Actually, there is no difference between the surfaces. The difference lies in the type of marker used on the memerase surface: dry-erase markers or wet-erase markers. Dry-erase markers can be erased using a felt eraser or soft dry cotton cloth. Wet erase markers, on the other hand, require a wet-erase procedure – a wet cloth or sponge – because of the heavier, non-drying fluorescent or white inks used in wet-erase markers.

The memerase BlackWall surface has been designated a wet-erase surface because its dark surface displays best when used with white or fluorescent wet erase markers. Dry-erase markers can be used but are not recommended because the generally dark inks of dry-erase markers do not display effectively against the dark BlackWall surface.

What are the advantages of a memerase surface versus a porcelain board that can be concealed in a cabinet?

The construction of the memerase surface allows for much wider flexibility in installation options than traditional porcelain boards. memerase surface can be installed over an entire wall or on segments of walls, depending on the desired functionality. It can be applied to thin strips or around columns, etc. memerase installs easily and is not as heavy as porcelain boards that require mounting to a wall stud.
A memerase full-wall installation allows a person in a wheelchair to have access to an equal area of functional surface as a person standing as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). A framed or cabinet board may not comply with this requirement.
For decorative appearance, memerase ColorWall offers a number of neutral colors as well as three pearlized metallics that can be chosen to match most interior decors. This provides a more aesthetically pleasing appearance than a traditional white surface. memerase surfaces can also be framed in wood or other decorative trim, and can provide an integrated and functional wall surface.

If someone uses tape to stick up a piece of paper, what happens to the finish?

memerase uses a coating, made with PolyFox® material, that provides a very resilient surface. While most standard "office-use" tapes will adhere to the memerase surface, they can be peeled off without damaging the coating. In the event that some adhesive residue is left on the surface, the cleaner types that are discussed in the care and maintenance instructions should be able to remove this residue. Care should be taken that taped surfaces are not exposed to high temperatures as this will make the adhesive more likely to remain on the surface once the tape is removed. We do not recommend the use of any tape grades other than a standard office tape.

Does my current rough wall texture need to be changed for this product?

Because the memerase surface is a functional dry-erase writing surface it is important that the wall be prepared so that it is as smooth as possible. Roughness or wall texture will cause bumps on the surface that will make writing and reading more difficult. Please refer to the Installation Instructions for a guide on preliminary wall preparation. We recommend a Level 5 finish for drywall.

How does the memerase fire specification compare to competitive products?

memerase surface meets the same stringent fire requirements (Class A) as standard Type II wallcovering used for internal commercial applications; specifically, NFPA 101-94 classification when tested by ASTM E-84-91: Class A interior wall and ceiling finish when mounted on reinforced cement board.
See the Technical Specification pages for more information.

WhiteWall II™ Technical Specifications Page
ColorWall™ Technical Specifications Page
ProjectionWall™ Technical Specifications Page
PearlWall™ Technical Specifications Page
BlackWall™ Technical Specifications Page

What advantages does memerase have over other similar products?

In addition to the benefits listed above, the memerase product is also an extremely durable and easy-to-clean surface.
Any brand of dry-erase marker can be used with the memerase surface.
memerase surfaces are PFOA-free.

How is the BlackWall surface different from other memerase surfaces?

BlackWall requires a wet-erase procedure, employing a wet cloth or sponge, when used with white or fluorescent wet-erase markers. Otherwise, it has the same characteristics as other memerase dry-erase surfaces.

I have heard that over a period of time dry-erase wallcovering products turn gray and are difficult to clean. Is this true?

memerase products should retain their color and cleanability as long as appropriate measures are taken to follow the Care and Maintenance Instructions. Often, dry-erase surfaces will appear dirty because they need to be cleaned, or because the eraser being used has become dirty and needs to be replaced.
Some competitive products can discolor due to ultra-violet light exposure. Unlike those products, memerase surface does not use a UV sensitive adhesive in manufacturing that can yellow. The memerase surface is UV tested to stand up under interior exposure conditions.

