Although whiteboards are generally chosen for their wipeable quality, there are situations where we might want to keep what we have written or drawn on the board permanently. However, even if you use permanent markers, the ink can gradually fade over time, especially if the whiteboard is a dry-erase variety.
If you are in this situation yourself, you may want to learn how to keep permanent marker on whiteboard. This blog post will provide you with a list of options to do just that! Read until the end to find one that suits you.
Table of Contents
7 Options to Preserve Permanent Marker on a Whiteboard
Option 1. Using clear nail polish
The first method to try is using clear nail polish. Simply coat a thin layer on top of the Sharpie on the dry erase board. The polish should act like a varnish and keep your marker ink intact.
However, since you will have to brush the polish by hand, it might take a while if your board is rather big. This method is best for mini whiteboards and projects only.
Option 2. Using Car Wax
Another option is to apply a thin layer of car wax over it. Car wax is designed to protect the paint of a car. Its protective functions can transfer in this case: preserving marker ink on a board. You should test it on an inconspicuous spot first, though. This will ensure no adverse reactions occur and ruin your board.
Ideally, you should get spray car wax, which is easier to apply without rubbing away the markers.
Option 3. Using alcohol-free hairspray
To make sure you do not accidentally remove permanent markers on the whiteboard, get alcohol-free hairspray. Otherwise, the alcohol content will break down the pigments of marker ink, thus defeating the purpose.
Just draw or write on a white board as normal, give it a couple of seconds to dry, then spray a thin and even layer of hairspray onto the ink. As you do so, make sure to keep the can at least one palm’s length away from the board.
Option 4. Using fixative spray
Another alternative is a fixative spray. Many types are available on the market, but you should opt for whichever doesn’t contain alcohol, which can break down the pigment instead of preserving it.
Before you spritz the spray on the board, make sure to do a patch test first. This will take less than 5 minutes but save you from irreversible damage! You will also save on the time, money, and effort that you would have to shell out for solutions if the damage were to happen.
Option 5. Using a clear contact sheet
Contact sheets can also protect Sharpies on whiteboards. I suggest getting transparent ones with adhesive backings. All you have to do is stick the sheet so that it covers the writing. If they are too large, trim them down to the desired size using scissors.
Option 6. Using a transparent silicone sheet
Similar to the previous method, a silicone sheet can shield the writing or drawing on the dry erase board and prevent it from being smudged or erased. Place it over your board and secure it with adhesives on the four corners.
You can get these in varying sizes and thicknesses. They are fairly inexpensive and available both online and offline.
Option 7. Using a frame
If none of the options above sounds good to you, why not frame your whiteboard?
This is particularly ideal if what you are trying to preserve is a mural or an artwork of some sort! A frame can highlight it as a creation, and it will look like an actual piece hung for decoration.
Measure the dry-erase board and get a piece of replacement glass that is slightly bigger. You will also need a measuring tape, drill, screwdriver, and molly bolts. Mount the glass over your board, and you will never have to worry about losing anything you don’t want erased again!
Note: You can paint the outlines of your glass on the inner side before mounting it to imitate a painting frame.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would you want to make markers permanent on a whiteboard?
There are different reasons why one might want to make markers last on a whiteboard. Common scenarios are:
- You want to have a dry-erase calendar frame or a tracker sheet.
- You want to keep your drawings and doodles intact.
- You want to preserve a message that means a lot to you.
How to make dry-erase markers permanent?
The longer you leave dry-erase markers on a whiteboard, the more persistent they will be. So, in a way, you can make it less erasable. You can also keep it intact by applying the approaches we mentioned above. However, you cannot actually convert dry-erase ink into permanent ink.
How to make permanent lines on a whiteboard?
You can use a ruler and draw the lines on your whiteboard with a marker as you would normally and seal it with car wax or clear nail polish. You can also cover it with a contact sheet or silicone pad. Framing it is an option too.
If you do not like these approaches, you can also substitute the marker ink with tape. Purchase pinstripe tape and use them to make the lines on your whiteboard. Then, when you write on the board, you will not have to worry about smudging, smearing, or erasing the lines.
Conclusion
Learning how to keep permanent marker on whiteboard is easy, right? We gave you all the options — you just need to browse the list and choose one that fits your needs. If the first method you try doesn’t work, give another one a try and don’t give up right away! After all, these approaches rely on materials that are pretty easy to get.
After trying out one of these methods, be sure to leave a comment below to let us know how it works out for you.
Before you go, I would like to recommend some related guides, please take a look at these articles:
- Effective ways to get permanent marker off of leather
- Step by step to remove permanent marker from glass
- Detailed guide on getting permanent marker off walls and doors
Hi, I am Eveline Kessler, a content creator. My love for colors and arts draws me here to join the Intermediarts team with Leilani. I am responsible for testing new products and techniques with her and providing honest reviews and tips based on our experience. I have gained a lot of knowledge from this, and I believe you will find her suggestions to be invaluable as well.
