Full‑Wall Whiteboard Panels vs Paint: Performance, Cost, and Longevity Compared

Choosing between full-wall whiteboard panels and whiteboard paint involves more than aesthetics—it's a decision that affects workspace functionality, maintenance budgets, and long-term satisfaction. Full-wall whiteboard panels, particularly porcelain-on-steel systems, deliver superior durability and magnetic capability but require higher upfront investment. Whiteboard paint offers design flexibility and lower initial costs but often sacrifices performance and longevity. This comparison examines both solutions across performance, cost, installation, and maintenance to help facility managers, educators, and office designers make informed decisions that align with their operational needs and budget constraints.

Performance Comparison

The functional gap between full-wall whiteboard panels and whiteboard paint becomes apparent in daily use. Panels, especially those built with porcelain-on-steel construction, deliver consistent performance across decades, while paint-based surfaces often degrade within months of regular use.

Durability and Writing Quality

Porcelain-on-steel panels consist of a glass-ceramic surface permanently fused to steel at temperatures exceeding 1,500°F, creating a nonporous, scratch-resistant writing surface. This robust construction process helps the surface resists stains, dents, and surface degradation even under intensive daily use. Long-term performance testing consistently proves porcelain enamel-based whiteboards maintain their writing quality for decades, whereas painted dry-erase surfaces commonly develop ghosting and wear within the first couple of years. The question is not whether porcelain is a more robust writing surface than it’s painted contemporary, but rather why painted dry-erase surfaces fail to live up to the durability standards of the industry’s most robust surfaces. And to that end, we need look no further than the material itself.

Whiteboard paint creates a polymer coating over existing wall surfaces, typically requiring multiple coats to achieve a writable finish. The porous nature of painted surfaces makes them vulnerable to ink absorption—a phenomenon called ghosting, where marker pigments penetrate the coating and become permanent stains. Most whiteboard paint manufacturers acknowledge this limitation, recommending surface reapplication every 2–3 years in high-traffic environments. Dry-erase paints are, in essence, an epoxy coating. If you’ve ever worked with epoxy, you understand just how difficult it is to remove. Epoxy is designed to be extremely durable and chemically resistant, bonding tenaciously to substrates like drywall, plaster, or wood—which is why epoxy floors are so popular in garages; it’s nearly impossible to scrape away by hand. Once cured, it forms a cross-linked polymer network that shrugs off solvents, abrasives, and even mechanical scraping. Removing it typically demands aggressive methods: industrial heat guns to soften the resin, followed by meticulous chiseling or sanding with 60-grit paper on an orbital sander, all while generating clouds of toxic dust that require full PPE and HEPA filtration. Even then, you’re left with a gouged wall that needs skim coating and repainting.

Although epoxy coatings are structurally durable and bond intensely to walls, their writing performance is limited. The cured surface still contains micro-textures that readily absorb ink pigments, which is why ghosting remains a persistent issue despite the coating’s physical toughness.

Magnetic Capability

Magnetic functionality represents one of the clearest differentiators. Steel-backed whiteboard panels inherently support magnets across their entire surface, enabling users to post documents, affix organizational tools, and layer visual information without adhesives. Magnatag's WhiteWalls systems integrate this magnetic capability with custom-printed templates, allowing organizations to create structured visual management boards that combine writing space with fixed informational layouts.

Whiteboard paint applied to non-magnetic substrates like drywall or wood does not provide any magnetic function. Some manufacturers offer magnetic primer as a separate product, but this adds cost, installation complexity, and often delivers weak magnetic hold—typically insufficient for anything heavier than a single sheet of paper. The magnetic primer itself can create a gritty texture that interferes with smooth writing and erasing.

Size and Coverage Flexibility

Paint offers unmatched flexibility for irregular spaces, curved walls, and custom shapes. A single gallon typically covers 50–70 square feet, making it straightforward to coat entire rooms, columns, or architectural features without seams. This makes whiteboard paint attractive for creative applications where visual continuity matters more than performance longevity.

Panel systems require planning around standard wall dimensions, as panels remain flat after install. Most full-wall panel systems are multi-panel designs, incorporating a series of connected panels across the entire wall. Magnatag's concealed mounting hardware and precision-cut panels create nearly seamless installations when properly aligned, but total seam visibility will vary on a manufacturer by manufacturer basis. For spaces requiring extensive coverage, panels deliver uniform, flat, performance across the entire surface, whereas paint often shows application inconsistencies and varying thickness that affect writing quality.

