CeramicSteel is Polyvision’s version of vitreous enamel, also known as porcelain enamel. This surface offers a non-porous, stronger-than-glass-like finish created by fusing finely ground colored glass to a substrate through a firing process. Adding to its strength and durability, the substrate used is always a metal, whether precious or non-precious, for its stability and capacity to withstand the firing process.
Our CeramicSteel is produced through a continuous coil-coating process. A thin, cold rolled carbon steel substrate is coated on both sides with porcelain enamel which is fused to the steel at high temperatures. CeramicSteel is used around the world for magnetic markerboards and chalkboards, as well as architectural panels, cladding and infrastructure.
Hygienic CeramicSteel
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose CeramicSteel?
Polyvision’s CeramicSteel provides a durable glass-like surface that outperforms other writing surfaces. The long-lasting surface complies with the principle international standards related to porcelain enameled steel set by organizations like International Organization for Standardization (ISO), European Normalization (EN), European Enamel Authority (EEA), European Committee for Standardization (CEN) and Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI). It is clean air certified, 99% recyclable and comes with a Forever Warranty. e3 CeramicSteel premium writing surfaces are engineered for optimal writing and erasing with minimal deterioration in performance over time.
What product options do you offer?
Polyvision fabricators offer a wide variety of product options with e3 CeramicSteel. Our partners focus on various types of premium writing boards, floor to ceiling whiteboards, anti-graffiti surfaces and other unique applications. Contact your regional sales team member for more information.
What are the key features of CeramicSteel?
- Magnetic
- Glass-like surface
- Difficult to scratch
- Remove graffiti and stains with no residue
- Defies aggressive and polluted environments
- Color and graphics will not fade
- Forever Warranty
- Surface Imaging can embed images and graphics into the CeramicSteel
- Available in different gloss levels
What are the key benefits of e3 CeramicSteel?
- Sharp, clear and distinct marker and chalk lines provide maximum color contrast for optimum visibility
- Smooth writing
- Can quickly erase while presenting
- Easy to clean thoroughly after a class or meeting
- No staining or ghosting over time
- Permanent marker can be removed
- Works with projection, including interactive projectors
- Safe and clean: releases no harmful chemicals into the environment
- 99% recyclable
What are the differences in writing surface finishes?
High gloss markerboard surfaces are identified as Type H (High Gloss) and Type U (Ultra Gloss). These are recommended for meeting rooms and classrooms that focus on sharing information, collaborative spaces, or anywhere writing and erasing is done frequently.
Low gloss markerboard surfaces are identified as Type L (Low Gloss) and Type S (Satin). These writing surfaces have less distortion from light reflection and are recommended for rooms with bright light. Secondarily, Types L and S can also be used as a projection surface.
Polyvision’s projection surface is identified as Type P and is optimized for projectors but does not dry erase. That is, water or solvents may be required to erase markings, even with a dry erase marker.
Chalkboard surfaces, Type C, feature a low gloss – matte finish that erases chalk easily with a dry cloth or standard chalk eraser. The surface retains minimal residual chalk dust and will not leave “ghost writing”.
Can I use CeramicSteel for custom applications?
CeramicSteel can be used as writing surfaces, a wide range of interior panel applications, and exterior cladding. Contact your regional sales manager to discuss any projects or applications.
What surface can I use for projection?
Any surface mentioned above can be used for projection, but color and glare may diminish the visibility, depending on the projector, lighting or size of the room. Matte Type P e3 CeramicSteel is a dedicated projection surfaces that requires wet-erase.
Can Polyvision reproduce imagery in CeramicSteel?
Polyvision offers Surface Imaging, which fuses an image to the surface and provides the same characteristics as unprinted CeramicSteel. This can be used to enhance a premium writing surface with grids, lines, music staves or other teaching aids. Just like the CeramicSteel surface itself, graphics and patterns are fired at high temperatures and are integrated into the top ceramic coating. This results in a pattern that remains visible but will not interfere when writing or erasing on a chalkboard or markerboard surface. In addition, full color printing can bring graphic design, photographic images, logos or messaging to a CeramicSteel wall panel.
How do I know whether my board has an e3 CeramicSteel surface?
First, test to see if the surface retains magnets – all CeramicSteel surfaces are magnetic. Next, scratch the surface in an inconspicuous location, such as a corner, with a coin or key. If you can easily create a visible mark, it is not CeramicSteel.
What colors do you offer?
CeramicSteel is offered in a variety of colors. Markerboard surfaces are available in three standard colors (white, light gray, and beige), and we offer three standard chalkboard colors (green, black, and gray). Custom colors can be developed upon request. For architectural surfaces, Polyvision offers consultations for projects to meets customer needs.
What is the warranty?
Polyvision warrants that the e³ CeramicSteel writing surface sold by Polyvision (excluding Polyvision architectural products) will retain writing and erasing qualities and maintain gloss variance and color consistency for the life of the building or for as long as the product is in use; whichever comes first. Find the complete warranty on our Documents page.
What is Cradle to Cradle®? Why does it matter?
Polyvision CeramicSteel, which contains no VOCs and is 99.9% recyclable, is the only CeramicSteel surface to achieve global Cradle to Cradle Certified Bronze. The Cradle to Cradle Certified program focuses on the characteristics of sustainable materials, products and systems. The process places major emphasis on the human and ecological health impacts of a product’s ingredients as well as the ability of that product to be truly recycled or safely composted. The type of energy used to create a product, water quantity and quality, and social responsibility are also essential sustainability characteristics on which the Cradle to Cradle Certified program is focused.
What does MBDC represent?
McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry (MBDC) originated from the Cradle to Cradle design framework that helps companies go beyond minimizing harm and move towards creating a wholly positive impact on the planet. MBDC leads companies beyond sustainability toward positive growth by integrating the Cradle to Cradle framework into corporate strategy, communications, operations, supply chains, and product designs.
What is LEED? Why does it matter?
LEED, or Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design, is a green building certification program that recognizes best-in-class building strategies and practices. To receive LEED certification, building projects satisfy pre-requisites and earn points to achieve different levels of certification. Polyvision e³ CeramicSteel is LEED certified.
What is Indoor Advantage™ Gold?
Polyvision e³ CeramicSteel is certified by SCS Global Services as Indoor Advantage Gold. Indoor Advantage Gold certification assures that building material products support a healthy indoor environment by meeting strict indoor air quality (IAQ) chemical emission limits for volatile organic compounds (VOCs). To be certified, products must be tested by independent labs for compliance with CDPH/EHLB Standard Method V1-1 for VOC emissions of concerns. (Paints, coatings, sealants and adhesives must also meet VOC content requirement in addition to the IAQ emission standard.)
Do we have any accreditations or certifications?
Polyvision holds the following certifications:
- ISO 9001 (Quality)
- ISO 14001 (Environment)
- OHSAS 18001 (Health & Safety)
- Cradle to Cradle Certified Bronze
- Indoor Advantage Gold
- ISO 28762 (vitreous and porcelain enamels specification)
- European Enamel Authority EEA 7.13-7.17
- Porcelain Enamel Institute PEI 1001 & 1002
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