FAQ Dry Erase Paint

How do I make the dry erase surface a regular painted wall again?
Lightly sand the wall, apply primer intended for slick/glossy areas, then paint as usual following standard painting procedures.

Before applying, how smooth does the surface need to be?
Writeyboard Whiteboard Paint is suitable to be applied on common previously painted surfaces. Remember that the surface needs to be smooth enough to write on and erase. A typical lightly sanded dust-free paint-rolled wall will work perfectly! If the wall has a wall textured finish, simply lightly sand down (using low grit sand paper) the texture to a smooth surface, remove the dust, make certain the surface is dry, then paint with your Whiteboard Paint.

How do I prepare the room?
Keep the room and surface free from any interaction with people and pets until the product is ready for use. Use drop cloths and all safety measures (including appropriate eyewear, gloves and protected clothing) as stated in the MSDS. Keep all containers closed when not dispensing. Allow spilled material, like on a drop cloth, to cure via air exposure before discarding. We always recommend keeping pregnant women, children, animals, plants and anyone who may not be competent with the product away from open, stored and curing product.

Does Writeyboard Whiteboard Paint have to be applied over a primer?
No!! Writeyboard Paint applies directly over exiting top-coat latex paint, as well as numerous other surfaces. However, it can be applied directly over primer, just not required.

Can I use Acrylic or Oil-based paints and, if so, how long do I need to wait before applying Writeyboard Paint to the surface?
Yes, just ask your paint supplier for an acrylic or oil-based paint that cures in 24 hours, after which time you can apply your WriteyBoard Paint.

How soon can I apply WriteyBoard Paint to a freshly painted surface?
You can apply our product 3 days after latex paint has dried to ensure the best coverage.

Can I use regular paint trays to apply my Writeyboard Paint?
Yes, you can paint directly from a standard metal paint tray (bare metal) or a plastic tray liner (recyclable).

Do I stir or shake the product before using?
We highly recommend stirring the product to minimise air being mixed into the product.

After mixing, does all the WriteyBoard Paint have to be used at one time?
No. Apply as much as you need, then reseal the can and use remaining paint at a later time.

What kind of paint roller and brush should I use when applying the product?
Any good quality, all-purpose paint brush will do the job. In addition, you can use low-nap, zero-lint roller (small pore sponge or mohair) or most rollers specified for epoxy finishes can be used. Our favorite roller is the Uni Pro 180mm Mohair Blend, used for all latex and oil based paints.

How many coats will it take?
Over most surfaces (prepped latex-painted wall), only 1 coat is needed. Additional layers may be required on non-smooth or absorbent surfaces such as raw timbers and concrete. The number of coats is determined by the substrate and the thickness of each coat to achieve the matching coverage area. Just a single even coat is all that is needed on most smooth painted walls. Keep the coverage even ensuring that all areas are covered to a thickness that protects the surface. Some applicators may retain more product than other applicators affecting spread rates. A good way to know the coat thickness is that it does not leave runs or drips and you are covering about 1 square metre per 150ml. Just simply apply the number of coats that it takes to use all of the product stated for the coverage area that you want.

What can I do so I can use the same brush all day without it drying out?
Simply wrap the brush in cling/glad wrap. It will help keep the air from drying the dry erase paint on the brush until the next use.

After I'm finished, how do I clean the brush or roller if I want to re-use?
Allow the brush or roller to dry. Then use a ketone solvent or xylene base cleaner.

When I applied to the surface I noticed I made a couple of runs and some other mistakes. What do I do now?
Writeyboard Paint is easily repairable. Simply use a sheet of ‘fine’ sandpaper and smooth out any runs or air entrapment's, remove the dust and then recoat. It is that easy!

How do I properly dispose of the paint tray liner and brush?
Allow the tray and brush to dry and then dispose according to local council codes.

Should I run a fan over the surface to help it cure? Should I use a heater in the room?
The product is designed to dry in a regular air environment. Placing a fan on the product may cause the product to dry unevenly and may cause problems. The room does need to be well ventilated. Keep all ignition sources (spark producing items, heating coils, access to furnace ducts) away from the open and curing product. This is a solvent-based product so keep all ignition sources sealed away from the drying and stored product. Additional steps include keeping the door to the room closed and closing/covering air conditioning and heating vents in the room while the product is being installed and while it cures.

