You’ve installed beautiful dry erase walls to enhance your workplace and give your associates a place to collaborate and come up with new ideas. Over time, a few scratches start to appear, ruining the functionality of the whiteboard paint. Dry erase paint works, in part, due to the non-porousness of the surface. Scratches and pits trap markings and make it harder to erase. Plus scratches ruin the nice effect of the whiteboard you took the time to properly install. Repairing scratches is a fairly simple process, depending on the size of the scratch. The key to a good repair is to take your time and do the prep work with careful attention to detail.
Step 1: Smooth out the Scratch in the Dry Erase Surface
Use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out the scratch, and use a light touch to avoid enlarging your problem area. Make the surface as smooth as possible, similar to the texture of the wall before the initial application. Remember, the more porous an area is, the more it will hold onto markings. Note precisely how much of the area beyond the scratch has now been affected by sanding so you can fully treat it during the application process.
Step 2: Clean the Dry Erase Surface
Clean the affected area, per the cleaning instructions that came with the paint. Generally whiteboard paint can be cleaned with standard dry erase cleaner, or warm soap and water with a microfiber cloth. Be sure that all grit from the sanding process has been removed so you have a clean, smooth area to work with.
Step 3: Reapply Dry Erase Paint
Reapply the dry erase paint, per the instructions. Note the shelf life of the product before application for optimal performance. Using expired product will affect the erase-ability.
Step 4: Set the New Area to Cure
Section off the area so it doesn’t accidentally get used while it cures. Depending on the brand, the curing process can take from a few days up to a week. Draw a box around the repair with a note not to touch the affected area. Do not use tape to delineate the area that’s being repaired since tape reduces the ability to erase neatly. Whiteboard paint can last years with care and maintenance. Proper installation is key to the longevity of your whiteboard paint, and beyond that you must take care to clean the wall frequently. Inspect your whiteboard walls at regular intervals for scratches and dings. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and best practices, as they may vary slightly. Protect your investment, and the whiteboard walls will pay off in the form of great ideas and collaboration for years to come.