The Laser-Friendly Dry Erase Board Guide
WILL IT WHITEBOARD?
We tested popular laser materials to see how well they perform as reusable dry erase boards. Each material was written on with standard dry erase markers, erased, and cleaned with dry erase board cleaner. See how the different materials perform so you can choose the right material for your next whiteboard project.
OUR PROCESS
GUIDE OVERVIEW
While you may know the best practices for caring for laser materials, the same isn't always true for the end user. To better reflect real-world use, we tested each material using common dry erase markers, standard whiteboard cleaner, and typical handling methods rather than specific material cleaners and best practices.
How We Tested:
Each material was evaluated using the following steps:
- Laser cut and laser engraved on a CO₂ laser
- Wrote on the surface using a standard dry erase marker
- Allowed the ink to dry undisturbed for several hours
- Erased using a standard dry erase eraser
- Cleaned with a standard dry erase board spray cleaner and a blue shop cloth
This process allowed us to evaluate each material's legibility, erasability, cleanability, and overall durability under everyday conditions.
TOP LASER-FRIENDLY WHITEBOARD ALTERNATIVES
OVERALL RESULTS
BEST OVERALL: White Glossy Cast acrylic
If you're looking for the closest alternative to a traditional dry erase board, White Gloss Cast Acrylic is the clear winner. It writes smoothly, erases easily, and holds up exceptionally well with repeated use. Available in a variety of thicknesses, it's a durable and versatile choice for everything from classroom signs and family calendars to reusable planners and business displays.
BEST ON A BUDGET: TRUFLAT WHITE 2.0
TruFlat White 2.0 delivers excellent dry erase performance at a budget-friendly price. Its bright white, glossy finish provides great marker visibility, wipes clean with ease, and requires very little cleaner to remove residue. Be aware, the finish may lift when exposed to cleaner or excess moisture. It's best suited for low-use applications such as first day of school signs, retail displays, and more.
BEST FOR ENGRAVES: CLEAR MATTE CAST ACRYLIC
Clear Matte Cast Acrylic is an excellent choice for whiteboard projects that feature detailed engraving, such as calendars, planners, and to-do lists. The frosted matte treatment adds a subtle level of opacity, improving contrast and legibility. For optimum results, write on the glossy side and engrave on the matte backside.
CLEAR GLOSSY ACRYLIC TEST RESULTS
Marked
Standard black and red dry erase markers created easy to read markings on the clear glossy cast acrylic sheet.
ERASED
The dry erase markings erased effortlessly with a quick low-pressure wipe, leaving nominal residue on the clear glossy sheet.
Cleaned
The dry erase cleaner removed residue without streaking or damaging the clear glossy cast acrylic sheet.
CLEAR CAST GLOSSY ACRYLIC
Must-have for calenders
Clear Glossy Cast Acrylic is a fantastic dry erase option with bright contrast, easy cleanup, and no ghosting. With a budget-friendly price and several thicknesses available, this style has a lot of versatility.
Great For:
- Calendars
- Planners
- Classroom Signage
PRO-TIP: Engrave on the backside of your piece.
This keeps dry erase ink from settling into the engraved areas and dulling the impact of the engraves.
GLOSSY VS MATTE CAST ACRYLIC
We compared marking on the glossy or matte side of the same color acrylic. For this we tested white glossy, white matte, and clear glossy/matte acrylic.
Marked
Standard black and red dry erase markers created easy to read markings on both glossy and matte cast acrylic sheets.
ERASED
The dry erase markings erased effortlessly on the glossy finish of white and clear matte acrylic. Markings could not be erased from the matte finish of the white and clear matte acrylic.
Cleaned
The dry erase cleaner removed residue without streaking or damaging the glossy cast acrylic sheets. The white matte markings were unable to be removed and the clear matte had subtle, yet stubborn ghosting.
WHITE CAST GLOSSY ACRYLIC
BEST OVERALL DRY ERASE BOARD ALTERNATITVE
White Glossy Cast Acrylic is the must-pick dry erase board alternative. This glossy, bright white material creates vibrant easy to read markings. Compared to white matte acrylic, the glossy finish is easy clean and doesn't stain the surface. With several thicknesses available, this style is our go-to whiteboard hack.
Great For:
- Calendars
- To-Do Lists
- Retail Displays
CLEAR MATTE ACRYLIC (GLOSSY SIDE)
BEST FOR ENGRAVING
Consider using Clear Matte Cast Acrylic on the glossy side for your next dry erase project that involves engraved details. The glossy finish wipes clean while the frosted matte treatment adds a subtle level of opacity, to improve contrast and legibility while maintaining the modern look of a clear acrylic design.
Great For:
- Calendars
- Planners
- Classroom Signage
PRO-TIP: Engrave on the backside of your piece.
This keeps dry erase ink from settling into the engraved areas and dulling the impact of the engraves. Don't worry the engraving still shows up bright and crisp through the frosted affect.
TRUFLAT TEST RESULTS
We put all of the TruFlat styles (minus black of course) to the test to see which could work as a whiteboard replacement.
Marked
Standard black and red dry erase markers created easy to read markings on the clear glossy cast acrylic sheet.
ERASED
The dry erase markings erased effortlessly with a quick low-pressure wipe, leaving nominal residue on the clear glossy sheet.
Cleaned
The dry erase cleaner removed residue without streaking or damaging the clear glossy cast acrylic sheet.
TRUFLAT WHITE 2.0
BEST ON A BUDGET DRY ERASE BOARD ALTERNATIVE
TruFlat White 2.0 is a diode-friendly whiteboard alternative at a budget-friendly price. Its bright glossy white finish makes all markers pop and wipes away clean. It should not be engraved because the edges lift over time when exposed to the alcohol and cleaner. For best results, use it for limited-use projects that won't require as much cleaning or updating.
Great For:
- First Day of School Signs
- Price/Item Displays
- Game Pieces
PRO-TIP: Add an acrylic border reduce the edges' exposure to the cleaner and extend the life of your piece.
TRUFLAT LINEN
DIODE-FRIENDLY WHITEBOARD ALTERNATIVE
Besides TruFlat White 2.0, TruFlat Linen, was the only other style from the TruFlat collection that was a viable whiteboard alternative. The dry erase board markers created stains or permanent ghosting on the other TruFlat finishes .
Similar to TruFlat White 2.0, this style is susceptible to warping along the edges when exposed to cleaners and should be used for low wear-and-tear pieces.
Great For:
- Hotel and Spa Room Signs
- Restaurant Displays
- Shelf Labels
PRO-TIP: Minimize engraves and add an acrylic border to extend the life of your piece.