How to Create a Whiteboard Wall in any Colour in 4 Steps

by sefali | Oct 19, 2018 | Blog

So you want to install a whiteboard wall in your office but don’t want it to be white?
We have the solution for you…

You can turn any coloured wall into a dry-erase writable surface using clear whiteboard paint. You will end up with a large writable surface for your teams to collaborate and brainstorm on while retaining the original colours of your office walls. In this post, we’ll discuss the steps of creating a coloured whiteboard wall and share some interesting ideas for you to explore.

What is a transparent or clear whiteboard paint wall?

A whiteboard paint wall is a wall that you use as a whiteboard – you can write on it with markers and wipe off the writing with a dry microfibre cloth. A transparent whiteboard wall is one that retains the original colour of the wall. So, if you have a blue wall in your office that you want to turn into a whiteboard without changing its colour to white, you go for a clear whiteboard paint and apply it straight over your blue paint.

The great advantage of a full whiteboard wall in a colour of your choice is firstly it can match things like corporate branding or colour schemes of a business or school but more than that, it’s the large writable surface area you get. Without the size limitations of a traditional board, a whiteboard wall changes the way people interact with space. It motivates collaboration and drives creativity without constraints.

How does clear whiteboard paint work?

Clear whiteboard paint is made from a special resin infused with nanotechnology, that when the paint is dry it creates a smooth, durable, and invisible barrier between the surface of the wall and the ink of the dry-erase markers. Hence, you can easily write on and clean off the whiteboard wall.

Steps to creating a clear whiteboard paint wall

Turning a regular wall into a large whiteboard wall in any colour is a fairly simple task that can be performed even by non-professionals. You just need the right guidelines.

Step 1: Measure the area
Measure the height and the width of the wall you want to convert into a transparent writable surface. Multiply the height and the width to get the area. So, if the wall has a height of 3 metres and a width of 4 metres, you’d need enough paint to cover an area of 12 square metres.
Smarter Surfaces has a simple guide on each pack to explain the exact surface area you can cover with a tin of paint in the product descriptions. For instance, you can buy clear whiteboard paint in three sizes – 2 m², 6 m², and 18 m².

Step 2: Prepare the wall
If your wall is painted and smooth, it won’t need a lot of preparation. Just cover the edges of the area where you’re about to apply the clear whiteboard paint using a broad masking tape.

In case your wall is not smooth, has holes and inconsistencies, or if the paint colur has faded, you need a few more steps of preparation but not too much.

• Fill the holes: Use a regular decorator’s filler to fill any holes in the wall. Sand the area off to make it smooth.
• Colour the wall: Apply the coloured paint of your choice and wait for it to dry completely.

Step 3: Clear Whiteboard Paint
The Smarter Surfaces Clear Whiteboard Paint has two parts: Part A and Part B.

Once your wall is ready for application, pour the entirety of Part A into Part B and stir it for at least 5 minutes with the stick provided in the application kit until you achieve a perfect blend.

You’ll find a roller handle and a pair of roller sleeves in the application kit. Use them to prepare the roller. You should prepare the roller before mixing the paint as you must apply the paint on the wall within an hour of mixing part A with part B.

Step 4: Apply the paint
Apply the clear whiteboard paint in sections and check each section as you go to ensure no missed spots

• Pour the paint mix into a painting tray and soak the roller in it
• Make sure the entire roller is covered in paint but it’s not dripping
• Apply the paint with the roller passing over the surface 10 times with even pressure to ensure no missed patches
• Check for inconsistencies from at least 3 viewing angles and apply more paint if necessary

The clear whiteboard becomes touch dry in 5 hours but you should 4 days before using it as a whiteboard to allow those nanoparticles to do their work. This amazing product comes with a 10-year performance guarantee from Smarter Surfaces.

Is it possible to turn a wooden surface into a clear whiteboard?

Yes, it is.
Wood is porous and soaks in paint. Hence, you would need to prime the wooden surface using a clear primer to prepare it for the clear whiteboard paint. Once the clear primer dries out completely you can apply the clear whiteboard paint.

Is it possible to create a magnetic clear whiteboard wall?

Yes, it is. In fact, Smarter Surfaces has a specially designed package for it complete with smart magnetic paint, clear whiteboard paint, neodymium magnets, and everything else necessary for application. Creating a magnetic clear whiteboard wall has the additional step of applying the magnetic paint before you paint the wall with the colour of your choice.

