In libraries and schools, the whiteboard, or markerboard, has become an important tool for teaching and training processes. With the addition of computers to the classroom and library, chalk dust from the old boards became troublesome to the keyboards, hard drives and monitors of computers, as well as to those people who suffered from allergies. Due to necessity and convenience, whiteboards are now a more popular alternative to chalk.

Now that you know the biggest advantage of having a whiteboard in your library or classroom, you probably have a few questions about whiteboards. We have put together a few helpful tips for making your whiteboard purchase successful.

What is the difference between Melamine and porcelain steel?

Whiteboards are primarily made out of two materials: melamine or porcelain steel. Each board has its advantages and you will find that one type may be a better fit for you than the other.

• Melamine whiteboards are the most economical choice for those who plan only light to moderate use. They are made of hard plastic with a clear coat writing surface which makes them easy to write on and easy to erase; however, over time the clear coat writing surface will wear away creating the ghosting effect (an effect that looks as though residual markings exist after cleaning). If you are looking for an affordable whiteboard to use from time to time, the Melamine whiteboards are your best choice.
• Porcelain steel whiteboards are a bit more expensive than Melamine whiteboards, though their cost has gone down dramatically since their inception. Porcelain steel whiteboards are intended for moderate to high or long term usage. The porcelain construction is much less susceptible to ghosting effects. These boards are manufactured with a steel background which allows for magnets to be applied to them. If you are looking for a whiteboard for frequent to regular use, the porcelain steel style will be the best fit for your long run needs.

What type of board is best for me?

Beyond the basic wall mounted whiteboards, we offer a large selection of whiteboard styles meant to work in a variety of settings.

Free Standing

  If you are working in an area where mounting a board is not possible, then a free standing board may be your best option. Some of these boards come equipped with casters for easy mobility and many can be folded up, or pushed to the side when not in use. Free standing whiteboards can also function as an extra sign display, carrying a changeable message or announcement.

White Board Cabinets

  Sometimes called conference cabinets, these boards can create a more elegant look for a library or conference room. Many whiteboard cabinets come equipped with accessories such as projection screens, bulletin boards, sketch pads, or marker trays. These whiteboards are a great idea for space saving.

Graphic Boards

  Graphic whiteboards may include graph coordinates maps, music staff lines, penmanship lines, and sports pads. The graphics on these boards are permanent and won’t wear off. They work well in classrooms and libraries of all types, and are a great tool for teaching or lectures.

Lap Boards

  These boards work great in elementary classrooms and children-focused learning spaces. Lap boards are small enough to fit on a child’s lap or desk and come either plain or with permanent graphics. We carry many lap boards including: grids, penmanship lines, and shape and money learning boards.

What is a whiteboard skin?

  Since whiteboards have become so much more popular than chalkboards, many people are looking for a way to turn their old style chalkboard into a more convenient whiteboard. Whiteboard skins are a great way to accomplish this task. Skins can easily be placed over your old chalkboard to create a brand new whiteboard. Read the description of the skin as some skins are self-adhesive and some skins need to be installed with an adhesive that may not be included.

Glossary of Key Terms

• Ghost Effect: An effect that occurs mostly on Melamine boards after the clear coating has worn down. Even after erasing and cleaning, a faint remnant of marker can still be seen on the surface. Ghost effect can also happen on porcelain steel boards but will happen much later than it would with a Melamine board.
• Graphic Boards: Boards that have permanent graphics fused onto them. These boards are great tools in classrooms as well as offices.
• Lap Boards: Small whiteboards that can be held on the lap or put on a desk. Some lap boards have permanent graphics on them and work great as learning aids.
• Map Rails: Mostly made of cork, map rails come in many different shapes and sizes to fit your marker board. Map rails are usually placed above marker boards for hanging objects, but also can be used on their own. Some of our whiteboards come with a pre-installed map rail; this should be noted in the description for the board.
• Melamine: Hard plastic with a clear coat for easy writing and erasing. Is best for light use, as the clear coat can wear away and the "ghosting effect" will occur.
• Porcelain Steel: Boards manufactured with steel backing so magnets can be applied to them. Work well in areas of high or long term use. Can be more expensive than Melamine boards but will last longer.
• Projection Boards: Whiteboards that are made with a low gloss and have less of a glare than normal whiteboards and can double as a surface for projections.
• Sheet Material: Sheet material can be used to cover up an old surface or also used on its own. This material usually comes equipped with hardboard or particle board backing.
• Whiteboard Skin: Similar to sheet material, skins can be applied, with adhesive, over an old chalkboard to create a new up-to-date whiteboard. Skins differ from sheet material because they have no backing at all.