Most whiteboard materials come in 4 ft × 8 ft (1. 2 m × 2. 4 m) sheets, although there are other sizes available. If you can’t find the size you need, you can usually order it at a home improvement store.
Porcelain is a similar option. It actually is more durable than melamine, but that means it is also more expensive.
Plastic boards don’t stand out as much in most rooms and go well on white walls. You can also get a big sheet of plastic to make a massive board to write all over. The board is very easy to clean and last longer than melamine.
Store-bought molding is a little costly compared to the rest of the material you use. If you’re looking to save money, try repurposing some wood scraps you have lying around.
To check the fit, push the wood pieces together. When they are cut correctly, they fit together like any picture frame. Redo the cuts if you notice any gaps or overlap in the frame. If you have a circular saw, you could use that instead to cut through the wood more quickly.
The grain is the visible fibers in the wood. Follow the lines to avoid leaving some unpleasant scratches on the wood.
Wear gloves when applying a stainer. If you add too much of it, mop up the excess with a rag before it sets into the wood.
Epoxy glue often comes in 2 parts. You have to mix an equal amount of the resin and hardener to create the glue. Some other glues to try include an acrylic polymer and super glue. A polyurethane construction adhesive is great for sticking foam boards to wood since the foam resists most other types of glue.
To locate the support beams in the wall, use a wall stud finder. When you drag it along the wall, it lights up as it detects the beams. Mark these spots so you know where to position the board for maximum security.
Note that while aluminum might seem like a good choice because it’s lighter than steel, it isn’t magnetic.
Try to get backing the same size as the board you wish to make. If you can match it to the size of the metal, then you don’t have to do any additional trimming. If the backing is too big, you can cut it with a basic hand saw. However, most home improvement stores will cut the board to size if you ask them to do it when you make your purchase.
Cut metal is sharp. Be careful to avoid touching it, and consider wearing leather gloves for protection. There are different types of tin snips, so pick ones with yellow handles. This kind is best for cutting straight lines, which is all you really need to do to make your board.
Before priming, wipe off any dirt you notice on the metal. Use a soft cloth dampened in water. Using white vinegar or mineral spirits also helps ensure your board is clean and ready for painting. To get a nice, even coating, make a second pass after allowing the initial layer to dry for about 15 minutes. Dry erase markers work very well on bare metal, so you don’t have to paint your board at all if you don’t want to. If you like the look of shiny metal more than the traditional white of store-bought boards, leave it as is. Keep in mind that darker markers will be a little harder to spot, though.
A whiteboard is all about smoothness and consistency. Dry erase markers don’t show up well on rough surfaces, so take all the time you need to get the paint right.
Give the metal an even coating of paint. Keep rolling additional coats onto it until you’re happy with the way it looks.
You could also use a polyurethane-based super glue or a silicone construction adhesive to hold your board together.
Don’t write on the board until it has had a chance to dry.
Picture-hanging strips are the only way to hang the whiteboard without drilling holes through it or the wall. If you’re planning on hanging the board on your refrigerator, use some glue to stick magnets in the corners. Use epoxy, super glue, or another strong, durable adhesive. Another option is to screw the board to the wall. You could also buy a metal picture hanger that attaches to drywall to hang the board.
Report covers look almost like plastic folders or binders. You could get individual plastic sheets, but most covers come in pairs held together by plastic bars that slide off. You can get report covers at most general stores and office supply stores, along with any other supplies you need, if you don’t have them already.
Paper whiteboards are not as strong as card stock ones, but you can always swap out the paper. It’s really useful for students, for instance. You could put in a math worksheet, then swap it out later for something else.
The tape needs to wrap around the edges of the plastic. Half of it will be on the front plastic cover and the other half will be on the back. Outline your border accordingly.
For a permanent whiteboard where you won’t remove the card stock, tape up all 4 sides. Remember to put the card stock in before you close up the last side. Another way to do this is to wrap plastic around card stock. You could get a sticky plastic film or glue plastic with a transparent decoupage glue. You could also get a piece of card stock laminated to create a strong whiteboard with a clear cover. If you don’t have a laminating machine available, check your local library.
