Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Make Your Own Dry Erase/White Board

DIY Dry Erase

A dry erase board is a useful tool in any household, and location is key to it's being useful or useless. Dry erase boards are a great alternative to chalk boards for children's art projects, letter practice, or working out math problems. For the older child, a dry erase board is a great place to work through that tedious algebra equation. And for the parent, it can be the perfect way to keep information at hand for kids, babysitters, and your spouse. Various sizes can be purchased in stores, but sometimes, it's nice to be able to customize the dry erase board for a specific need or space, without spending a fortune. There is a method that is really quite simple and inexpensive.

White Contact Paper

With a roll of white contact paper, you can make your dry erase board lightweight, and inexpensively. The most simple method is to simply cut to the size you need, and thumb tack to the wall. For a sturdier backing, adhere the contact paper to a piece of posterboard, and tack up. If you want to be a little fancier, you can certainly use a piece of thicker material, such as plywood, and wire the board for mounting. Regardless of the sturdiness or size, the covering is simple enough. This can also be used as a wet erase board, in combination with a set of Vis a Vis markers.

More Alternative Wet/Dry Erase Surfaces

The refrigerator can be used for both wet and dry erase. Work the problems or make the notes, and when finished, wipe clean.


Your bathroom mirror will function as a wet or dry erase board. Leave a reminder for the kids to pick up the wet towels. Or, leave a love note for your spouse. Wipe clean when the note is no longer needed.


Windows, likewise, work as wet or dry erase surfaces. Any glass surface, really. I don't suggest the television screen, though. That might be getting a little carried away!
For a portable surface, a plastic covered binder. Or, make a book cover from the white contact paper, and the book now has a nice surface for doodling or working those algebra problems. Don't remove the adhesive from the contact paper, though, when covering the book. Rather, tape corners of the contact paper together on the inside cover. You really don't want the cost of text book replacement, after all.