What would happen if you used a permanent marker pen on a whiteboard?

When you write with a permanent marker pen on a whiteboard, the ink actually seeps into the porous surface of the board rather than sitting on top like it does with a dry-erase marker pen. This makes the permanent ink much more difficult to erase.

The reason dry-erase markers pen work so well on whiteboards is because they contain a special ink that is designed to be easily wiped away with a dry cloth or eraser. This ink is made up of a solvent, a polymer, and a colorant. The solvent allows the ink to flow smoothly, while the polymer helps the ink adhere to the surface of the board. When you erase the dry-erase marker ink, the solvent evaporates, leaving behind the polymer and colorant residue that can be easily wiped away.

In contrast, permanent markers pen contain ink that is designed to be, well, permanent. This ink is made up of dyes and pigments that are meant to be absorbed by the surface they are applied to, making them resistant to fading or smudging. This is why permanent marker ink cannot be easily erased from a whiteboard.

Using a permanent marker pen on a whiteboard is not only difficult to erase, but it can also stain the board and ruin its surface. It's best to stick to using dry-erase markers to keep your whiteboard clean and in good condition.

In conclusion, the next time you reach for a marker to write on a whiteboard, make sure it's a dry-erase marker and not a permanent one. Understanding the science behind how these markers work can help you make the right choice and keep your whiteboard in good shape. Happy writing!