The oily polymer enables the ink to be easily wiped away, while the non-porous base of the surface prevents the ink from soaking in. In short, dry erase products work due to the relationship between the silicone polymer found in dry erase markers, and the non-porous surface utilized by whiteboards. If a dry erase marker is used outside of its conventional use on a whiteboard or a similar writing surface, the ink soaks into the surface, functioning just like a permanent marker. If you’ve ever gotten dry erase ink on your clothes, you know that dry erase markers can stain. This allows for the marker to be easily erased, without damaging the integrity of the dry erase template. When using this type of surface, print only resides upon the outermost layer of the board. While this polymer is the deciding factor when it comes to differentiating permanent and dry erase markers, you must also be conscious of the surface you are writing upon.ĭry erase markers are only compatible with non-porous surfaces. This type of lubricating surface acts as a barrier, preventing the color pigments from binding to the surface of the whiteboard. Dry erase markers utilize an oily silicone polymer to prevent the ink from sticking. Top that off with the plastic casing and a felt tip and-voilà-you have just created a permanent marker! Of course, this is much easier said than done, but you get the picture.ĭry erase markers are created in an identical manner, with the main difference deriving from the polymer that is used during the creation process.
The ink is then stored in a polyester reservoir that helps contain the ink inside the plastic casing of the marker. The polymer, in addition to the solvent and pigments, is then mixed to form the ink of the marker. Permanent markers commonly use an acrylic polymer in their ink, which helps the marker stick to the writing surface. Permanent markers are made up of three components: colored pigments, a solvent (be it water, alcohol, or another solution entirely varies on a manufacturer to manufacturer basis), and a polymer.
In order to gain an understanding for how dry erase markers work, we must first examine and understand the science behind permanent markers. I questioned our R&D department and in turn, I developed a better understanding for how dry erase technology works. So I did some research around the office. I was recently writing on one of Magnatag’s own whiteboards earlier this week and I found myself asking this same question. How many times do you think you’ve used a dry erase marker? Hundreds, perhaps even thousands of times? Some of us interact with these objects on a daily basis, but do not have the slightest inclination of what they are made of and how they function.