Whiteboard Wall DIY with expert guidance from Smarter Surfaces

Thanks to the all-in-one application kit, detailed guidelines, and application videos, you can easily create a writable transparent whiteboard wall by yourself with Smarter Surfaces products. However, some issues may arise while doing it. In any such event, you can consult with the experts at Smarter Surfaces for free advice and guidance

Even before making a purchase, you can book a free video consultation call with our product advisors. If you’re unsure what product to choose or how much to buy, simply upload pictures and videos of your wall, and we will guide you through.

You can always refer to the video application guides during the process of application to ensure that you’re doing it correctly.

Whiteboard Ghosting: What You Need to Know

by sefali | Aug 20, 2018 | Blog

For anyone using a product with whiteboard functionality – ghosting can be a potential problem. People go to great lengths to keep their whiteboards free of ghosting and struggle through trying to find what will work, what won’t work and what could potentially damage their whiteboard surface.

What is Whiteboard Ghosting?

Ghosting is when the surface of a whiteboard/ whiteboard wall won’t fully erase, leaving behind stains and stray marks which can make your whiteboard look dirty or make it hard to read.

What Causes Whiteboard Ghosting?

Ghosting can occur for a number of reasons some of which you can read below. It should be noted that traditional whiteboards usually have a limited life span in which you can avoid any ghosting.

• Using low quality, cheap whiteboards
• Repeated heavy use of whiteboards
• Leaving marks on a whiteboard for extended periods
• Erasing markers while they are still wet
• Some types of whiteboards are more susceptible than others to ghosting

How to Avoid Whiteboard Ghosting?

• Use high quality markers and cleaning sprays
• Clean with Smart Sponge
• Replace your choice of eraser when it gets dirty
• Use a pro cleaner every so often – note not suitable for daily usage

One solution to avoiding ghosting altogether is abandoning traditional whiteboards and instead coating your wall with a high quality whiteboard paint: Smart Whiteboard Paint.

Smart Whiteboard Paint and Whiteboard Ghosting

Smart Whiteboard Paint is a high quality whiteboard paint which does not ghost. It has no harsh or cheap chemicals. It abides by all regulations of EU standards and is a low VOC product. These factors help it prevent factors such as poor erasability.

However ghosting can also be a repercussion of how you apply or maintain a product, so below are some tips for maintaining your Smart Whiteboard Wall.

Make sure that your whiteboard paint has been correctly installed, following the application guide provided, to help ensure no ghosting will occur.

1. Do not stretch the paint: Smart Whiteboard Paint is sold by the area the customer is looking to cover, not litres. Using the paint on a larger area than the tin allows can have negative effects on the product’s erasability.
2. For the first month of use, while the paint is still curing do not leave markers on the wall over night. This will give the product time to cure.
3. Do not use Permanent Ink Remover on a daily basis as it can damage the surface. This product is for stubborn stains and you should thus use it irregularly.
4. Do not use alcohol to clean the surface as continued use of alcohol on SWP may deteriorate the integrity of your surface and reduce the performance.

Smarter Surfaces also have a range of high quality dry erase wallcoverings available which are guaranteed ghosting-free.

The whiteboard accessories you use are very important in keeping your whiteboard surface in good condition. To save you the hassle of having to search through the number of brands of markers available, you can check out the markers we sell on our website which are high quality so are ideal to be used with whiteboard paint.

In conclusion, your whiteboard surfaces does need some care to maintain a pristine finish but by following the steps above, you should be fine!

Have you any questions regarding our products? Get in touch now.

Whiteboard Paint for Classroom Walls: A Superior Alternative to Chalkboards

by sefali | Jul 27, 2018 | Blog

Manufacturing of slate chalkboards began in the 1840s and the green porcelain enamel boards first appeared in the 1930s. Despite the dust when using a chalkboard and the chalk dust-induced allergies among students and teachers alike, the chalkboard has been the mainstay of educational institutes for decades. However, it has overstayed its welcome and needs to make way for a superior modern alternative – whiteboard paint for classroom walls.

In the sections that follow, we shall examine the benefits of whiteboard paint for classroom walls over a chalkboard in different scenarios. This will help you make informed decisions regarding the refurbishment of classroom walls in your institution.

How does whiteboard paint for classroom walls work?