Cost Analysis

Initial pricing tells only part of the cost story. A comprehensive financial comparison must account for installation labor, maintenance expenses, replacement frequency, and the productivity impact of surface degradation over time.

Upfront Investment

Whiteboard paint costs $40–$80 per gallon for quality formulations, with premium products reaching $120 per gallon. Covering 200 square feet typically requires 3–4 gallons plus primer, totaling $200–$500 in materials. Adding magnetic primer increases material costs by $100–$150. Installation labor varies with wall preparation requirements but generally runs $300–$600 for a professional application, bringing total installed costs to $500–$1,100 for a 200-square-foot surface.

Full-wall whiteboard panels range from $8–$15 per square foot for melamine options to $18–$35 per square foot for porcelain-on-steel systems. A 200-square-foot installation using quality porcelain panels costs $3,600–$7,000 in materials. Professional installation adds $800–$1,500, depending on wall condition and mounting complexity. Total installed cost: $4,400–$8,500 for the same 200-square-foot space—roughly 4–8 times the initial investment required for paint.

This substantial upfront difference drives many budget-conscious decisions toward paint, particularly in temporary spaces or low-use applications. However, the cost equation shifts dramatically when maintenance and longevity enter the calculation.

Long-Term Value and Replacement Costs

Porcelain-on-steel panels typically carry 20–50 year warranties and often remain functional for decades beyond their warranty period. On average, properly maintained porcelain surfaces require no replacement or refurbishment across 30+ years of institutional use. Amortized over 25 years, a $6,000 panel installation costs $240 annually.

Whiteboard paint requires reapplication every 2–5 years depending on usage intensity. Each reapplication involves surface preparation, multiple coats, drying time, and labor—typically costing 60–80% of the original installation. Over 25 years, a painted surface may require 5–8 complete refinishing cycles. The initial $800 investment becomes $4,800–$7,200 in total lifecycle costs, approaching or exceeding the cost of panels while delivering inferior performance throughout.

Maintenance costs amplify this gap. Painted surfaces require specialized cleaning products and more frequent attention to prevent permanent staining. As ghosting accumulates, organizations face the choice of accepting degraded visual quality or accelerating the replacement cycle. Panels need only standard whiteboard cleaner and occasional deep cleaning with isopropyl alcohol, with no performance degradation between cleanings.

Hidden Costs and Productivity Impact

Surface failure creates costs beyond replacement materials. When a whiteboard becomes difficult to erase or shows permanent ghosting, teams lose functional workspace. Meeting efficiency drops when participants struggle to read previous notes or hesitate to write on compromised surfaces. Painted surfaces in high-use environments often become "write-only" within 12–18 months—usable for temporary notes but unsuitable for multi-day project tracking or visual management systems.

Panels maintain consistent functionality throughout their lifespan, supporting the visual management and collaborative workflows that organizations implement them for. This reliability has quantifiable value in educational and business environments where whiteboard surfaces serve as critical collaboration infrastructure rather than occasional-use amenities.

Installation Requirements

Installation complexity and timeframe differ substantially between panels and paint, affecting both direct costs and operational disruption during implementation.

Whiteboard Paint Application Process

Applying whiteboard paint requires thorough surface preparation for optimal results. Walls must be clean, smooth, and free of texture—any imperfection telegraphs through the coating and affects writing quality. Most installations follow this sequence:

1. Surface preparation (4–8 hours): Fill holes, sand rough spots, and apply primer designed for whiteboard topcoats.

2. Base coat application (2–3 hours): Apply the first coat of whiteboard paint using foam rollers to minimize texture.

3. Drying period (12–24 hours): Allow complete curing before additional coats.

4. Second coat application (2–3 hours): Apply perpendicularly to the first coat for uniform coverage.

5. Final curing (3–7 days): Wait for complete chemical cure before first use.

Total timeline spans 5–10 days from start to usability. The space must remain vacant and well-ventilated throughout, and many formulations emit noticeable odors during curing. Achieving professional results requires painting experience—DIY applications often show streaks, inconsistent thickness, or premature failure due to inadequate surface prep.

Panel Installation Process

Panel systems mount to walls using concealed hardware that distributes weight across studs or blocking. Professional installation of a 200-square-foot panel system typically requires 1-3 hours:

1. Wall assessment and blocking (1 hour if needed): Verify stud locations or install horizontal blocking for mounting points.

