Our company has a lot of whiteboards. Out of curiosity, I walked around the offices in my immediate area and discovered that there are seven Sanford Expo Erasers all in varying conditions.


Description

This eraser is designed for use on whiteboards, porcelain and melamine surfaces. The manufacturer says the Expo eraser has “Softpile”, which quickly erases markings. Softpile is a layer on the bottom of the eraser that is fuzzy and soft to the touch. The pile around the edges of the eraser appears frayed, but this is its normal appearance.

Essentially this black/gray eraser is in two parts: 1) the top of the eraser which one holds, and 2) the bottom of the eraser with the Softpile finish. The eraser measures 2” wide x 5” long x 1 1/16” high.

These erasers are designed to be reused. Cleaning is recommended. Just hold the eraser under a faucet and clean it with mild soap.


Our Experiences

Sanford is a huge name in office supplies, and has a large hold on the whiteboard industry with its supplies of boards, markers and accessories (such as these erasers). Judging by the appearance and condition of the erasers throughout my area, I can see where this eraser has transformed over time.

The two most common types of the Sanford Expo Eraser in the office are: 1) where the top of the eraser is constructed from a hard charcoal gray foam-like material, and 2) where the top of the eraser is made from hard black plastic. From what I see on the Expo website and online stores, the hard black plastic top is the newer incarnation. I’m going to discuss both types of erasers.

The foam handled eraser: What I like about this eraser is the large label affixed to the top of it. The label clearly states this is a Sanford Expo Eraser and that it is for use on dry eraser surfaces. Instructions for care and cleaning of the eraser are written in bold lettering. All the wording is also written in English, French and Spanish. These erasers have held up very well during use. The foam handle has never broken or cracked. As with all Sanford Expo erasers, I can tell how much use these erasers have seen by how much fuzz is around the edges of the Softpile (the more the eraser is used, the more fuzz along the edge).

The black plastic handled eraser: This eraser has no label or instructions on it. The word Expo is embossed into the top of the black plastic handle. That’s it. One noticeable difference in this style eraser is that the Softpile layer that is affixed to the hard plastic eventually starts to peel off. Also, the Softpile layer shows discoloration after it has been used awhile.

Both styles of eraser work the same way. Hold the handle and rub the eraser across the markings on a dry erase surface. The markings vanish, and the soft eraser does not scratch or mar the board. However, I find that it takes a bit of erasing to make sure no ghost marking remains on the board. Eventually, the eraser is not enough to keep the board completely clean, and I need to use a markerboard liquid cleaner to make the board look like new again.

The erasers are easy to hold, and are comfortable. Their light weight allows one to erase boards that are vertically wall-mounted without arm fatigue. Rounded corners on the eraser are also kind on the hands.

If a whiteboard has a narrow ledge to hold markers, then this Expo eraser may not balance well on it. I find that whiteboards with a wider tray hold the bulk of this eraser better than boards with a narrow ledge.


Purchasing

W.B. Mason sells this eraser for $3.19 each.


Summary

I am giving these Sanford Expo Erasers an average rating. Next time I need to order some, I am going to try a different brand to see if the workmanship is better. I should not have to worry about the soft pile layer peeling from the eraser handle. The old-style Sanford Expo erasers hold together much better and last longer.

I hope you found this review useful.

Enjoy your day,
Dawn
http://dlstewart.com


Please read my other reviews:

Quartet Clean Eraser markerboard cleaner

Expo Dry Erase Surface Towelettes

Expo Dry Erase Markers that write like a pen

Universal Cork Bulletin Board

Royal Shredder (Model # VF1012mx)

Bic BriteLiner Grip Highlighter -- Yellow

Avery Pen Style Highlighters – Assorted Colors

Avery Desk Style Highligher – Blue

Tombow Dry Highlighter


Copyright 2007 Dawn L. Stewart


Recommended: Yes