Chalkboard vs. Whiteboard
News
Chalkboards vs. Whiteboards
When we were approached to discuss the differences of whiteboards vs. chalkboards, it seemed like a dubious task. You write on one with chalk and the other with dry erase markers, right? If that was the extent of the relationship between chalkboard and whiteboard writing surfaces, this would be an incredibly short blog post. As experts in the field, let us shed some light on the subject.
Similarities between
Whiteboards & Chalkboards
- Whiteboards and chalkboards are both writing surfaces that share the same basic function – facilitating information-sharing
- The most prominent feature of both surfaces is their simple reusability for this purpose. Both CeramicSteel whiteboards and chalkboards can be used over and over for 50 years or longer when cared for properly, and unlike other writing surfaces, CeramicSteel whiteboards and chalkboards don’t ghost or stain after use.
- They can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, often custom designed to fit the modern space.
- There is a basic selection of standard colors available for both chalkboard or whiteboard surfaces, and both can be produced in custom colors as well. These colors all allow for high-contrast markings, whether chalkboard or whiteboard, offering the greatest viewing quality possible.
- Safe, clean and environmentally sustainable, both whiteboard and chalkboard CeramicSteel writing surfaces are Cradle-to-Cradle Bronze Certified and emit no VOCs.
- In addition to responsible manufacturing, CeramicSteel whiteboard and chalkboard writing surfaces are resistant to stains, scratches, fire, bacteria and chemicals.
- They’re both durable and long-lasting writing surfaces ideal for environments requiring high-performance material.
Differences between Chalkboards & Whiteboards
Whiteboards are also known as dry erase boards.
This describes the act of writing with dry erase markers and
easy removal of marker ink using a dry eraser or cloth.
- CeramicSteel whiteboards will also tolerate permanent marker and other inks. To get rid of permanent marker, a trick is to write over the marking with a dry erase marker and erase – it’s as simple as that. Permanent marker and ink can also be easily removed using a solvent cleaner. Despite its ability to withstand a variety of writing tools, chalk is not compatible with whiteboard surfaces. The dry chalk doesn’t adhere to gloss surfaces like it does to a matte surface.
- Chalkboards, on the other hand, are specifically designed for use with dry chalk sticks. Dry chalk can be easily erased from CeramicSteel chalkboards with a dry felt eraser. Chalk doesn’t stain or ghost, but it can leave behind a “chalky” appearance after heavy use between cleaning with a wet cloth.
Can You Use Dry Erase Markers On Chalkboards?
Because CeramicSteel chalkboards are smooth and nonporous, chalk pens or wet chalk can easily be used to write on the surface, too – it just requires a wet erase with soap and water. While dry erase markers, permanent markers and other inks won’t damage CeramicSteel chalkboards, they aren’t recommended; these tools don’t provide enough contrast against the chalkboard’s dark surface for clarity.
Other Uses For Chalkboards
- As a dark, relatively matte surface, chalkboards absorb light. As a result of this nature, chalkboard surfaces aren’t ideal for projecting – a process wholly based on the projection of light. While it’s possible to project onto chalkboard surfaces, and it has been done, it’s not recommended when a quality image and clear communication is the bottom line.
- When projecting is a priority, whiteboard surfaces or dedicated projection surfaces are the best option. The light-colored surface reflects light, creating a clean, crisp image. PolyVision CeramicSteel whiteboard surfaces have a variety of gloss levels for optimal visibility in any environment. Lower gloss levels produce less glare for more frequent users of projectors.
- Finally, if attention to detail is what you’re after, chalkboards are the surface of choice. Biology professors across the globe sing the chalkboard’s praises for its forgiveness with shading, line thickness and scrawling minutia when creating intricate diagrams for their lectures. This allows for chalkboards to display more detail in their drawings, as compared to the more bold lines seen on dry erase boards or whiteboards. Whiteboard markers only offer one shade level regardless of pressure or ink layering and are typically bulky in nature, providing a less authentic writing experience for small hands learning penmanship.