2. Hardware installation (1 hour): Mount concealed rails or brackets at precise heights.

3. Panel hanging (1 hour): Position and secure panels to mounting hardware.

4. Alignment and finishing (1 hour): Adjust panels for consistent gaps and install trim if specified.

Panels are immediately usable after installation with no curing period. The process generates minimal dust or odor, and adjacent spaces remain functional throughout installation. While professional installation is strongly recommended for large systems, smaller panel installations are feasible for experienced DIYers using manufacturer-provided mounting systems.

Magnatag's WhiteWall systems feature proprietary mounting hardware designed for single-person installation of panels up to 4×10 feet, reducing labor costs while ensuring secure, level mounting. The magnetic backing allows immediate testing and adjustment during installation without tools.

Wall Condition Requirements

Paint demands near-perfect wall surfaces. Texture, joint compound ridges, or surface irregularities create unusable spots on the finished whiteboard. Preparing damaged or textured walls for paint often requires skim coating entire surfaces—a skilled, time-intensive process that can double installation costs.

Panels tolerate moderate wall imperfections since they don't rely on direct surface contact for performance. Mounting systems bridge minor irregularities, and the panel's rigid structure creates a flat writing surface regardless of underlying wall condition. Severely damaged walls may still require repair, but standards are far less stringent than paint demands.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Daily maintenance requirements and long-term care differ substantially, affecting both janitorial labor costs and surface longevity.

Routine Cleaning Protocols

Porcelain-on-steel panels clean easily with standard dry-erase erasers for daily use and damp microfiber cloths for weekly maintenance. Stubborn marks respond to isopropyl alcohol or commercial whiteboard cleaners. The nonporous surface prevents ink penetration, so even markers left on the surface for days or weeks erase completely with minimal effort. Monthly deep cleaning with dedicated whiteboard cleaning solutions maintains optimal performance indefinitely.

Painted surfaces require gentler care to preserve the coating. Aggressive scrubbing accelerates surface wear and opens pores that trap ink. Most manufacturers recommend specific cleaning products and techniques:

• Use only soft cloths or foam erasers.

• Avoid abrasive cleaners or melamine foam erasers.

• Clean frequently to prevent ink from settling into surface pores.

• Apply cleaning solution rather than scrubbing dry.

Stain Removal and Surface Recovery

Permanent marker, ink, or other contaminants remove completely from porcelain panels using isopropyl alcohol or acetone-based solvents. The impervious surface prevents penetration, allowing full recovery even from severe marking incidents. Physical damage like scratches or dents is extremely rare due to the hardened glass-ceramic surface.

Painted surfaces offer limited recovery options. Once ink penetrates the porous coating, it becomes permanent. Some users report temporary improvement by applying fresh paint over ghosted areas, but this creates texture differences and typically provides only short-term relief. Permanent marker or other solvents often damage the paint coating itself, requiring complete surface refinishing.

Cleaning Cost Over Time

The cumulative cost of maintenance supplies and labor favors panels significantly. A facility maintaining 500 square feet of whiteboard surface spends approximately:

Painted surfaces:

• Specialized cleaning products: $150–$200 annually.

• Additional janitorial time for careful cleaning: 2–3 hours weekly ($3,000–$4,500 annually at $30/hour loaded labor cost).

• Periodic deep cleaning attempts: $200–$300 annually.

Panel surfaces:

• Standard cleaning supplies: $50–$75 annually.

• Routine cleaning time: 30 minutes weekly ($600 annually).

• Periodic deep cleaning: $100 annually.

Over 10 years, the painted surface costs an additional $20,000–$30,000 in maintenance labor and supplies while delivering progressively degraded performance. These figures exclude replacement costs, which further widen the gap.

Environmental and Health Considerations

Sustainability and indoor air quality increasingly influence facility decisions, particularly in educational and healthcare environments.

VOC Emissions and Indoor Air Quality

Most whiteboard paints contain volatile organic compounds that off-gas during application and curing. While low-VOC formulations have improved, even premium whiteboard paints emit detectable odors for 3–7 days after application, requiring ventilation and potentially triggering sensitivities in occupants with asthma or chemical sensitivities.

