How to Keep Permanent Marker on Whiteboard? – 3 Ways

Whiteboards are designed for the dynamic environments of classrooms, commercial and industrial settings.

They are made to handle prompt writing and erasing activities. But in some cases, we want our boards to retain ink for a long time.

If you are wondering how to keep permanent marker on whiteboard, then this guide is for you.

There are a few different methods to ensure your writing will stay put, even if you or somebody accidentally erase it.

Ways to Keep Permanent Markers on Whiteboard

If, from the start, you already figured out that you want all writing to be permanent, the best option would be to use permanent marker on dry erase board. However, there are other methods you can try.

What to prepare

Method No.1: Use a Wet Erase Marker

Alternatively, you can use wet erase markers like Vis a Vis wet erase marker from Expo. They are designed to be more permanent on whiteboards than dry erase markers.

Using a wet erase marker is a semi-permanent option; if you change your mind or need to correct something, you can easily remove the pigment by wiping it with a slightly wet cloth.

Method No.2: Use Tape To Make Non Erasable Lines

This method is very useful if you want to have permanent lines or make a grid on a whiteboard.

Though a permanent marker and paint can do the task, the markings could fade over time. Paint stick to dry erase board, but some paints like acrylic would not make it.

Using tape is way a better option. Aside from using whiteboard tape, there are various adhesive types that you can use to make permanent lines on a whiteboard.

For plain colors, you can use electrical tape, which is thicker in width. If you want to get more creative, Japanese masking tape, also known as washi tape, can fit just right.

Moreover, you can also use pinstriping adhesive if you are looking for a more sophisticated type. This product comes in thinner sizes that could be as thin as 2mm.

Method No.3: Cover It

If you don’t want anyone to touch the ink, then cover it.

Yes, covering your whiteboard once you are done writing the header or table is the smartest way to make dry erase marker permanent.

A contact paper is perfect for the job. It is self-adhesive, waterproof, and clear. The paper’s surface is smooth too, so you won’t even notice it’s in place.

After covering a part of the whiteboard with this item, you can write over the other sections and preserve dry erase marker.

FAQs

Why does a whiteboard marker erase permanent marker?

The answer to that is solubility. Whiteboard markers and permanent markers, though they are used in different applications, have a common ink characteristic that makes them soluble with each other.

Their ink contains non-polar solvents that activate when you apply a whiteboard marker over the permanent marker.

The pigments are solubilized together, and the permanent marker ink goes away as you wipe it with the whiteboard marker.

This also explains why strong solvents like alcohol and acetone are able to remove ink on whiteboards and other surfaces.

Can I use a Sharpie on a dry erase board?

You should not. Using products like Sharpie on dry erase board means you’ll have trouble removing the ink with only regular wipes or cloths.

However, there are plenty of ways to remove a Sharpie on whiteboard. Writing a dry erase marker over the Sharpie pigment can do the trick.

If that does not work, try using solvents like alcohol, whiteboard cleaners, glass cleaners, or spray hairspray on dry erase board and wipe the surface with a paper towel.

Any of these methods should remove permanent marker like Sharpie easily.

Does whiteboard fixative spray persevere marker ink?

Maybe, though I have yet to come across a fixative spray made for preserving writing on a white board. But if you’re in a pinch, this type of product may be worth a try. After all, some fixative sprays work on glass, and whiteboards are available in this material.

Conclusion

Marker ink may not be that long-lasting, but there are plenty of ways to keep it on your whiteboard. For a semi-permanent option, use a wet erase marker.

If you want a more permanent solution, then covering it with contact paper or using tape is the way to go.

There you have it – our guide on how to keep permanent marker on whiteboard. Hopefully, you found the best fit for yourself with these three methods.

Helen B. Harris

Art has always been a part of my life; it influences my upbringing and later my career choice. For me, it is always a part of my parenting technique. So for whichever purpose that you come to art, you can start here with us.