Whiteboard Paint Vs Chalkboard Paint – Choosing the Right One

Deciding to modify your workspace into an innovative working and learning environment is the first step.

The second is the decision of whiteboard paint vs chalkboard paint.

With such a wide range of products available, it can be difficult to know which will suit you best. Do you go with a modern whiteboard finish or maybe a retro chalkboard look?

In the post below we will provide you with everything you need to know about choosing whiteboard paint vs chalkboard paint.

Usage and Sizing

Whiteboard paint gives you more freedom than traditional whiteboards as there are no size restrictions with borders surrounding your surface.

You can create a writable surface with a white finish that blends into your office surroundings when it’s not in use. This means you can have the addition of a writable surface with little impact on the appearance of your workspace.

With chalkboard paint, chalkboard surfaces no longer solely belong in outdated classrooms. They are now frequently seen in modern offices, restaurants and many other businesses. This product is so versatile it can be used in any location and suit any need. The matt black finish makes it stand out when not in use, making it a new focal point of your space.

Using whiteboard and chalkboard paint gives you limitless potential for the size of your writable surface. Some of our customers have transformed entire rooms with our paint, creating endless space for creativity.

Application

Creating a whiteboard or chalkboard wall with our products means there is no drilling involved. The product is painted directly to the wall of your choice (after your wall has been primed and prepped). You can carry out this process yourself or with the help of a professional.

Once you have primed your wall, apply the paint. We advise using a separate brush to the one used to apply the primer. For whiteboard paint, we recommend rolling over the surface ten times during the coat to ensure optimum results. The chalkboard paint should be applied with a foam roller. It will require two coats of paint (allowing for approximately 2 hours drying time between coats)
A step by step application video for our products can be found on our website to help with the installation process. This page also gives more inspiration on how to use your smart surface.

Cleaning Your Surface

Looking after your surface, whether it be a whiteboard or a chalkboard wall, is important to get the most of your product.

Clean your whiteboard wall daily with a cleaning spray to avoid the potential of ghosting and appearance of dirt on your surface. If you accidentally use a permanent marker on your wall, don’t worry. Our Permanent Ink Remover Spray will remove it straight away.

Your chalkboard surface can be easily cleaned with a microfiber eraser cloth. It is common for a chalky residue to remain when cleaning your board with a dry cloth or eraser. To prevent this, dampen your cloth to remove this dusty residue.

Location

The layout and lighting of your room are important when deciding between a whiteboard wall and a chalkboard wall.

If the room you’re planning on putting a writable surface into is small, you should consider installing a whiteboard wall. The light colour will brighten the room and not make it appear any smaller. If you want to keep the current colour of your workspace clear whiteboard paint can be painted over the existing paint.

A chalkboard wall is a perfect addition to a café or restaurant to give it a more authentic and rustic feel. You can use your chalkboard wall as a statement decoration piece with different drawings or as a unique menu display.

A chalkboard wall can also be used in the home for kids to get creative with or as a reminder wall in your kitchen for everyone to use.

Glare

As mentioned above, location is important when deciding between a whiteboard surface or a chalkboard surface. You might be placing your board in a very sunny room. Rather than whiteboard paint, you would be better using a low sheen wall covering to reduce the risk of glare. A low sheen option will eliminate glare caused by the sun or any other bright light such as a projector.

A chalkboard wall may be your best option if the room gets a lot of natural light. As chalkboard paint is black it won’t reflect light as much a whiteboard paint does.

Allergies

Chalkboards are known for having a lot of chalky residues. Despite being able to remove this dust with a damp cloth, if you suffer from asthma or are prone to allergic reactions you should consider a whiteboard wall as an alternative writable surface.

A whiteboard wall means there is no need for chalk, just makers. Alternatively, if you have an old chalkboard you wish to refurbish, just simply clean your board and apply the Smart Self-Adhesive Whiteboard Film to upgrade your board to a dry-erase surface.