Which is best? Glass Whiteboards, Melamine Whiteboards, Porcelain Whiteboards, Whiteboard Paint, or Think Board. The Best Dry Erase Board.
Choosing the perfect whiteboard for your office, school, classroom, or home can be a daunting task with so many options available on the market. In this article, we will compare the different types of whiteboards, including glass whiteboards, melamine whiteboards, porcelain whiteboards, whiteboard paint, and Think Board. We'll explore the pros and cons of each dry erase surface material and provide answers to some frequently asked questions. Let's dive in!
TL;DR (too long; didn't read):
- Glass whiteboards are the most expensive. They work wonders, but only make sense in specific environments
- Melamine whiteboards only last 2-3 years. Sometimes even less. The are the cheapest, but buying these over and over will cost you in the long run.
- Porcelain whiteboards are a solid in-between. About triple the price of Melamine, but also last 10 years on average. They can be magnetic too!
- Whiteboard Paint is tricky to install, permanent, and requires time to dry and ventilate the space. Most schools & offices we've visited said it only last a couple years before looking dirty and discolored.
- Think Board is a hybrid of all the above. Cost effective (like Melamine), 10+ Year Lifespan and can be Magnetic [optional add-on] (like Porcelain), and can cover Floor-To-Ceiling walls to create expansive ideation spaces (like Whiteboard Paint). Easy install. Ships in a tube (not in a box truck). And also is the only whiteboard product out there that can be deep cleaned with 70% isopropyl alcohol to restore the finish back to new.
Glass Whiteboards
- Average price (4'x8'): $1,600 to $2,400
- Average price (4'x12'): $2,700 to $3,800
Glass whiteboards are known for their durability, scratch resistance, and modern appearance. They do not ghost or stain and provide a smooth writing surface. However, they are more expensive and heavier compared to other whiteboard materials, making installation more difficult.
Pros
- Extremely durable and resistant to scratches
- Does not ghost or stain
- Stylish and modern appearance
- Often time there is a 20 Year Warranty
Cons
- Expensive compared to other whiteboard materials
- Heavy and difficult to install
- Writing is more difficult to read on glass whiteboards
- Glass may chip or begin cracking over time
Melamine Whiteboards
- Average price (4x8): $270 to $540
- Average price (4x12): Not Available In Sizes Larger Than 8 Feet.
Melamine whiteboards are an affordable and lightweight option, suitable for those on a budget. They are widely available in various sizes and designs but are prone to ghosting and staining over time. Melamine whiteboards may require frequent replacement, especially in heavy-use environments like a classroom or office. Often times schools on a budget try to DIY a whiteboard and buy shower board as a replacement. These ghost even faster. We've seen showerboard start ghosting in under a week of use...
Pros
- Affordable option for budget-conscious buyers
- Lightweight and easy to install
- Widely available in various sizes and designs
Cons
- Prone to ghosting and staining over time
- Not as durable, may require frequent replacement
- Not recommended for heavy use or commercial environments
- Melamine is not recyclable
- Melamine has been classified as a group 3 carcinogenic risk by World Health Organization
Porcelain Whiteboards
- Average price (4x8): $450 to $850
- Average price (4x12): $900 to $1,700
Porcelain whiteboards are highly durable, resistant to scratches and stains, and perfect for heavy use in commercial and educational settings. They often have a magnetic surface for added versatility. While more expensive than melamine whiteboards, they provide a long-lasting and high-quality writing surface.
Pros
- Highly durable and resistant to scratches and stains
- Excellent for heavy use in commercial and educational environments
- Magnetic surface for added versatility
- 10 Year Warranty
Cons
- More expensive than melamine whiteboards
- Heavier and harder to install
- Limited design options compared to other whiteboard materials
- May delaminate over time, causing ghosting
- Easy to dent, ding, or damage, especially during transport and installation.
Whiteboard Paint
Whiteboard paint allows you to transform any surface into a writable area, offering unlimited design possibilities and customizability. It paints right onto the walls, but it's prone to ghosting and staining over time and may require frequent repainting or maintenance. Dry Erase Paint takes on the texture of the wall, so unless you have the smoothest Level 5 finish, you will have a bumping writing experience and a challenging erasing experience because of all the small bumps. Additionally, whiteboard paints are classified as a Prop 65 item and are known to be carcinogenic.
Pros
- Transforms any surface into a writable area
- Unlimited design possibilities and customizability
- Install on curved walls
Cons
- Prone to ghosting and staining over time
- Challenging to install perfectly smooth
- Difficult to clean and may require frequent repainting (some schools repaint every 12 months).
- Not as durable as other whiteboard materials
- Takes 7 days to cure and dry
- Known to be carcinogenic (Prop 65)
Think Boards
- Average price (4x8): $229.99
- Average price (4x12): $299.99
- Average price (4x8 magnetic): $599.99
Think Board offers a unique and innovative solution to your whiteboard needs, with several advantages over traditional glass, melamine, porcelain, and whiteboard paint options. Here are some reasons why Think Board is the best choice:
- Affordability: Think Board provides a high-quality whiteboard experience at a fraction of the cost of glass and porcelain whiteboards. When compared to melamine whiteboards, Think Board offers a more durable and long-lasting solution without breaking the bank. We like to say "You're getting the quality of a Porcelain or Glass whiteboard at the price of a Melamine board"
- Quality: Unlike melamine whiteboards and whiteboard paint, Think Board is designed to resist ghosting and staining, ensuring your whiteboard remains clean and easy to read. Its smooth surface provides an excellent writing experience, similar to more expensive options like glass and porcelain whiteboards. Think Board has a 10-Year Warranty.
