the permanent marker with a regular dry-erase marker, covering the entire mark, then wipe. The solvent in the dry-erase ink dissolves the permanent ink. It has rescued our conference room more than once.

If that doesn't work, use 91% isopropyl alcohol on a soft cloth. Don't use abrasive scrub pads—they can scratch the whiteboard coating. Test a small corner first if the whiteboard is old.

Which Liquitex line should a school order: Basics or Professional?

I'm not 100% sure this answer works for every school, but after ordering both, here's my rule. Liquitex Basics is a student-friendly, lower-cost line. It has less pigment intensity and more flow, so it's forgiving for beginners. Liquitex Professional is more concentrated and pigment-heavy. It's the line I'd order for advanced students, artists, and projects where color performance matters.

For an elementary or middle school art room, Basics is the practical choice. For a college studio, Professional is worth the extra cost. As of January 2025, I've seen Basics bottle prices around $5–8 and Professional around $10–15 for 250ml, depending on the distributor. Check current pricing because it changes.

Here's something vendors won't tell you: school discount is not always a fixed number. It's often a conversation, especially if you're flexible on quantity. And if you're making a small first order, don't let a supplier make you feel small. Today's $200 order can become next year's $2,000 repeat order. That's how I choose whom to keep using.

Can you paint over a whiteboard with Liquitex materials?

Technically yes, but I'd avoid using a good whiteboard for this. Acrylic paint sticks to glossy surfaces and is very hard to remove afterward. If you want a painted whiteboard-style panel for a display, buy a cheap whiteboard panel from a hardware store, prime it with gesso, then paint with Liquitex. It can look great. If someone writes on it with permanent marker later, you already know the trick from earlier.