Whiteboard paint for classroom walls is a specially designed blend of two different paints that can turn an entire wall into a writable surface. So, instead of hanging a chalkboard or a whiteboard, you can use an entire wall for writing.

After applying the whiteboard paint, the wall turns into a dry-erase surface.

• You can write and draw on it with good-quality markers
• You can erase the writing with a dry microfibre cloth
• You can use cleaners on it to remove stains and permanent ink
• You can have a whiteboard of any colour of your choice

Key benefits of using whiteboard paint for classroom walls

We have already talked about the large surface area to write on and the cleanability aspect. But there is more to having a writable wall in a classroom. It brings crucial benefits for both teachers and learners.
No room for dust
Chalkdust contains calcium carbonate and calcium sulphate. These compounds can create eye irritation, skin irritation and typically dry skin, irritation in the respiratory tract, and mucous membranes. Chronic exposure to chalkdust can have a lasting effect on your lungs.

Whiteboard paint on a classroom wall eliminates the prospect of dust creating a healthier environment for learning. It means

• No accumulation of dust around the corners of the board
• No dusty classroom floors
• No chalk residue on the palms of your hands.
• No triggers for allergies and asthma
• No dry skin on fingers

A smoother writing experience
Whiteboard paint for classroom walls puts an end to broken chalk, cracks in the porcelain, and ghosting on the surface of a hanging whiteboard. The best part is that you can apply the whiteboard paint around the obstructive fixtures on a wall like switchboards.

• It gives you a large surface to write on
• Ensures a clean writing experience
• Leaves enough room for children to write and express
• Overall, turns the classroom into a collaborative space

A smarter surface for interaction
Writing with chalk on a board is a different skill set. Children do not find it easy to write on chalkboards. Add the dust aspect to that and you have an environment that discourages participation.

A whiteboard that hangs on the wall is better than a chalkboard but introduces issues like a shortage of space – especially when small children are trying to write their naturally large letters.

The smart whiteboard range by Smarter Surfaces helps you create a learning environment that is unimpaired by any of these issues. The products, including but not limited to the whiteboard paint for classroom walls, can turn any wall into a write-on wipe-off surface irrespective of its shape and size.

• You get more space to express ideas
• Experience zero ghosting (ink residue on the surface even after wiping off)
• A smooth and enjoyable writing experience

What to look for in whiteboard paint for classrooms

What do we mean when we say good-quality whiteboard paint?

• It should be environmentally friendly with all necessary certifications
• It should be Isocyanate free, there are some low-grade products that use this harmful compound
• It should not have a low odour on application
• It should have no ghosting or staining
• You should be able to use a wide range of markers and cleaners on it
• The application process should not be too complicated
• The paint should come with a guarantee

Here is what the Smarter Surfaces whiteboard paint brings to the table

• A 10-year product guarantee
• Paints that are free of VOC, PFOA, PFOS, and Isocyanates
• LEED, M1, VOC, and Fire-proof certificates
• An application kit that includes everything you need to turn any classroom wall into a sleek writable surface.
• An antimicrobial whiteboard paint that helps you kill a wide range of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria and creates safer spaces for collaboration.
• Step-by-step application guide and on-call guidance from experts

Is it possible to have a coloured whiteboard in a classroom?

Yes, it is.
All you need is the Smart Whiteboard Paint – Clear by Smarter Surfaces. Regardless of the colour of your classroom wall, one coat of clear whiteboard paint will turn it into a writable dry-erase surface.

Interesting possibilities unlocked by Whiteboard paint

Replacing traditional whiteboards and chalkboards with whiteboard paint opens up some new possibilities.

• You can have a whiteboard of any colour. In fact, you can divide the wall into multiple sections with different colours and turn the whole thing into a whiteboard by applying clear whiteboard paint.
• You can apply a few coats of magnetic paint or apply magnetic plaster before applying whiteboard paint to create a writable as well as magnetic surface
• The matt whiteboard paint allows you to project as well as write on the classroom walls, thus charging the interactive potential further up.

Get expert advice to turn classrooms into collaborative havens

Book a free video consultation and let our experts take a look at your walls. Tell us what you want to achieve, talk to us about your budget and timeline, and our product advisors will offer you the best plan of action. If you face a post-purchase issue regarding a product or need help with the application process, our phone and chat lines are always open.