Porcelain-on-steel panels are inert, non-toxic, and emit no VOCs during or after installation. The manufacturing process fuses glass to steel at high temperatures, creating a stable material with no ongoing emissions. This makes panels suitable for immediate installation in occupied spaces, including healthcare facilities, schools, and offices with continuous operations.

Lifecycle Environmental Impact

Panel manufacturing is energy-intensive due to high-temperature firing processes, but the resulting product lasts 30–50 years with no material replacement. At end-of-life, steel and glass components are fully recyclable. The extended lifespan means a single panel installation replaces 10–15 paint reapplication cycles, dramatically reducing cumulative material consumption and waste.

Whiteboard paint requires petroleum-based polymers and solvents, with each reapplication adding to cumulative environmental impact. Failed coatings contribute to landfill waste, and the frequent replacement cycle multiplies embodied energy and emissions across the product's functional lifespan.

Organizations pursuing LEED certification or sustainability goals typically favor durable, long-lived materials over products requiring frequent replacement, making panels the more environmentally responsible choice despite higher embodied energy in manufacturing.

Use Case Recommendations

The optimal choice depends on specific application requirements, usage intensity, and budget constraints.

When Whiteboard Paint Makes Sense

Paint suits temporary installations, creative applications, and low-intensity use cases:

• Residential applications like home offices or children's rooms with light, intermittent use.

• Creative or irregular surfaces such as columns, curved walls, or artistic installations where seamless coverage matters more than performance.

• Budget-constrained projects where upfront cost is the primary decision factor and performance degradation is acceptable.

• Experimental or pilot installations testing whiteboard functionality before committing to permanent solutions.

When Panels Deliver Superior Value

Full-wall whiteboard panels justify their premium in professional, educational, and high-use environments:

• Corporate collaboration spaces with daily intensive use requiring reliable, long-term performance.

• Educational institutions where durability, consistent performance, and magnetic capability support teaching methods.

• Healthcare facilities needing hygienic, easy-to-clean surfaces with no VOC emissions.

• Visual management systems where magnetic capability enables structured layouts with cards, indicators, and printed templates.

• Permanent installations where lifecycle cost matters more than initial investment.

• High-visibility applications where surface degradation would reflect poorly on the organization.

Magnatag's WhiteWall systems excel particularly in structured visual management applications, offering custom-printed templates that combine writable space with fixed organizational frameworks—functionality impossible to replicate with paint.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make whiteboard paint magnetic?
Magnetic primer can be applied beneath whiteboard paint, but it provides weaker magnetic hold compared to steel-backed panels and adds installation complexity and cost.

How long does whiteboard paint actually last?
Quality whiteboard paint maintains acceptable performance for 2–5 years in moderate-use environments, but high-traffic installations often show ghosting within 12–18 months.

Do whiteboard panels require professional installation?
While experienced DIYers can install smaller panel systems, professional installation ensures proper alignment, secure mounting, and optimal appearance for large or complex installations.

What causes ghosting on whiteboard surfaces?
Ghosting occurs when marker ink penetrates porous surfaces and cannot be fully removed; porcelain panels resist ghosting due to their nonporous glass-ceramic surface, while painted surfaces become increasingly prone to ghosting as the coating wears.

Can damaged whiteboard paint be repaired?
Minor ghosting or wear requires complete surface repainting; spot repairs create visible texture differences and rarely restore performance.

Are whiteboard panels suitable for curved walls?
Standard rigid panels require flat surfaces; whiteboard paint better accommodates curved or irregular walls where seamless coverage is needed

The Definitive Guide to Creating High‑Quality Branded Whiteboards with Magnatag

Custom branded whiteboards transform ordinary wall space into powerful tools for visual communication and brand reinforcement. Organizations investing in branded whiteboards gain more than a writing surface—they create a personalized writing surface that displays company identity while enhancing collaboration, workflow management, and strategic planning. Instead of forcing your team’s unique processes into a rigid, off-the-shelf template, a custom whiteboard is designed around the way you actually think, plan, and work. This guide walks you through every step of creating a high-quality branded whiteboard with Magnatag, from assessing your needs and selecting materials to customization, installation, and long-term maintenance. Whether you're outfitting a conference room, production floor, or collaborative workspace, you'll learn how to design a solution that aligns with your operational requirements and elevates your brand presence in every meeting and planning session.

