When deciding the perfect whiteboard for your space, you've got many materials, surfaces, and sizes to choose from.
If you need some help, you’ve come to the right place. BACH Commercial is an Australian-owned company that designs and manufactures whiteboards in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne. We're a collaborative team that works with the highest quality materials so clients get exactly what they want the first time round.
To help you decide, we’ve broken down some of the most common surface options and factors to consider when choosing the best whiteboard for your space.
1. Steel or metal magnetic whiteboards
A common budget option, steel or metal magnetic whiteboards are typically made by coating a steel sheet with glossy enamel that allows writing and erasing. For magnetic functionality, a layer of magnetic material is added to the back.
Limitations:
Prone to staining: Steel or metal surfaces can be susceptible to staining and ghosting from markers, especially if not cleaned promptly and thoroughly. This can affect the overall appearance of the whiteboard over time.
Durability issues: While steel is generally durable, it can still scratch or dent, potentially leading to a diminished aesthetic appeal over extended use.
Heavy weight: Metal whiteboards tend to be heavier than other materials, making them less practical to move or mount, especially for larger sizes.
Reflections: The reflective surface of metal whiteboards can cause glare and reflections under certain lighting conditions, making them less suitable for environments where consistent visibility is crucial.
Limited design variety: Metal whiteboards often have a more utilitarian look and might not offer as many design options compared to other materials.
2. Acrylic whiteboards
Acrylic whiteboards are typically made by shaping and polishing acrylic sheets, which are then coated with a receptive layer for writing and erasing.
Limitations:
Functionality: Acrylic whiteboards are not inherently magnetic.
Prone to staining: Prone to scratching and ghosting from marker residue making it more difficult to clean.
Durability issues: Susceptible to discolouration over time due to light exposure and typically not as durable as certain other materials.
3. Porcelain whiteboard
Porcelain whiteboards are typically made by applying multiple coats of porcelain enamel onto a steel sheet, which is then fired at high temperatures to fuse the enamel and steel, creating a durable and smooth writing surface.
Porcelain is often considered among the best whiteboard surface options. Although they are less of a budget option, can be relatively heavy, and usually require professional installation, porcelain offers several significant advantages:
Durability: Porcelain whiteboards are highly durable and resistant to scratches, stains, and ghosting, making them ideal for heavy use and long-lasting performance.
Smooth writing surface: The porcelain enamel creates a smooth and consistent writing surface that enhances the writing and erasing experience.
Easy to clean: The non-porous surface of porcelain whiteboards is easy to clean and maintain, ensuring a pristine appearance.
Longevity: Porcelain whiteboards have a long lifespan, often outlasting other types of whiteboards, which can make them cost-effective in the long run.
Minimal glare: Porcelain whiteboards typically have minimal glare and reflections, ensuring optimal visibility in various lighting conditions.
At Bach Commercial, we use Polyvision e³ CeramicSteel porcelain enamel for our porcelain whiteboards, which is non-porous (doesn't allow liquid or air to pass through) and resistant to scratching, fire, bacteria, and chemicals. Polyvision e³ CeramicSteel is known for its exceptional durability and longer lifespan, compared to traditional whiteboards made from other materials, therefore, making them a cost-effective investment in the long run.
Other benefits:
Environmental
Polyvision e³ CeramicSteel is manufactured using environment-friendly processes and materials. It is made without harmful substances such as lead and other heavy metals, making it a safer choice for both users and the environment.
Customisation
BACH Commercial whiteboards can be customised in terms of size, shape, and even design. This flexibility allows you to choose a whiteboard that fits your space and aesthetic preferences.
Warranty
A warranty is crucial when buying a whiteboard due to its assurance of product quality, risk reduction against defects, and potential cost savings for repairs or replacements. It provides peace of mind, showcases vendor credibility, and helps in comparing products. A warranty's protection, value proposition, and legal benefits make it an essential consideration in purchasing decisions.
BACH’s Polyvision e³ CeramicSteel porcelain enamel for our porcelain whiteboard surfaces comes with a 25-year surface warranty.
The best whiteboard
Overall, porcelain whiteboards are the most reliable option for whiteboard surfaces. They are highly durable and designed to withstand the demands of frequent use. From writing to projecting, porcelain whiteboards have minimal glare and are especially easy to clean.
If you want a premium, cost-effective whiteboard in the long run, you can be confident porcelain whiteboards will be a safe and worthwhile investment.
