Why Is My Whiteboard So Dirty?

TL;DR

Dry erase markers contain solvents, pigments, and polymers, with silicone polymers creating a barrier between the pigment and the whiteboard. Ghosting occurs when the ink seeps into porous surfaces or when polymers are disrupted.

Transcript

If you have an old, well-used whiteboard in your classroom, you might see something a little strange -- ghosts! Not the spooky kind If you are seeing those, that’s up to you Just the ghosts of lectures past -- faded words and numbers, or a smudgy stain. Dry erase markers are designed to write on smooth, hard surfaces and erase without a trace. So h... Read More

Key Insights

• ❓ Dry erase markers contain solvents, pigments, and silicone polymers.
• ❓ Silicone polymers create a barrier between the pigment and the whiteboard.
• ❓ Ghosting occurs on porous surfaces or when polymers are disrupted.
• ❓ Whiteboard cleaning sprays are solvents that re-dissolve dried pigment for easy removal.
• ❓ Proper whiteboard surfaces are nonporous and smooth.
• 🥺 Cracks and pores in well-used whiteboards can lead to ghosting.
• 👻 Smudging fresh markings can also cause ghosting.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why are dry erase markers sometimes difficult to erase?

Dry erase markers contain silicone polymers that form a slippery barrier between the pigment and the whiteboard. However, if the surface is porous or the polymers are disrupted, the ink may become hard to erase.

Q: What are the main components of dry erase markers?

Dry erase markers consist of solvents (ethanol or isopropanol), pigments (such as carbon black), and silicone polymers, also known as release agents.

Q: What causes ghosting on whiteboards?

Ghosting occurs when the ink seeps into cracks or pores in the whiteboard's surface, or when fresh markings are smudged, disrupting the polymer barrier.

Q: How can leftover marks on whiteboards be removed?

Leftover marks can be removed by re-dissolving the dried pigment. Generic rubbing alcohol or whiteboard cleaning sprays, which are solvents, are effective for this purpose.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Dry erase markers contain solvents, pigments, and silicone polymers, which help in erasing the marks.

• Ghosting on whiteboards occurs when the ink seeps into porous surfaces or when fresh markings are smudged.

• Whiteboard cleaning sprays are solvents that re-dissolve the dried pigment for easy removal.