I am forced to hang vertically; is there a liquid sealer that will avoid ink build-up in the seams?

We strongly urge the installation of memerase surface in a horizontal orientation. This minimizes the problems of seams and residue buildup. In most cases a horizontal installation will also provide a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.
There currently are no satisfactory seam sealers available that will provide the same dry-erase functionality and appearance as memerase surface. We urge you to minimize seams, overlap and double-cut, and consider the use of a trim or framing strip to cover the seams.

Can I use memerase as a projection surface?

We have found that for the majority of today's projection needs, the memerase surface, although fairly high in gloss, is suitable. For standard overhead projectors and for computer projectors the memerase product provides adequate projectability. For more demanding applications, such as traditional photographic slides, the surface may have glare. If it is determined before a project that a surface will be used for projection, OMNOVA offers its ProjectionWall™ product which offers less glare than traditional memerase products.

Is there a different procedure for erasing the BlackWall surface?

The BlackWall surface – when used with white or fluorescent wet-erase markers – requires a wet-erase procedure. Simply use a wet cloth or sponge to erase markings. This wet-erase procedure is necessary because of the fluorescent or white ink properties used in wet-erase markers.

What's the proper method to clean the memerase surface?

For most situations, the memerase surface can be cleaned with clean water and a dry, soft, lint-free cotton cloth. For complete cleaning instructions, see our memerase Care and Maintenance Instructions.

What cleaning products should NOT be used on the memerase surface?

Please refer to the Care and Maintenance Instructions for a detailed accounting of what to use and what not to use in cleaning. Never use abrasive cleaners or aggressive solvents to clean the memerase surface.

You have several colors available. Will all pen colors work well on all memerase colors?

Our color options are purposefully designed to be as fully functional as possible. The neutral tints should work well with any color marker. There may be a slight problem with a yellow marker on some of the colors, but often yellow markers are difficult to read even on white.

Can I use permanent markers on the memerase surface?

memerase dry-erase surface is designed for use with dry-erase markers only. Permanent markers should not be used on the memerase surface. Please refer to our Care and Maintenance Instructions for suggestions for removing stains left by permanent markers.

Can dry-erase markers be used on the BlackWall surface?

Yes, but they are strongly NOT recommended because the generally dark inks of standard dry-erase markers do not display effectively against the dark BlackWall surface. White or fluorescent wet-erase markers are recommended instead because their brighter, more intense wet inks display effectively on the dark surface.

If you choose to use dry-erase markers on the BlackWall surface, they can be removed using a dry-erase eraser or soft cloth. Always use a wet cloth or sponge when erasing wet-erase markers.

Do coffee or other beverages affect the finish?

The surface properties sheet discusses the stain resistance of the memerase surface against most common staining agents. Typical beverages should not cause staining on the material surface. Some aggressive staining agents possibly could cause discoloration over long exposure times. Therefore, we recommend that any material accidentally spilled on the surface be cleaned off immediately.

What are the available bolt or roll sizes?

All of our current product offerings come in 30-yard bolts. Material is inspected and packaged to the same specification as typical wallcovering.

Will running the product horizontally add to my labor costs?

Estimates for a horizontal installation versus a traditional vertical installation are usually about $0.10 per square foot higher.

Can you provide a sample exercise to determine the appropriate amount of memerase material needed for an installation?

Example full-wall installation requirements:

Product - 60" material
Wall Size - 20 ft. long and 9 ft. high

memerase surface normally is hung from 30" to 90" on a wall as shown below - (heights can vary, of course, depending on your need).

MemErase Sample Exercise 1

In the above example, for the 20 foot wall, 7 yards (21 feet) of material is needed for the middle piece. memerase surface is available in full yard increments.

MemErase Sample Exercise 2

A 60" roll can be split to get the 16" wide piece at the top and the 30" wide piece at the bottom. Similar to above, a 7-yard (21') cut is needed for a 20-foot wall.

MemErase Sample Exercise 3

Therefore this installation requires two strips, both 7 yards long or 14 total yards of memerase material to cover a 20-foot long, 9-foot high wall.