How to Create a Writable Wall & What Are the Benefits?

Whiteboard wallpaper walls in classrooms

A writable wall adds a fresh dynamic to an office space where the spirit of collaboration and innovation is not limited by the size of a whiteboard. When someone tries to express an idea with words, diagrams, charts, and whatnot in front of a congregation of colleagues, you do not want that individual to be worried about running out of space. In a way, a writable wall unlocks the free flow of ideas in offices as well as classrooms.

What are the different ways of creating a writable wall?

There are two ways of creating a writable wall.

You can use either of the two methods to turn any smooth surface into a writable wall that you can write on with dry-erase markers and wipe off with a microfibre cloth. Depending on the nature and condition of the surface one method may be more effective than the other.
We’ll discuss the differences between whiteboard paint versus whiteboard wallpaper later in the post

How to apply whiteboard paint on a wall?

The good thing about whiteboard paint is that you can apply it on any wall regardless of its shape, surface area, and obstructions. The following are the steps you need to follow.

1. Ensure the smoothness of the wall
Check the surface of the wall for inconsistencies, holes, or bumps. You can use a regular decorator’s filler to fill the holes and sand off any inconsistencies.

2. Apply the primer
You can use any high-quality primer for the wall. Apply two coats of primer and sand the wall in between the coats. Make sure the wall is completely dry before moving to the next step.

You can apply the whiteboard paint without coating the wall with primer if your wall is freshly painted or has a perfectly smooth surface.

You can also apply 3 coats of magnetic paint if you want your writable wall to double as a magnetic wall.

3. Prepare the whiteboard paint
The smart whiteboard paint by Smarter Surfaces comes in two parts Part B is the paint and it comes in a tin and Part A comes in small bottle to be mixed into it.

You need to pour all of Part A into Part B and stir it for at least 5 minutes. A stirring stick and a pair of gloves are provided in the application kit.

4. Applying the whiteboard paint
Check the wall one final time for any inconsistencies and sand them off. Then, select a small section of the wall (approximately 1m²) and apply masking tape on the edges of the section, this will help you roll the paint seamlessly. The application kit also comes with a roller handle and multiple roller sleeves.

After that, pour the paint into a paint tray and soak the roller with paint. Make sure the entire roller sleeve is covered in paint but not so much that the weight of the paint hinders the rolling motion. You can ensure that by simply rolling the roller a couple of times in a relatively dry section of the paint tray.

Once the roller is ready, roll the paint up and down the selected area with even pressure to ensure a seamless coat. Check for any inconsistencies or missed spots before moving on to the next section.

Consult the application guide if you face an issue at any point. If it doesn’t have the answer you’re looking for, our product advisors will surely have it. Get in touch with an expert.

It takes around 4 days for the paint to take effect and turn the regular wall into a writable wall.

How to apply the whiteboard wallpaper?

The application process for the whiteboard wallpaper has only three steps.

Make sure there are no air bubbles or excess adhesive underneath the wallpaper by pushing them our with a plastic spatula supplied with the product. You can use a damp cloth to clean the surface and get rid of any adhesive residue along the edges or overlaps. In 24 hours, the wallpaper will be ready for use and you will have a fully functional writable wall.

Smarter Surfaces also has a magnetic whiteboard wallpaper that doubles as a writable and a magnetic wall. Then, there is an amazing product called Magnetic Projector Screen Whiteboard Wallpaper that brings three functionalities together. With this wallpaper, you can turn a wall into a writable and magnetic surface that you can also project on.

Smarter Surfaces products are shipped with complete application kits to ensure that even non-professionals can apply the products and get the best results. For each product, there is a DIY tutorial video that covers the application process in minute detail.

Can you have a writable wall in any colour?

Yes, you can.
If you have a freshly painted wall that you want to turn into a whiteboard, simply apply clear whiteboard paint to it. You will have a writable wall in the colour of your choice.

You might want to repaint your wall if the paint is old and worn out. In such cases,

Apply two coats of primer. Paint the wall with a colour of your choice. And then, apply the clear whiteboard paint.

How to create a magnetic writable wall in any colour?

Here is what you do:

  • Prime the wall
  • Add 4 coats of magnetic paint or 2 coats of smart magnetic plaster for superior magnetic functionality. Wait till the surface is dry.
  • Apply any paint in a colour of your choice
  • Apply a coat of clear whiteboard paint once the paint is completely dry.

In 4 days, you will have a writable wall with magnetic qualities. You can use this approach to create writable walls that align with your brand colours or complement the aesthetic appeal of your office space.

5 key benefits of having a writable wall

  • A writable wall becomes a centre for communication and collaboration in an office.
  • You can use the wall to write down ideas, make notes of targets, and talk about achievements without worrying about running out of space.
  • A writable wall can act as a large activity board that you can use during recreational sessions
  • It’s a brilliant space for visual aids during strategy meetings and presentations
  • In a classroom setting, the very size of the writable surface plays a positive role in unshackling the creative spirit among students.

Whiteboard paint vs whiteboard wallpaper

Which one is better for creating a writable wall?

The answer to this really depends on the character of the wall that you are trying to turn into a smooth dry-erase surface. Both the wallpaper and the whiteboard paint have some excellent points working in their favour. So, we’ll set certain situational parameters and see which of the two approaches may work better.

A large, smooth, featureless wall
We usually recommend the wallpaper for such situations as it is easier to apply and takes only 24 hours to be ready. Although the whiteboard paint could work just as well, it will take a little longer for you to have the writable wall.

A wall with fixtures or windows
In such cases, the convenience of applying the wallpaper is cancelled by the features of the wall. So, you should go with the whiteboard paint. You can just put tape on the fixtures and paint around them.

You want a coloured whiteboard wall
The whiteboard wallpaper is opaque and white in colour. So, if you need a writable wall in the colour of your choice you have to go with the clear whiteboard paint.

You have a wooden surface
The porous nature of wood makes it difficult for it to hold a vinyl over vinyl adhesive. Hence, if you have a wooden wall, we recommend that you go with the whiteboard paint and not the wallpaper.

However, if you want to turn a wooden tabletop or a glass door into a whiteboard, you can look into the range of dry-erase self-adhesive films.

The best way to learn what product you should choose for your specific needs is to book a free video consultation with the product experts at Smarter Surfaces. You can show us your wall or surface, tell us what you are looking for, and our experts will guide you to the best solution possible.

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