How to Repair the Surface of a Dry-Erase Whiteboard

Dry-erase boards are much easier to use than traditional chalkboards, but they require maintenance. Daily use of a whiteboard can leave it with dried-on ink that is seemingly impossible to remove. In addition, using markers other than specially made dry-erase brands can cause damage to the whiteboard. If dry-erase board cleaners are ineffective on your whiteboard, or if you have permanent marker on your whiteboard, you can try other remedies to repair it.

Wipe down the whiteboard with an eraser and look for lingering stains.

Pour rubbing alcohol on a paper towel.

Wipe the soaked paper towel over the stained areas of the board. You may need to rub it for several seconds to remove the stubborn spots.

Measure out a sheet of porcelain skin, which you can find at hardware stores. Make sure it fits your whiteboard.

Wipe down your whiteboard's surface with whiteboard cleaner and a paper towel to remove any traces of grease or dirt. If the porcelain skin has an adhesive backing, proceed to Step 4. Otherwise, go to Step 3.

Apply spots of adhesive to the porcelain skin every 12 to 16 inches.

Remove the backing from the sheet of porcelain skin and apply it to the old whiteboard surface, making sure to smooth out any bubbles with a hand-held roller or ruler.

Peel off any protective factory coating that may be on the porcelain skin's surface.