Understanding the Benefits of Branded Whiteboards

Organizations that invest in branded whiteboards discover they serve dual purposes: reinforcing company identity while functioning as high-impact visual communication tools. A branded whiteboard is a dry-erase display customized with company logos, colors, or workflow templates to bolster brand consistency and operational efficiency. Unlike generic whiteboards, these customized solutions integrate seamlessly into your organization's visual language, making every planning session, team standup, and client presentation an opportunity to showcase professionalism.

The collaboration benefits are substantial. Branded whiteboards provide a shared platform for visualizing tasks and idea exchange, creating a focal point where teams can gather to brainstorm, track progress, and align on priorities. When everyone can see the same information simultaneously, communication barriers fall and decision-making accelerates.

Workflow alignment represents another significant advantage. Custom layouts can integrate calendars, grids, or process templates tailored specifically for your team's operations. Rather than forcing your processes to fit a generic board, design the board to fit your processes. A manufacturing team might need production tracking columns, while a marketing department benefits from campaign timelines and milestone markers. This customization eliminates the friction of adapting standard tools to specialized needs.

Beyond functionality, branded whiteboards reinforce your organization's identity in strategic meetings, presentations, and day-to-day activities. When clients, partners, or new employees enter your workspace, the consistent branding signals attention to detail and organizational coherence. Your whiteboard becomes part of your physical brand ecosystem, contributing to the professional atmosphere you've worked to cultivate.

Assessing Your Organization's Visual Communication Needs

Before selecting or designing a custom whiteboard, conduct a thorough evaluation of how your teams currently use visual aids. This assessment prevents mismatches between what you purchase and what you actually need. Start by observing current whiteboard or visual tool usage patterns and identifying pain points. Walk through your workspace and note where people naturally gather to share information, which boards see the most activity, and where communication bottlenecks occur.

Document specific requirements that emerge from this observation. Do teams frequently sketch process flows? Track project timelines? Maintain running task lists? Each use case suggests different design elements. Consider creating a requirements checklist that includes:

• Team size and typical meeting attendance

• Frequency of board usage (daily stand-ups vs. weekly planning)

• Types of information regularly visualized (schedules, project trackers, process maps)

• Cleaning and supply needs based on usage intensity

• Mobility requirements (wall-mounted vs. portable)

Pay particular attention to workflow patterns. If your team runs Agile sprints, you'll need space for backlog items, in-progress tasks, and completed work. If you're tracking production metrics, columns for different shifts or product lines become essential. The goal is to match your whiteboard's layout to the actual information your team needs to see and update regularly.

This assessment phase also reveals whether you need one large comprehensive board or multiple specialized boards for different functions. Some organizations benefit from a main planning board supplemented by smaller tactical boards near workstations. Others need a single high-visibility board that serves as the team's central information hub. If you've made your way through the entire assessment process and still don't know what you need, start with the essentials. It is always easier to scale up a custom board initiative than it is to scale one back after you've overbuilt it. Begin with a focused set of core elements, and see what works. Starting small ensures that every addition is driven by genuine need rather than assumption, leading to a more effective, adaptable visual management system in the long run.

Selecting the Right Size and Style for Your Workspace

Choosing the appropriate whiteboard dimensions and design options requires careful consideration of your physical space and how people will interact with the board. Start by measuring available wall space, but don't stop there—consider both standing and seated lines of sight. A board positioned too high frustrates seated participants, while one mounted too low gets obscured by standing team members.

We recommend mounting your whiteboard so the top edge sits 6 to 7 feet from the floor, creating optimal visibility for most users. To be more specific, the top of a 4 x 6’ whiteboard should hang 84” off the floor; a 3 x 4’ board should be 78”, and a 2 x 3’ should hang no higher than 72”. This height allows comfortable viewing and writing for people of varying heights while maintaining accessibility. ADA recommendations specify mounting heights and locations to allow access for all users, including those with disabilities, ensuring your visual communication tools serve everyone on your team.

Beyond height, evaluate the various styles available to match your workspace dynamics. Frameless edge-to-edge boards create a sleek, modern aesthetic and maximize usable surface area. Mobile boards on casters offer flexibility for teams that frequently reconfigure their spaces or need to move planning sessions between rooms. Double-sided panels provide twice the surface area in the same footprint, ideal for teams managing multiple projects simultaneously.

Consider how your workspace might evolve. A board that works perfectly today should still serve you as teams grow or processes change. Modular systems that allow future expansion often prove more cost-effective than replacing an undersized board later.

