Did you recently purchase a dry erase marker, and now you’re wondering what surfaces do dry erase markers work on?
You can use dry erase markers on non-porous surfaces, such as whiteboards, glass surfaces, mirrors, ceramics, laminated papers, plastics, and metals.
These markers are popularly used in schools and conference rooms, particularly on whiteboards. Gone are the days of dealing with messy chalkboards! Moreover, you better stick around if you want to know more about dry erase markers!
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What Surfaces Do Dry Erase Markers Be Used on
A dry erase marker is not only an efficient alternative to a chalk stick. It is a very flexible tool that can help you in your everyday life.
You can even apply it on surfaces that can be easily found in your surroundings, such as:
1. Glass Surfaces
There are several ways to use dry erase markers on glass. One trendy example is purchasing a glass journal planner on online shopping sites.
This product might be perfect if you always love to plan your day. Moreover, do you feel like something’s missing whenever you look at your windows?
You can scribble or write on windows if you are feeling artsy. Likewise, dry erase markers are used to label laboratory glasses.
Some companies also use glass boards instead of whiteboards. Indeed, there are a lot of things you can do with a dry erase marker!
2. Mirrors
Like on glass surfaces, you can use dry erase markers on mirrors. It is a good idea to write positive or uplifting quotes on mirrors. With the multiple colors that these markers have, creating something fun and unique for your mirror is rather enjoyable.
You can also write on a mirror with dry erase your important reminders since you usually look at it before starting the day.
3. Ceramics
Dry erase markers can be used on ceramics, especially in labeling ingredients or condiment containers in the kitchen. If you like improvising, you can also write in a highly-visible corner on ceramic tile walls that can serve as your reminder wall.
You don’t have to worry about not being able to erase the dry erase ink afterward. Wiping the writings with a dry cloth will immediately erase the ink.
4. Laminated Papers
Suppose you don’t have a whiteboard and still want to have a mini blackboard to write your notes. You can try using dry erase markers on laminated paper.
You can even hang it near your dresser to remind you of the important tasks you need to accomplish during the day.
5. Plastics
We are surrounded by plastics, from plastic containers, kitchen utensils, furniture, and even appliances. Likewise, plastic is a non-porous surface, meaning it has a smooth texture. It implies that Sharpie dry erase markers can be used on these surfaces.
You can do many things, such as labeling containers, designing plastic windows, writing notes on vinyl wallpapers, and many more.
Read more: Ways to remove dry erase marker from plastic.
6. Metals
Dry erase markers can also be used in doing metal works. Metalworkers can write measurement markings, then erase them once their work is done.
Pencils often leave dull markings that are hard to see and easily smudged. That is why using dry erase markers is more practical.
In addition, coated metals such as those refrigerator doors are also suitable surfaces where you can write or draw with EXPO markers.
You can doodle around your fridge magnets to add a personal touch.
Whiteboard Usage of Dry Erase Markers
Whiteboard markers are one of the most in-demand markers in the market because of their convenience. Here are different ways you can use them on whiteboards:
- Scheduling – Writing your planned events and meetings on paper is great, but seeing them where they are more visible is more pragmatic.
- To-Do List – Listing the things you need to do on a whiteboard will be helpful, especially if you are forgetful.
- Goal Tracker – Your whiteboard can also be your goal tracker — your diet, exercise, or academic goals.
Seeing your progress will surely push you to do better and remember why you even started.
- Teaching – If you are still in school, you probably see whiteboard markers daily.
Seeing the professors illustrate the lessons is a big help to visual learners.
- Reviewing/Preparing for the Board Exam – The traditional way is writing all the important terms or formulas on manila papers, then pasting them on walls.
However, if you want to save time and resources, you can use a whiteboard to help you quickly recall the topics.
Then, erase a topic once you’ve mastered it to move on to a new chapter.
- Creative Illustrations – Some artists prefer whiteboards as their medium. If you search for “whiteboard artwork” on Google, you’ll see amazing works of art.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
Is dry erase marker same as whiteboard marker?
The simple answer is yes. Given that you are in a bookstore and looking for a dry erase marker. However, you only saw a whiteboard marker label on the packaging; go grab it.
They are practically the same thing.
Why does dry erase marker float in water?
If you saw the floating dry erase marker experiment on Tiktok, here’s a simple explanation. The dry erase marker solvent is made of silicone polymer.
Silicone polymer is a chemical that acts as a release agent that gives a slippery texture to the dry erase marker ink.
The ink cannot seep through non-porous surfaces, like glass, porcelain, or metals. Therefore, soaking the slippery ink in the water will make them float.
Moreover, the silicone polymer is also why whiteboard markers are easy to erase on non-porous surfaces.
Do dry erase markers work on poster board?
You cannot wipe off a dry erase marker ink on a poster board. However, dry erase markers can work as permanent markers on paper and other porous surfaces.
Porous surfaces include unvarnished wood, fabrics, sponge, cardboard, and others.
What is the difference between a dry erase and wet erase marker?
These two types of markers differ mainly in how they can be erased.
While dry erase markers can be cleaned off non-porous surfaces with a whiteboard eraser, wet erase markers require a damp cloth to be wiped from smooth surfaces.
Likewise, a wet erase marker is something that you can use instead of a dry erase marker if you are aiming for more permanent writings or illustrations.
Wet erase marker ink is semi-permanent and has a more viscous texture than dry erase markers.
Conclusion
Indeed, dry erase markers are flexible as they can be used on various surfaces like whiteboards. They are also multiple-purpose, such as tracking your life goals.
Moreover, hooray for reaching this part! We hope that we were able to elaborate on what surfaces do dry erase markers work on.
If you have more questions, feel free to contact us. We will try our best to quench your thirst for new learning.
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.