Does the room need fresh air during application?
To help reduce odour and fumes, the room needs fresh air circulating in the room. This can be accomplished by having an open outside window. We recommend applying paint to desired area after business hours or when area is vacant.

Can you paint outdoors or exterior surfaces?
Yes, for outdoor application, apply over correct hydrostatic pressure dry concrete. For a thicker total coating over concrete (5-10 mils dry) mechanical scarification or acid etching until a suitable profile is achieved. For a total coating over 10 mils dry, use a fine brush blast (shot blast). Apply in 10-32 degrees Celsius with relative humidity. Allow air flow while keeping from moisture for 72 hours.

How do I figure out the square footage?
375mls will cover 25 square feet or 2.3 square metres of surface, so a 50 square foot or 4.6 square metre space will require about 750mls of paint.

What is Writeyboard Whiteboard Paint?
Our unique paint is a one component, moisture cured, polyurethane (HDI based) coating/sealer that erases and cleans easily and is UV stabile for both indoor and outdoor use.

Where is Writeyboard Whiteboard Paint made?
WriteyBoard 1-Part Dry Erase Paint is manufactured in the United States (Patent Pending).

Can I put my Whiteboard Paint over magnetic paint?
No because magnetic paints have a rough profile, which makes the whiteboard surface not smooth.

Can it be used as an anti-graffiti paint?
Absolutely. WriteyBoard Whiteboard Paint makes an excellent anti-graffiti paint. Note: the more porous the surface, the more paint is needed. If the surface has been painted or has a sealant, it will probably cover in just one coat; if the surface is like untreated concrete or brick, it make take additional coats based on its surface porosity.

Do I need to use a conditioner after the paint is applied to keep it erasable?
No!!! WriteyBoard Whiteboard Paint is a conditioner-free product!

Can you paint lines, grids, graphics, and titles on the surface before covering it with Writeyboard Whiteboard Paint?
Yes, only with the CLEAR color. Either paint the lines or graphics on the surface before covering it with our CLEAR Writeyboard Whiteboard Paint OR wait about 45-60 minutes after applying the last coat of Whiteboard Paint, then add the lines/graphics directly on the surface with any color Sharpie Permanent marker or regular marker; as the paint cures, the markings will infuse into the surface.

I have an existing whiteboard; can I use Writeyboard Whiteboard Paint to repair the area?
Yes, Writeyboard Whiteboard Paint makes an excellent repair product for some surfaces. Some surfaces can be simply coated, some may need to be lightly sanded then re-coated, and some surfaces may need to be painted with a latex/oil-based paint and then painted with our Whiteboard Paint.

How do I turn an old chalkboard/blackboard into a brand new looking writeyboard?
Prime the chalkboard with a colour primer and paint with Whiteboard Paint. Writeyboard Whiteboard Paint can be used as a separate primer coat; since most of the primer layer may absorb into the surface and seal the surface, the primer coat is in addition to the recommended number of coats. You can use either the clear or the write Writeyboard Paint.

If I paint a wall with WriteyBoard paint, can it be painted over if I decide I don't need the writeboard anymore?
Yes, its that easy.

How soon can I begin writing on my WriteyBoard Whiteboard Paint after applying it in normal room temperature and humidity?
You can begin writing with dry erase markers or dry erase crayons just 24 hours after it is dry to the touch. However as each application is different and depending on ventilation, we recommend giving the the paint between 48-72 hours of drying time before using.

When can permanent markers, spray paint or regular markers be removed?
Permanent marker, regular marker and spray paint markings made three-seven days after installation can be removed with Isopropyl Alcohol 70% or 92% and Goof-off ™ aerosol spray cleaner. Goof-off ™ aerosol (available at most hardware stores) will also remove numerous unknown residues and difficult markings. For best results, remove permanent marker and spray paint as soon as possible after the permanent marker or spray paint has been used.

Will whiteboard cleaners available at most stores work on the surface?
Yes, traditional cleaners will work fine or, make your own cleaner (a mixture of half Isopropyl Alcohol 70% and half water). Most general build-up can be removed inexpensively using a glass cleaner with ammonia (ex. Windex w/Ammonia-D) or Goof Off Aerosol. Citro Clean also works well on Whiteboard Paint surfaces.

How do I remove an unknown object from the surface?
Goof-Off in the aerosol can be used (3) three days after your Writeyboard Whiteboard Paint has been applied to your painted surface. Just spray on a paper towel and wipe. Then go over the surface with a soft water-wet cloth.