Customizing Your Whiteboard with Magnatag

Magnatag's customization process relies on the expertise of our in-house design team and custom whiteboard system specialists, who have assisted thousands of customers in bringing their visions to life.

You can either start with one of our field-proven template options, spanning a wide range of organizational needs, and customize it with your choice of personalized headers and titles. Or you can explore completely custom layouts, providing you with total control over the design, fonts, images, and scale.

Integrating Brand and Layout Elements

If you opt for the custom route, key considerations you’ll want to keep in mind include brand-aligned fonts and colors, and layout elements such as column headings, row labels, and workflow templates. To ensure crisp, high-quality results when integrating your company logo, please provide it in a vector format (such as .EPS, .AI, or .SVG) or as a high-resolution raster file. If you are using a raster file (PNG, JPG, etc.), it must be supplied at 300 DPI and sized to the exact dimensions you want it to appear on the finished board (for example, a 12" x 12" logo needs to be 3600 x 3600 pixels at 300 DPI). For organizations with specific branding guidelines, our printing process accommodates precise color matching and logo placement requirements, allowing you to position your logo prominently for client-facing boards or subtly in a corner for internal planning tools.

Optimizing for Readability and Distance

A core focus of effective design is visual hierarchy. This means calibrating all elements: the line weights, the size of the lettering, row heights, and spacing, to ensure the board is easy to read, easy to understand, and easy to update. If the board is hard to read, it isn’t going to work. Typography choices range from professional corporate fonts to more casual styles, depending on your workplace culture and communication preferences. One key recommendation on the fonts front is simple: don’t be afraid to make your text large. We use precise ratios to ensure your board is readable from the necessary distance. Whether you are in a small patient room or a massive warehouse floor, we scale the font and row heights to match the specific viewing requirements.

Choosing Durable Materials and Superior Printing Technology

Material quality separates temporary solutions from long-term investments. Most manufacturers offer a variety of writing surfaces to choose from. When evaluating which surface to choose from, you’ll want to evaluate the surface for four notable qualities: durability, magnetic properties, any associated maintenance costs, and ideal use-cases. The table below provides a quick comparison chart for four of the most common writing surfaces used in the custom whiteboard industry.

The printing technology deserves equal attention. Magnatag's proprietary process bonds custom graphics, text, and layout elements directly to the board surface at a molecular level. This differs fundamentally from vinyl overlays or screen-printed surfaces that sit on top of the writing area. The result is graphics that never peel, fade, or interfere with writing and erasing. Vinyl and laminates are a different story; once the overlay begins to degrade, its failure accelerates. Edges lift, air pockets form, and the surface becomes increasingly prone to staining and ghosting. Eventually, the writing area loses its smoothness, forcing users to press harder with markers and making erasing inconsistent. As the laminate continues to separate from the substrate, the board not only looks worn but also becomes functionally unreliable. For this reason, laminates and melamine custom boards should only be used for short-term solutions.

Planning and Executing Easy Whiteboard Installation

Magnatag designs its installation process for simplicity, operating on the principle that if you can hang a picture, you can hang a Magnatag board. Each whiteboard arrives with all necessary mounting hardware and clear, step-by-step instructions that guide you through the process without requiring specialized tools or professional assistance.

The typical installation sequence follows these steps:

1. Identify the mounting location and mark the desired height

2. Locate wall studs using a stud finder for secure attachment

3. Attach the mounting brackets to the wall, ensuring level placement

4. Hang the whiteboard on the installed brackets

5. Verify level positioning and make minor adjustments if needed

6. Tighten all connections for secure, permanent mounting

For organizations without maintenance staff, the process remains straightforward. The included hardware typically consists of brackets, screws, and anchors appropriate for standard drywall or concrete walls. The brackets are designed for easy alignment, with built-in leveling features that prevent the frustration of crooked installations.

Accessibility and safety considerations should guide your installation planning. Ensure boards are easily reachable for all team members, including those using wheelchairs or other mobility devices. Avoid placing boards where glare from windows or overhead lights will reduce visibility. Consider the traffic flow in the room—boards should be visible from primary seating areas without requiring people to crane their necks or obstruct pathways.

For larger boards or modular systems, you may want to enlist a colleague's help during the hanging process. While the hardware does the heavy lifting, an extra set of hands makes alignment easier and prevents accidental drops. Most installations take 30 minutes or less once you've identified the location and gathered basic tools.

