Short answer: A clear acrylic dry-erase board is usually 1/4 in. thick, mounted 1/2 to 1 in. off the wall on four standoffs. Ordinary dry-erase markers wipe off it cleanly; for a solid color, paint the back face or put colored paper behind it. Acrylic is lighter and safer than a glass board but scratches more easily, so use soft erasers.

Why acrylic for a whiteboard

Melamine whiteboards ghost and stain within a year or two. Glass boards wipe beautifully but are heavy and need serious anchors. Acrylic sits between them: it wipes clean like glass, weighs half as much, and is far less likely to break. A 36 × 24 in. board in 1/4 in. weighs about 9 lb, so it hangs on four standoffs in drywall anchors.

The honest trade-off: acrylic is softer than glass. Markers wipe off cleanly, but abrasive erasers, gritty cloths, and rings or watches dragged across it will leave fine scratches over time, and ink can catch in deep scratches. Treat it gently and it stays clear for years.

What size and thickness to choose

  • 1/8 in. for small boards up to about 12 × 18 in.: a fridge menu planner, a desk note board, a door board.
  • 1/4 in. for most wall boards from 24 × 18 up to 48 × 36 in. It stays flat and doesn't flex when you write.
  • 3/8 in. for very large boards and a heavier, glass-like edge.

A single board can go up to 48 × 96 in., the size of a full sheet, which makes a whole-wall planning board for an office or classroom. Round the corners to 0.5 in. or more; it looks finished and avoids sharp points at head height.

Colors and backgrounds

Clear over the wall

The minimalist look. Your paint color shows through and the board almost disappears until you write on it. Works best on light walls; dark walls make marker hard to read unless you use white or neon markers.

Back-painted

Paint the back face white for a classic whiteboard with a glossy glass face, or pick any color: navy, sage, charcoal, brand colors. Because the paint is behind the acrylic, it never touches a marker or eraser. See how to paint acrylic sheet for the right paint and prep.

Solid colored sheet

White acrylic works as a whiteboard straight from the sheet. Black acrylic makes a sleek chalkboard-style board for liquid chalk markers.

Standoffs and mounting

Standoffs are short metal barrels that screw into the wall, with a cap that clamps the board through a drilled hole. They float the board 1/2 to 1 in. off the wall, which casts a nice shadow and hides wall imperfections. We drill the holes for you, usually 1 to 1.5 in. in from each corner. Four standoffs hold boards up to about 48 × 36 in.; add two more along the long edges for anything bigger. Same hardware as our standoff signs, and more options in how to mount acrylic to a wall.

Tip: mount the board so its top is about 6 ft from the floor for adults, or 4 to 5 ft in a kids' room or classroom. Measure before you drill, then use the board itself as a drilling template.

Add-ons

  • Engraved grids or headings: weekly planners, chore charts, scoreboards. Engrave on the back so markers don't fill the lines; see acrylic wall calendars.
  • A marker ledge: a bent acrylic tray or a small shelf strip bonded below the board.
  • Magnets: acrylic isn't magnetic, but a thin steel sheet behind a painted board makes it work with magnets.

Questions

Do acrylic dry-erase boards ghost?

Much less than melamine. Wipe within a few days and use a damp microfiber cloth with mild soap for any residue. Avoid alcohol-based whiteboard cleaners, which can craze acrylic.

What markers work best?

Standard low-odor dry-erase markers and liquid chalk markers both wipe off acrylic. Test permanent or paint markers in a corner first, since some solvents attack the surface.

How do I order one?

Enter your size, thickness, holes, and standoffs in the instant quote. For a back-painted or engraved board, describe what you want.