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There are many websites out there with a whole range of ideas on how to create your own whiteboard. Some claim that white tile board from the hardware store works well - but I have seen mixed reviews.
| 4'x8' 1/2" birch plywood 2'x4' 1/2" cork board white flat latex paint MB4000W whiteboard repair paint paint roller paint pad paint tray wood filler sanding block/paper vacuum hammer and nails |
Here are the technical specifications of MB4000W.
It's sold by the company for $40 (8oz/250ml) up to $119 (32oz/1000ml). Shipping in Ontario cost me $10.
Here are my steps:
1. Removed existing chalkboard from its wooden frame by pulling up the trim holding it in place.
1. Removed existing chalkboard from its wooden frame by pulling up the trim holding it in place.
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| Concrete block wall is visible after removing the chalkboard surfaces. |
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| Gap on the right will be filled with cork boards. |
3. Used a wood filler to cover up the gap between the two pieces of plywood. After drying, I sanded the filler down to create a smooth surface. You may have to repeat the filling and sanding process depending on how your first fill goes.
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| Take your time to get this step right. If done well, your whiteboard will appear seamless. |
4. Prepped for painting by lightly sanding the plywood surface to remove imperfections, then used a vacuum to remove all debris and dust.
5. Applied two coats of flat white latex paint (6 hours drying time between coats) using a roller. I followed the drying instructions listed on the can. It is important to use a flat paint as per the whiteboard paint instructions. I also used tape to protect the edges of my frame.
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| Use flat white latex paint that provides good coverage. |
6. Applied two coats of the MB4000W Whiteboard Repair paint (1 hour drying time between coats) using a painting pad. This stuff if pretty watery, don't overload your painting pad or it will run down the surface and create drip marks.
7. In the gap on the right of my new whiteboard I used two 2'x4' 1/2" cork boards to create a cork board. I then secured everything into place by nailing trim around the whiteboard and cork boards.
Update (Sept. 2011):
I have used the whiteboard a few times, I have to say that it is not the same as a traditional whiteboard. It works well, but because the surface has some texture from the plywood and paint, it doesn't wipe clean as easily. I purchased some cloths to clean the board instead of a whiteboard eraser. The eraser didn't do a great job at cleaning, again, because of the texture. I do recommend using a bit of spray cleaning now and then. This is certainly an effective and cheaper alternative to an expensive whiteboard.
Another update (Feb. 5, 2012):
I have been using the whiteboard daily for five months now and it still holding up really well. It still wipes completely clean even if I leave something up for weeks at a time. I have to use whiteboard cleaning spray though, using a dry cloth doesn't work at all unless the marker has been on the board for only a few seconds. I have been using my data projector on the whiteboard surface instead of using my decrepit pull-down screen. There is some glare from the projector, but it's really a non-issue. I have placed some anchor charts using masking tape on the whiteboard with no problem, but I'm going to stop that... I don't want to tempt fate.
End of year update (June 19, 2012):
It's the end of the school year and my whiteboard has held up perfectly. The custodian was impressed that there was no ghosting effect after a year's worth of use. The board is in like-new condition - super happy. My cork board isn't holding up as well - some of the cork has cracked and pulled away from the backing, but still very usable.
Update (Sept. 2011):
I have used the whiteboard a few times, I have to say that it is not the same as a traditional whiteboard. It works well, but because the surface has some texture from the plywood and paint, it doesn't wipe clean as easily. I purchased some cloths to clean the board instead of a whiteboard eraser. The eraser didn't do a great job at cleaning, again, because of the texture. I do recommend using a bit of spray cleaning now and then. This is certainly an effective and cheaper alternative to an expensive whiteboard.
Another update (Feb. 5, 2012):
I have been using the whiteboard daily for five months now and it still holding up really well. It still wipes completely clean even if I leave something up for weeks at a time. I have to use whiteboard cleaning spray though, using a dry cloth doesn't work at all unless the marker has been on the board for only a few seconds. I have been using my data projector on the whiteboard surface instead of using my decrepit pull-down screen. There is some glare from the projector, but it's really a non-issue. I have placed some anchor charts using masking tape on the whiteboard with no problem, but I'm going to stop that... I don't want to tempt fate.
End of year update (June 19, 2012):
It's the end of the school year and my whiteboard has held up perfectly. The custodian was impressed that there was no ghosting effect after a year's worth of use. The board is in like-new condition - super happy. My cork board isn't holding up as well - some of the cork has cracked and pulled away from the backing, but still very usable.
Looks Amazing Mr. Wood!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this review and, most importantly, the updates. I think I will try this product to turn a chalkboard into a dry erase board. Again, thanks!
ReplyDeleteWhiteboards are very common now a day. They have many benefits and are very effective too. They have turned classrooms full of chalk dust into safe and pleasing classrooms. They have different whiteboard coating on them depending on the usage they are going to put into.
ReplyDeleteIt is so cool to see that you still have wood in your room. Those are hard to find in schools these days and it's sad to see them ripped out for something modern. I think the wood frames are beautiful and should still be used in schools being built today with the whiteboard being put in it. You might also consider using IdeaPaint if you have heard about it. It is said to be the best dry erase paint on the market.
ReplyDelete