The Paint That Can Turn Your Entire Wall Into A Whiteboard
Whiteboards can be useful to people of all ages and lifestyles. They're helpful for toddlers needing a canvas to keep them occupied and for older kids learning and doing homework. For adults who work from home, whiteboard walls are a great way to brainstorm and stay organized. You can create mind maps, write down to-do lists, and keep a master calendar on your board. It can also be used for home organization, from grocery lists to cooking and cleaning schedules.
While whiteboards are usually fixed to a wall, it might be more efficient to transform the entire wall into a whiteboard. This gives you more space and freedom by removing the limitations of using a small board. Instead of erasing constantly, you'll be able to keep multiple things on the wall for as long as you need them. Here's the type of paint that can turn your entire wall into a whiteboard and how to DIY it.
The painting process
The paint you need is called dry-erase or whiteboard paint, which comes in various brands. Something to note is that this type of paint comes in white and clear. If you want to keep your wall's color, then ensure you get the clear version. Before you begin, choose the wall you want to convert for this purpose. Do you want it in your kitchen, home office, or playroom? Make sure the wall has enough space and is accessible so you can refer to it easily.
When buying the paint, get enough for two or more coats on the surface you've chosen. You'll also need other common painting tools like a paint tray, roller, and brush. First, cover your furniture and floors for protection. Next, smooth your wall properly, so it is flat enough to be written on. If you're using clear paint, you can repaint the wall first, brightening the color before it becomes a dry-erase board. Then, mix and apply the paint according to the instructions. Wait 30 to 45 minutes for a coat to dry before applying more. Note that it takes two to seven days for the paint to cure on the wall, but lean towards the latter to be safe.
Maintenance and personalization
The curing period is very important. Using a marker on your whiteboard wall before it's fully cured will stain the wall. When your dry-erase wall is ready, use the right tools to maintain its quality. Stick to dry-erase markers only and wipe with a whiteboard eraser, cloth, or whiteboard cleaner in the case of marks that aren't coming out easily. Unlike ordinary whiteboards, you won't have frequent smudges left behind from the markers.
You can also apply whiteboard paint onto wallpaper to give you a more interesting backdrop to write on. Whether the wallpaper is already on or you're just installing it, ensure it is completely dry and smoothed out with no air bubbles. After, apply several generous coats of whiteboard paint. Whiteboard walls can also be magnetic! If you want to add this feature, apply a few coats of magnetic paint before you apply the whiteboard paint. A chalkboard wall is another option if you prefer a more old-school look.