Whiteboards 101

Most dry erase surfaces are either melamine, porcelain, or EverWhite.

Dry Erase Surface Comparison Chart

	Melamine	Porcelain
Surface Information	Manufactured with a porous, painted dry erase surface that allows marker ink to penetrate.	Manufactured with an enamel surface with varying degrees of ink resistance.	Manufactured with a nonporous dry erase surface that does not allow marker ink to penetrate.
Stain Resistance	Stains and ghosts easily.	Can become stained over time with regular use.	Lifetime guarantee against staining and ghosting.
Maintenance	Needs to be cleaned with whiteboard cleaners frequently.	Needs to be cleaned with whiteboard cleaners frequently.	Needs to be cleaned infrequently, with water or window cleaner.
Permanent Marker Removal	Permanent marker cannot be removed.	Permanent marker is very difficult and time-consuming to attempt to remove, and often cannot be removed.	Permanent marker can be removed with minimal effort.
Magnetic Options	Only available with a non-magnetic surface.	Only available with a magnetic surface.	Available with either a magnetic or non-magnetic surface.
Value	Must be replaced every 2 to 5 years, on average, due to excessive ghosting and staining. The least expensive dry erase surface.	Must be replaced every 10 to 15 years, on average, due to excessive ghosting and staining. Typically the most expensive dry erase surface.	Lifetime guaranteed dry erase surface. Does not need to be replaced due to excessive ghosting and staining.

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