Why is dry erase markers made of?

Answer 1

• Dry-erase markers are specially designed to be wiped easily off non-porous surfaces, specifically whiteboards. Lecturers, teachers and presenters use them instead of chalk, as they are unaffected by water, require you to put less pressure on the board and are less messy.

Ink

• The ink used in dry-erase markers is almost identical to that used in permanent markers. It is comprised of colored pigments, a chemical solvent (like alcohol) and a polymer or "release agent." The type of polymer used marks the main difference between dry-erase and permanent markers. Unlike permanent markers, which use acrylic polymers to make the pigment stick to surfaces, dry-erase markers use an oily silicone polymer. The ink's slippery consistency prevents the colored pigment from coming in direct contact with the surface so it can easily be wiped off. Furthermore, the use of alcohol as solvent makes the ink dry quickly, becoming attached to the surface but not absorbed. When the ink is dry, it is even easier to wipe off (if it is still wet, wiping will smear the ink before removing it).

Surfaces

• Despite the ink's oily quality, dry-erase markers are permanent on any porous surface, such as paper and skin. They work on non-porous materials like glass and metal, but they are ideally suited for whiteboards. This is because whiteboards have a slight static charge, which helps the pigment stick to the surface, resulting in bold writing, but they are non-porous, meaning that wiping them clean is effortless.