Whiteboards

Whiteboards are smooth, glossy writing surfaces designed for dry-erase markers. They are installed in classrooms, offices, and meeting spaces and are available in wall-mounted, mobile, and modular configurations. Ink from dry-erase markers can be wiped away, enabling rapid, repeatable drafting and collaboration.

Whiteboard surfaces vary by material. Porcelain enamel on steel and high-pressure laminated steel boards offer durability and erasability, with porcelain often lasting for decades. Painted steel and melamine boards are less expensive and lighter but are more prone to ghosting and scratches. Glass boards are non-porous, resistant to staining, and commonly used in contemporary interiors; some are magnetic.

Common uses include teaching, presenting, planning, and brainstorming. They support magnets when the backing is steel, enabling attachment of papers and accessories in some configurations. Sizes range from small handheld boards to large wall panels.

Care and maintenance: use dry-erase markers only; erase after use; for stubborn marks, clean with a whiteboard cleaner or a damp cloth, and avoid abrasive cleaners. Ghosting and staining can occur with older or low-quality surfaces; regular cleaning extends life.

History: The concept of erasable writing surfaces dates to earlier eras, but the modern dry-erase whiteboard became widespread in the mid-20th century, with improvements in markers and surface coatings in subsequent decades.

Compared with chalkboards, whiteboards produce less dust. In digital settings, interactive whiteboards and large-format LCD displays provide alternatives with digital capture and presentation features.