Dry-Erase Boards and Lapboards

Melamine, steel and glass wear in different ways

Melamine is the most common surface and suits light use, but it can ghost, holding faint traces of old writing. Painted or porcelain-enamel steel is harder, stays cleaner for longer and, being steel, takes magnets. Glass boards are non-porous, resist staining and look neat, and tempered glass is the safer type. Aluminum frames protect corners, and trays hold markers. Use dry-erase markers only, because permanent ink can stain lower-grade surfaces.

Lapboards, erasers and strips for classrooms

Lapboards are small boards, often 9 by 12 inches, that students hold on their knees, sold in class packs with matching erasers. Board erasers and cloths clear writing; a dry cloth or felt eraser works best on fresh marker. Magnetic write-on, wipe-off strips label shelves, bins and metal boards. For wall boards, check the stated size as height by width, since listings vary in order, and whether mounting hardware is included.

Questions about Dry-Erase Boards and Lapboards

What is ghosting on a whiteboard?

Ghosting is the faint shadow left after erasing, caused by marker ink working into tiny scratches or pores in the surface. Porcelain and glass resist it best. Erase promptly, clean with a board cleaner, and avoid leaving writing for weeks.

What size dry-erase board suits a small meeting room?

A 4 by 3 foot or 5 by 3 foot board is a common choice for small meeting rooms, while larger rooms use 6 by 4 foot or 8 by 4 foot boards. Allow for readable writing from the back row and leave wall space around the board.

Is tempered glass safer for a glass board?

Yes. Tempered glass is heat-treated to be stronger and, if it breaks, crumbles into small blunt pieces rather than long shards. It is the usual choice for glass boards, along with safe mounting hardware matched to the board's weight.