Why does coloring over permanent marker with dry erase remove the “permanent” markings?

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Why does coloring over permanent marker with dry erase remove the “permanent” markings?

In: Chemistry

2 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

Marker ink was two components: the dye or colourant, and a volatile solvent that exists to carry the dye as a liquid for writing. The solvent evaporates relatively quickly leaving behind the dye as markings.

Dry-erase markers have dyes that do not bond well to glossy surfaces, so can easily be removed with a cloth.

Permanent markers have a dye that usually is not water-soluble, so is relatively long-lasting.

However, the solvent in dry-erase markers is often quite good at dissolving the dye in permanent markers, so writing over permanent marker with a dry-erase one helps lift the dye from the permanent marker.

Anonymous 0 Comments

“Permanent” ink is carried by a solvent which rapidly evaporates. Coloring over permanent marker with dry erase briefly exposes the permanent ink to solvent and allows it (the ink) to be wiped away quickly.