How to Choose Between Magnetic and Non-Magnetic Whiteboards
Image Credits: Max Pixel
Conference rooms, lecture halls and classrooms can hardly function without them! Whiteboards are permanent fixtures in these settings and have replaced the traditional chalkboards since the 1990s.
Enamelled steel was the material that was used in the earlier whiteboards but later laminated and enamelled porcelain or glass became popular. Here is a comparison that may help you choose the right whiteboard for your office or classroom!
Non-magnetic whiteboards
The non-magnetic whiteboards are made by giving a plastic coating to the hardwood. Being less expensive as compared to porcelain or glass, these melamine boards are a cost effective option for those with budget constraints. The plastic surface needs regular cleaning and maintenance as it is highly susceptible to stains and “ghosting”. The plastic film also tends to wear off in the long run and the whiteboard needs to be replaced anytime between two to five years. These whiteboards are the ideal option for those who need to use it infrequently.
Glass is also used to manufacture non-magnetic whiteboards. Tempered glass that can be frosted, clear or painted, are used to make stronger non-magnetic whiteboards. Tempered glass, although tougher than ordinary glass, can still break when it falls which makes it a not-so-ideal option in schools!
Magnetic whiteboards
Porcelain whiteboards are made from ceramic which is fired onto a steel or aluminium surface. Highly durable and tough, the porcelain boards that have a steel backing are magnetic. Glass whiteboards are also a great addition to offices and classrooms. The technique used to create a magnetic glass-board is by fixing painted tempered glass onto steel surface that has been laminated.
Magnetic whiteboards have the following key features:
- The porcelain steel-backed magnetic whiteboards are scratch resistant to most materials except very tough ones like the diamond!
- The magnetic keyboards are not permeable to ink from permanent markers. The tough ceramic coating being highly non-porous, it blocks even the tiniest ink drops from the marker from entering the surface. Stains and “ghosting” are easily avoided with magnetic whiteboards.
- Glass whiteboards are available in a wide variety of pleasing colours that match the décor and break the monotony in offices.
- Many types of markers including dry erase, wet erase or liquid chalk can be conveniently used on glass whiteboards that are magnetic.
- A wide variety of magnets can be used to make the sessions or teaching more interactive and visual.
- Scheduling tasks, reminders, shift timings, event notes and posts are easy on magnetic whiteboards. You can directly fix write-on magnetic strips, dates, numbers and other accessories on the scratch proof whiteboard.
- Easy to clean and maintain. After wiping with a non-abrasive cleaner, the surface can be washed with water.
- An ethanol or acetone-based solvent can be used to remove permanent marker.
- The magnetic whiteboards have a long life of up to ten to fifteen years.
- As these non-magnetic whiteboards are highly durable and easy to maintain, they are great value for money and cost effective in the long run.
The choice of whiteboard may depend on many considerations including the frequency of usage, budget, the nature of use and the space available. Magnetic whiteboards have clear advantages if you intend to use magnetic accessories as teaching or communicating aids.
Visit The Whiteboard Shop if you are looking for quality whiteboards (magnetic and/or non-magnetic).