What are some fun facts about whiteboards?

What are some interesting facts about whiteboards?

Whiteboards became commercially available in the early 1960s, but did not become widely used until 30 years later. Early whiteboards needed to be wiped with a damp cloth and markers had a tendency to leave marks behind, even after the board was erased. Dry-erase markers for whiteboards were invented in 1975.

Who made the first whiteboard?

Many accounts give inventor credit to a Korean War veteran named Martin Heit, who discovered he could write on film negatives with a Sharpie, then wipe the markings away; in the mid-1950s, he designed the first whiteboard, essentially coated with a similar laminate.

How old are dry erase markers?

Dry-erase markers were invented by Jerry Woolf of Techform Laboratories and later patented by the Pilot Pen stationery company in 1975. The Sanford Ink Company came out with their own dry-erase marker in 1976 called “EXPO,” and these markers grew popular in the U.S. throughout the 90s as a cleaner alternative to chalk.

What are the facts about dry erase markers?

Permanent markers use an acrylic polymer that helps the pigment stick to surfaces, while dry erase markers use an oily silicone polymer. The silicone polymer makes dry erase marker ink slippery and prevents the colored pigment of the marker to come in direct contact with the surface.

5 Interesting Facts About White Boards

How many whiteboard markers are thrown away each year?

Over 400 million whiteboard markers are thrown away in landfills every year.

Who invented dry erase?

Whiteboards Hit the Market

It was not until 1975 that scientist Jerry Woolfe created a non-toxic type of dry erase ink that allowed whiteboards to be erased without a wet cloth.

How long do whiteboards last?

These boards can quickly become discolored with daily use, especially when they aren't properly cleaned. The discolored and stained boards can become difficult to write on and even more difficult to see from long distances. You need to replace these boards every few years if you plan on using them daily.

Can you wet a dry erase marker?

For mildly dried-out dry erase markers, you can soak the marker tip in warm water to help soften the dried ink. After soaking for a few minutes, take out the marker tip and test it on scrap paper. Repeat this process several times until the ink starts flowing again.

Why is it called dry erase markers?

Similar to wet erase markers, dry erase markers are made for non-porous surfaces. Unlike wet erase markers, they are alcohol-based, which makes the ink easy to wipe clean with an eraser. You will often find this marker in meeting rooms as they are great for brainstorming sessions that require erasing and updating!

Why do whiteboards ghost?

Ghosting is when your dry erase marker ink bleeds into the surface of your board. Ghosting can be caused by one of four reasons; it can be cause by dirty erasers, by erasing marker that is still wet, by using the wrong kind of marker or by using the board too frequently.

When did schools get whiteboards?

As discussed, whiteboards were beginning to make their appearance as early as the 1950s. However, whiteboards didn't start appearing in schools until the 1990s.

Why are whiteboards so expensive?

The raw materials that go into these high-priced boards, such as steel, aluminum, and the ceramic ingredients used in firing porcelain enamel, are quite costly, and the manufacturing processes used to produce them consume a massive amount of energy, all of which contribute to their high cost.

What is a dry erase board made of?

When it comes to whiteboard vs. dry erase board, the truth is that they are the same material. The materials they're typically made of include melamine, porcelain and glass.

What is a dry erase marker made of?

Most whiteboard markers consist of three components: color pigment, a solvent and an oily silicone polymer (also known as a “release agent”).

How do whiteboards help?

Whiteboards are not just for writing! They can also be used for a variety of purposes, such as drawing or creating diagrams. In fact, many teachers use whiteboards to create mind maps that help students understand new concepts and complex topics. Whiteboards can also be used to play games in the classroom.

Do dry erase markers go bad?

When not in use, EXPO markers stored horizontally with caps installed tightly will last approximately 2-3 years. Yes, depending on the extent of solvent loss, the markers can often be restored. Place the cap back on the marker tightly and store tip down for 24 hours.

How do you clean a whiteboard that won't erase?

Again, a mix of isopropyl alcohol and water is the best solution to clean a whiteboard, but various other options work just as well. Using a cloth moistened with whiteboard cleaner is enough to keep a board clean if used every week. Warm soapy water, window cleaner, and peroxide also work well.

Are whiteboard markers washable?

That's right - there are washable whiteboard markers available in black, blue, red, green and even pink! They're easy to use and erase and they won't leave any lingering residue on your whiteboard. Being washable, if you have a mishap, simply throw your clothes in the washing machine and they'll be good as new.

Can whiteboards go bad?

Some surfaces either grow rough with time and wear, making tiny grooves that are hard to clean completely, or the material reacts with the ink and the ink dissolves it a little and really sets. If the cleaning agents don't work, or fresh marks are also very hard to remove, then it's probably time for a new board.

Can you wax a whiteboard?

Both seem to work equally well. Let the cleaned board dry out completely. Apply a generous layer of carnauba wax based auto finish to the white board. I have applied it using the small pad that comes in the car wax package but a cotton cloth can be used as well.

Why do whiteboards stop erasing?

While the dry erase marker typically wipes clean from surfaces, most whiteboards have a slight static charge to help the pigment stick to the surface. Over time whiteboards no longer wipe clean and can leave ugly stains and ghosted images.

Is dry erase flammable?

Dry-erase markers are also flammable due to the presence of the toxin xylene. The National Fire Protection Association assigned xylene a flammability rating of 3, a severe fire risk.

Why do I smell dry erase markers?

The ink in Expo markers have a petroleum chemical called Xylene which gives off the unpleasant smell many of us associate with whiteboard and permanent markers. Not only does it irritate your skin, but xylene is also absorbed into your bloodstream when inhaled and can cause headaches, nausea and dizziness.

Will dry erase float in water?

First, dry erase ink is not that sticky, so it doesn't stick all that hard to our plate. Also, it's insoluble in water. That means it can't be dissolved in water. And lastly, it's less dense than water - which means it will float!