> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/guides/maintain/surface-wear-pen-tablets.md).

# Surface wear on pen tablets

## Overview of surface wear on pen tablets

All pen tablets (those without a screen) will experience some form of wear. The amount and type of wear will be affected by:

* The material of the surface
* The texture of the surface
* The material of the nib
* How you draw
* Other sources of damage not related to normal use of the pen tablet

In general, surface wear is not a problem unless it interferes with your pen. Typically, this means a deep scratch that deflects the tip of the pen. This deflection may be strong enough to create little "bumps" if you try to draw a line across the scratch.

## Types of surface wear

* **Texture erosion** - where the surface texture starts getting a little smoother as you continue to move your pen over it. More here: [Texture erosion on pen tablets](/drawtab/guides/maintain/texture-erosion-pen-tablets.md).
* **False scratches** - things that look like scratches but are really the result of a tablet surface that is not clean. More here: [False scratches](/drawtab/guides/maintain/false-scratches.md)
* **Scratches** - permanent grooves cut into the surface. More here: [Scratches on pen tablets](/drawtab/guides/maintain/scratches-pen-tablets.md).

## Protecting the surface

There are ways to help protect the surface:

* Maintain your pen nibs so that they don't develop a flat edge
* Use a felt nib which is softer than a plastic nib.
* Don't press down so hard on the tablet
* Use [Surface protection](/drawtab/misc/surface-protectors-obsolete.md)
* When traveling with the tablet, put it inside something that prevents the surface from being scratched