What’s in Dry-Erase Markers?

filed under: chemistry, video
Image credit: 
YouTube // National Geographic

When you think about it, dry-erase markers are kind of magical. They leave marks on a surface easily, but then can be wiped away, leaving virtually no trace behind. The process is of course dry, not involving any liquid to clean up. So how the heck does that work? What’s in those markers, and can you make your own?

In this Ingredients video, chemist George Zaidan goes deep on dry-erase markers. His job in this case is a little more complex than usual, because the package doesn’t list any ingredients. So with some sleuthing and chemical know-how, he sorts out what’s going on, explains it, and attempts to make his own dry-erase compound in his kitchen. Enjoy:


November 27, 2016 – 4:00am

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