A whiteboard (dry erase board or marker board) is a glossy finished surface that is used with non-permanent markers for presenting information. These boards are now being used more often due to their ease of use, clarity, and cleanliness.

The traditional blackboard has been replaced for several reasons:

Inefficient – Blackboards are inefficient.

Costly – Chalk breaks often and wears down very quickly. Chalk’s durability varies from user to user. So, unlike a dry erase board marker, there is no set amount per use.

Easily Damaged – A blackboard may get scratched or damaged within its first few uses. Also, chalk residue is often left in the blackboard’s scratches and pores.

Produce Allergens – Since chalk gets powdered with use, chalk dust rapidly accumulates. Erasers simply collect this dust powder, which eventually has to be cleaned. Cleaning is done via pounding erasers vigorously, which releases chalk dust into the environment.

The dry erase boards are really simple to install and can be done with magnets. In addition to being any size necessary, whiteboards are capable of:

Being Dust Free – Since a marker’s ink dries quickly, ink adhesion is much more efficient than chalk and can be used in locations where dust is a problem.

White Color Surface – Since the dry erase board’s surface is white, a projector can be used directly on the surface without a blind. This makes it easier for presentations where writing may be necessary to illustrate points in the projection as well. Some whiteboards are designed with a semi-matte finish to prevent glare from the projector.

Marker Size – Since markers are often built in a much easier to hold shape, they are much more suitable for writing than a small piece of chalk. Those with hand mobility problems will benefit the most from the larger markers. Applying pressure to write is no longer an issue as the marker simply glides along the dry erase board to make the necessary markings with ease.

Paper Use Reduction – Dry erase board use reduces paper usage. Instead of having to print out multiple copies of the information, presenters can simply use the dry erase board to provide information. Using the dry erase board as a calendar or message board is more efficient than posting paper as well.

Greater Color Choice – Dry erase markers come in a wide variety of colors. When compared to chalk, dry erase boards can use dozens of colors, while a chalkboard usually only uses about a dozen colors.

Whiteboard Surface Options

The dry erase board surfaces vary based on the user’s needs.

Melamine Coatings – Paper is impregnated with a resin that is coated onto a pressed board substrate. This provides a simple surface that can be wiped clean when a dry erase marker is used. This type of surface scratches easily and will begin to stain as the material ages. Using markers that are not designed to be used on dry erase boards will leave permanent or near permanent staining on this surface. Leaving the dry erase marker ink in place for long periods of time will also cause the surface to stain, as moisture locks in the ink molecules into the resin over time.

Painted Steel or Aluminum – These options are rather durable. The surface is a sprayed paint that leaves a very smooth finish that is suitable for dry erase purposes. The paint is porous so the surface will get markings and stains over time. Scratches made to the surface can also damage the board. Those made of steel are magnetic. Aluminum boards do not have the magnetic effect due to the lack of magnetic properties in aluminum. Using non-dry erase markers leads to permanent or near permanent staining on the surface.

Hardcoat Laminate – The hardcoat laminate is designed to be less porous and provides a much smoother surface. These are designed to not absorb ink and even “permanent” ink can be removed with a proper solvent. The manufacturer can make the surfaces magnetic with a process that infuses a metallic layer into the board. This option is very useful in classrooms or in high usage locations.

Porcelain Enamel on Steel – This is the most expensive option because a layer of porcelain is fired onto a steel surface. The resulting surface is a glass-like, white surface that is resistant to scratches and provides a very fine and smooth writing surface. The ability to erase markings varies. Even though an eraser can erase the markings, some surfaces smear the ink unless a proper cleaning spray is used to dissolve it. Permanent inks can be erased from the surface by using a solvent cleaner or writing over the surface with a dry erase marker then erasing the mark while still moist. Since the enamel surface is done on steel, the resulting surface is usually magnetic.

Dry Erase Boards’ Magnetic Uses

Since some dry erase boards have magnetic surfaces, many accessories have been created to exploit the magnetism. Many common office supplies are magnetic and can be attached to dry erase boards to prevent such items from cluttering a desk. Magnetic staplers, paper dispensers, paperclip holders, and even dry erase marker holders are available for use with the magnetic dry erase boards.

Small magnets can be attached to dry erase board surfaces. The magnets’ sharp edges must be covered to help prevent the surface from being scratched.

Available Dry Erase Patterns

Dry erase boards may be designed with permanent patterns to reduce the need to recreate the pattern when used often. These patterns are usually for certain applications.

Mathematics – classrooms may be equipped with specialized dry erase boards that have graphing markings on the board. This helps the teacher create accurate diagrams that can be shown to the class. Magnetic boards can also help to illustrate points in graphs by using different colored magnets throughout the pattern.

Calendars – Calendars can be pre-printed on a dry erase board. A large calendar for a single month or an entire year can be printed on large magnetic dry erase boards. The larger options are designed to provide the maximum amount of customization and flexibility when projects, dates, and other information are variables that are constantly changing. These are also useful for posting notes with magnets for certain days.

Lines – A lined dry erase board makes it simple to align writing on the board. Different line lengths and spacing are available depending on how large the writing on the board will be. These boards are often magnetic as well to provide functions besides writing alone.

Grids – A grid can be used in a variety of different applications. Artists can use them to compose drawings. Linear graphs can be made by shading in squares on the grid to represent values. Each square can be used separately as well depending on the size and thicknesses of the pattern used on the dry erase board.

Dot Matrix – The dot matrix (a series of dots on the dry erase board) can be used for a variety of reasons. Since the dots can be spaced in different configurations, they may be far apart enough to be used for alternative purposes.

Dry Erase Board Mobility

Dry erase boards are usually mobile or attached to a wall depending on the user’s needs. Mobile boards can be built onto a rolling mount and can be adjusted to a wall to be rolled out. Alternately, it can be completely free rolling to be stored away when not in use.

Framing the board is entirely aesthetic. Boards are made without frames, but a frame can be very useful for storing the markers used on the board. A small ledge may also be installed to keep markers and erasers. Magnetic dry erase boards may have special marker and eraser stands that can be positioned anywhere along the board.

Caring For Magnetic Dry Erase Boards

It is important to properly care for the dry erase boards to ensure that they last a long time. Fortunately, some boards come with a warranty or replacement plan and are replaced when worn out. In order to best care for a dry erase board, do the following:

Use approved dry erase markers – Although there are a variety of dry erase markers available on the market, it is important to use the types that are designed for the board.

Use approved erasers – Most unapproved erasers are rather abrasive and can severely damage dry erase surfaces.

Use of approved solvents – Only solvents that do not dissolve the surface should be used. A rinse solution and a special drying cloth may also be needed.

Keeping the surface clean – The surface is more likely to stain when the ink is left for long periods of time. Removing inks as soon as possible helps to prevent staining.