- Ease of Installation: Think Board is incredibly easy to install, requiring no special tools or expertise. It adheres seamlessly to a variety of surfaces, including walls, doors, and even existing whiteboards, making it a versatile and convenient option. In contrast, glass and porcelain whiteboards tend to be heavy and difficult to install, often requiring professional assistance. Each Think Board comes with the basic tools you need for installation, and if you're looking to stack 2 on top of each other to create a Full Wall Whiteboard, you can even pop your outlet covers off and cut the material on-site for a beautiful installation.
- Versatility: Think Board is available in various sizes and can be easily customized to fit your specific needs. Unlike whiteboard paint, which requires repainting and can be difficult to maintain, Think Board is a hassle-free and durable option that can be removed without damaging your wall. We also have the ability to custom print any charts, grids, PDF files, Excel sheets, etc, onto a Think Board so you can have your own custom whiteboard template. Check out our Custom page for more info.
Finally, Think Board also offers something pretty neat. If you have an old & stained whiteboard that no longer erases well, instead of throwing that away and buying a new board, you can simply Resurface Your Old Whiteboard with Think Board. You can convert Chalkboards and Corkboards too! Check out our Resurfacing Page to learn more.
In conclusion, Think Board is an excellent choice for those looking for a high-quality, affordable, and easy-to-install whiteboard solution. It offers the durability and ease of use of more expensive options like glass and porcelain whiteboards, without the associated drawbacks and costs.
FAQs
Which material is best for whiteboards?
The best material for whiteboards depends on your specific needs, budget, and usage. Glass and porcelain whiteboards are highly durable and resistant to ghosting, making them ideal for heavy use in commercial and educational environments. Melamine whiteboards and whiteboard paint are more affordable but may require more frequent maintenance or replacement. Ultimately, you just want an ultra-smooth, non-porous surface that marker won't get trapped in. Scratches in Melamine boards, and the textures in whiteboard paint cause the whiteboard marker to get stuck, which causes "ghosting." Think Board offers an excellent balance of quality, affordability, and ease of installation, making it a great choice for a wide range of applications.
What should I look for when buying a whiteboard?
When purchasing a whiteboard, consider factors such as durability, resistance to ghosting and staining, ease of installation, size, and cost. Look for a whiteboard that meets your specific needs and fits within your budget.
Think Board is a versatile and high-quality option that offers an excellent balance of these factors. We offer both magnetic and non-magnetic whiteboard products designed to suit your unique needs. Our magnetic whiteboard is ideal, for example, if you would like to use a whiteboard skin overlay in your classroom or office space.
What is the best whiteboard for no ghosting?
Glass and porcelain whiteboards are known for their resistance to ghosting and staining, making them ideal for heavy use. Think Board is another excellent option that offers a high-quality writing surface with minimal ghosting, at a more affordable price point. And a small hack with Think Board... if markings have been left on for over 6 months, or someone accidentally used a Sharpie, you can deep clean your Think Board with 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol and bring it back to brand new. Think Board is the only whiteboard that can be cleaned with rubbing alcohol, as it is designed to not break down the top dry-erase coating. This small feature allows you to use, reuse, and deep clean your boards over and over again.
Why Choose Glass Whiteboards Over Traditional Whiteboards?
Glass whiteboards offer a sleek, modern design and superior durability compared to traditional melamine whiteboards. They are highly resistant to ghosting and staining, ensuring a clean writing surface for years. While they may be pricier, their longevity and aesthetic appeal make them a smart investment for high-end offices and design-conscious environments.
Are Melamine Whiteboards a Good Option for Budget-Conscious Buyers?
Yes, melamine whiteboards are an economical choice for those on a tight budget. They are lightweight and easy to install, making them ideal for temporary setups or low-use areas. However, they tend to ghost and stain over time, which may lead to higher replacement costs in the long run. They also tend to last 2-3 years max.
What Makes Porcelain Whiteboards a Preferred Choice in Educational and Commercial Settings?
Porcelain whiteboards are known for their exceptional durability and resistance to ghosting, making them perfect for heavy use in classrooms and business settings. Their magnetic surface adds an extra layer of functionality, allowing for the use of magnetic accessories. Despite a higher upfront cost than melamine, their longevity offers great value over time.
How Does Whiteboard Paint Compare to Traditional Whiteboards?
Whiteboard paint transforms any surface into a writable area, offering unparalleled creativity and customization. It's an excellent choice for creating large brainstorming spaces or custom-shaped boards. However, it requires an ultra-smooth application and regular painting refreshes to keep it looking nice, making it less durable than glass or porcelain whiteboards.
Why is Think Board Considered a Versatile Dry Erase Solution?
Think Board combines the best features of glass, melamine, and porcelain whiteboards with the flexibility of whiteboard paint. It's an affordable, high-quality option that resists ghosting and staining. Easy to install and available in custom sizes, Think Board can be applied directly over existing surfaces, making it a versatile choice for offices, schools, and homes looking to maximize their creative and functional space.
With so many whiteboard options available, it's important to choose the one that best fits your needs and budget. Think Board is a standout choice, offering the benefits of more expensive whiteboard materials without the high cost, while also providing ease of installation and versatility.
Make the smart choice and invest in a Think Board for your home, office, or classroom today! We also offer whiteboard resurfacing, an affordable and long-lasting solution for your pre-existing whiteboards or chalkboards.