Whiteboards or Chalkboards: Which Should I Choose?
When it comes down to brass tacks, CeramicSteel whiteboards and chalkboards are both premium writing surfaces with an environmentally responsible manufacturing process and safe, healthy composition for any setting. Understanding the quality helps make the selection process easier. All that’s left is to decide which surface best meets the needs of your space – will you require a projector? A whiteboard is your best option. If you’re teaching penmanship, or a cool, retro look fits your space – a chalkboard is right up your alley.
Either CeramicSteel selection can always be made with confidence, just be sure to follow the recommended cleaning and care instructions and use the recommended accessories to maximize performance.
6 Tricks and Tips to Keep a Whiteboard Clean
Projects
6 Tricks & Tips to Keep
a Whiteboard Clean
Straightforward, whiteboards are incredibly versatile tools. And the main attraction of the tool is right in the name. A whiteboard surface continuously offers a fresh white slate, ready for new ideas, drawings, lists, and schedules.
But what happens when a whiteboard no longer stays white?
Mostly, when walking into classrooms, offices, or homes, you’ll see whiteboards that look slightly worn, with remnants of the last lesson or meeting erased but still reflecting on the board.
The process for how to maintain a whiteboard’s peak performance is a simple, inexpensive, and quick practice. Still, many owners aren’t aware that erasing content isn’t enough to keep a whiteboard clean.
Follow the six whiteboard tips and tricks below to keep your board looking brand new or transform one that has seen better days back to its original shine.
Tips & Tricks
- Follow the maintenance instructions
This first tip may seem obvious, but people often need to pay attention to it when using a whiteboard. PolyVision is a world leader in producing white and chalk CeramicSteel boards for various environments. And our scientists at PolyVision say the number one way to keep a board looking new is to read the maintenance instructions before ever writing on the surface. - Use erasers and cleaning solution.
While erasing works wonderfully at first, its effectiveness wears off if more cleaning isn’t done. “Occasionally, we’ll receive a question about boards becoming more difficult to erase over time,” says Becky Lewis, a customer service representative for PolyVision.
When the customer is asked if they’ve ever cleaned their board, they’re often surprised that it must be done to maintain performance. Cleaning the board with a recommended solution always solves the issue of erasability with CeramicSteel.”
Note: keep your erasing tools clean or replace them when needed
- Remove whiteboard ghosting
If only erased, chemical from whiteboard markers builds up and forms a residue on the board. This residue causes a gloss difference on the board between unused areas and areas where the content was written. The gloss difference causes “ghosting” or outlines of previous work even after erasing.
To remove ghosting, wipe the board with a cloth dipped in a mix of isopropyl alcohol and water — the most effective whiteboard cleaner.
- Homemade whiteboard cleaner
Again, a mix of isopropyl alcohol and water is the best solution to clean a whiteboard, but various other options work just as well.
Using a cloth moistened with whiteboard cleaner is enough to keep a board clean if used every week. Warm soapy water, window cleaner, and peroxide also work well.
Note: Avoid wax-based cleaners as they leave a pesky film on the whiteboard.
- Clean the whiteboard frequently
Depending on the use of the board, it should be cleaned at different frequencies. When a teacher writes on the board all day, the board should be wiped daily with whiteboard cleaner. In the office, many teams keep notes and schedule up on a board for some time, making erasing and cleaning every day a hassle. In these instances, the content should be erased and the board cleaned before rewriting the content again at least once a week. - How to remove permanent marker
Worry may set in if you realize a permanent marker was used on a whiteboard, but don’t fear; even a permanent marker can be removed. Trace the permanent marker content with a dry-erase marker, erase it, and you’ll find a clean slate due to the non-polar solvent in dry-erase markers. Any cleaners mentioned above also contain organic solvents like 2-butoxyethanol that can help erase permanent pigment.