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Dry erase boards have become important tools for teaching and training in many of today's libraries, schools and workplaces, alike. The ease of which notes can be jotted down and erased is made possible by the use of two common surfaces: porcelain and melamine.

Porcelain whiteboards are typically referred to as magnetic whiteboards because the porcelain surface is enameled to sheet metal, allowing the whiteboard to accept magnets.
Porcelain is a ceramic material derived from heated clays (often kaolinite), which produces a vitreous surface. This hard, non-porous surface helps to prevent ghosting, an effect caused by the absorbance of marker inks into the board's surface. While porcelain whiteboards are more expensive, they are durable and can withstand years of use.

Melamine dry erase boards are a more economical alternative to porcelain whiteboards. They are composed of a hard plastic laminate that is covered with a clear-coat writing surface. These whiteboards are designed for light use however, as the clear coat can wear away and leave the surface exposed to ghosting. Melamine whiteboards are best suited in applications where they will be cleaned after each use.

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