Get Organized with Dry Erase Sheets (and some Free Printables)
I’d like to show you how I use dry erase sheets. It is pretty self explanatory, but I have found a few tips and tricks (like what markers to use) that helps it work even better.
First, you can really turn any printable into a dry erase sheet, by simply printing it and and then laminating. I print all mine on very high quality bright white thick paper simply because I really like how vibrant the print is on that paper. However, it does work just as well with regular copy paper. If you don’t have a color printer or laminator, I also sell these already made for you in my shop. I have several choices, or you can choose to have any 5 of my printables made into dry erase sheets for you here.
Once I have my dry erase sheet created, I usually put magnets on the back so I can hang them on the refrigerator. If I’m putting them on the wall, I use museum putty.
The most important part to using these is finding the right markers. When I first tried these, I just used a regular dry erase marker:
The problem is that even the thinnest dry erase markers are still pretty thick, so it’s hard to right neatly or fit much in small spaces. The one plus to these markers is they are super easy to wipe off with a regular dry erase eraser or dry paper towel.
I really like these Staedtler markers. I use them for pretty much everything, and they work really well for writing on these sheets because they are a very thin tipped marker. I got these on Amazon. I think I’ve seen smaller packs in Target. You also can’t go wrong with all those pretty colors!
The other markers I use are these Sharpie Pens. I know they are called pens, but they are actually a really fine tipped marker. They’re pretty easy to find at Target or office supply stores.
When using the Staedtler or Sharpie pens, you will probably need to use something more than a dry paper towel to clean the sheet. The best thing is to spray a little bit of the Expo dry erase cleaner onto the paper towel or the sheet before cleaning. Or you can just use a damp paper towel, but that will require a little more elbow grease.
One more bit advice is that just like on a regular dry erase board, the ink will smear easily if you rest your hand on a spot that you’ve just written on. Therefore, it’s important to write from top to bottom. That mind sound obvious, but for some reason I seem to forget that when I’m writing on it on my desk like it’s a piece of paper.
Here’s a quick video where I show how I use my dry erase sheets:
Since this post wouldn’t be complete without a few freebie or two, click the links below to download these printables for free:
Do you use dry erase sheets? What do you use them for?
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Cas Says
Oh what a clever idea. I’d like to try laminating my own dry erase sheets!
Heather Says
I was excited to see that there were a couple of printables to download. I love the colors and how nice it looks. I am hoping to get the planner to start using someday too. I do use dry erase all the time. My son has Aspergers and needs constant reminders of what it is that he is supposed to do each day. I used dry erase for goal setting to. I made one for my daughter to potty train and worked out well. I love dry erase because you don’t go through so much paper and you can just wipe off and reuse.
To keep from smearing, I put it on the wall with use/reuse sticky backing (command). This is great as it won’t ruin the walls or the dry erase. I also use dry erase liquid spray to get it clean for reuse (think windex would work to.
Brianna Says
good idea, and now you have me lusting for a laminator machine! (there’s such a huge variety of the machines and hefty prices). do you have one or do you use self-laminating pouches? wouldn’t a plain old plastic sheet protector work about as well?
Jaime Says
I received my laminated printables in the mail the other day. Thanks so much, they’ll be put to good use!! I’ve been reading your blog for a bit but never commented. I’m obsessed with your printables and have been slowly getting my home organized with them. Thanks again, and keep up the good work!! 🙂
LauraJane Says
Post authorSo glad your able to put them to good use! It definitely feels good to get things all organized and in order.
Leslie Haynes Says
First of all I love your website so much! I am trying to make my own planner and your printables are so colorful and useful.
I used to use dry erase markers on a monthly calendar made for dry erase markers. It would have worked so much better if I would have used my staetler pens like you show. I will use my pens from now on. I have quite a few since I color a lot.
Thanks,
Leslie
LauraJane Says
Post authorGlad you’re able to use the advice to use your pens.