Training Teams to Maximize Whiteboard Usage and Collaboration

A new branded whiteboard represents an investment in communication infrastructure, but its value depends entirely on adoption. Organize training sessions to introduce board features and encourage experimentation with different organizational approaches. These sessions don't need to be formal or lengthy—a 15-minute team gathering can effectively demonstrate the board's layout, explain the purpose of different sections, and invite questions.

During training, walk through the custom elements you've designed. If you've created columns for different project phases, explain the workflow they represent. If you've included a section for parking lot items or action items, clarify how the team should use those spaces. The goal is to establish shared understanding about what information goes where and who's responsible for updating different sections.

Provide usage guidelines that standardize communication and make workflows visible. Consider establishing conventions such as:

• Color coding for different project types or priority levels

• Update frequency (daily, weekly, or as-needed)

• Ownership of different board sections

• Protocols for erasing or archiving completed items

• Rules for keeping the board current and relevant

Best practices for ongoing usage include integrating the whiteboard into existing meeting rhythms. Start standups or planning sessions by reviewing what's on the board. End meetings by updating the board with new information or decisions. Make board updates a regular part of team routines rather than an occasional activity.

Encourage team members to experiment with the board's capabilities. Some teams discover that color-coding with different marker colors helps track information flow. Others find that adding temporary magnetic labels creates flexibility for changing priorities. The more teams interact with the board and adapt it to their needs, the more valuable it becomes.

Maintaining Your Branded Whiteboard for Long-Term Performance

Proper maintenance preserves your whiteboard's appearance and functionality for years. The foundation of good maintenance is using high-quality dry-erase markers and cleaning solutions.

Ghosting: the faint, stubborn marks left behind after repeated writing and erasing on a whiteboard surface, represents the most common maintenance challenge. Preventing ghosting is far easier than removing it. The key is never leaving marker ink on the board for extended periods. Erase content promptly, ideally within 24 hours of writing. For information that needs to remain visible longer, consider photographing the board and erasing it, then rewriting when needed. Dry-erase surfaces made of melamine, laminates, and paints are far more likely to exhibit ghosting, and thus, require an added layer of maintenance.

Daily maintenance should include:

• Erasing all temporary content with a quality eraser

• Quick wipe-down with a dry microfiber cloth to remove eraser residue

• Checking marker supply and replacing dried-out markers promptly

Weekly maintenance adds deeper cleaning:

• Spray whiteboard cleaner across the entire surface

• Wipe clean with a microfiber cloth in circular motions

• Dry thoroughly to prevent streaking

• Inspect for any stubborn marks requiring extra attention

For persistent marks or ghosting that does occur, use specialized whiteboard cleaning solutions rather than household cleaners. Many general-purpose cleaners contain ingredients that damage dry-erase surfaces or leave residues that interfere with marker performance. Magnatag's dry-erase supplies are formulated specifically for their board surfaces, ensuring compatibility and effectiveness.

Store markers horizontally or tip-down to prevent ink from settling away from the tip. Replace markers at the first sign of fading or skipping rather than pressing harder, which damages both the marker and the board surface. Keep a supply of fresh markers readily available—running out of working markers is the fastest way to undermine board usage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What features should I look for in a high-quality branded whiteboard?

Prioritize durable magnetic surfaces, custom layout printing, easy-clean materials, and sturdy framing to ensure reliable daily performance and a professional appearance.

How do I determine the appropriate size and layout for my whiteboard?

Assess your workspace dimensions, team size, and information flow patterns, ensuring clear visibility from all seating positions and comfortable reach for all users.

What customization options are available for adding branding and templates?

Any of Magnatag’s pre-existing templates can be customized with your choice of headers and titles at no additional cost. If you’re in the market for a fully-custom solution, you can link up with our design team to design a whiteboard built from the ground-up

Can I install a Magnatag whiteboard myself, and what is required?

Yes, each board includes all mounting hardware and clear instructions for straightforward installation without professional help.

How do I clean and maintain my whiteboard to prevent ghosting and staining?

Use quality dry-erase markers, erase content within 24 hours, and clean regularly with specialized whiteboard solutions and microfiber cloths.

Glass vs. Porcelain: Which Whiteboard Surface Fits Modern Offices Best?

The short answer: both glass and porcelain whiteboards thrive in modern offices, but they excel in different ways. Tempered glass boards deliver a design-forward, ultra-clean look that resists staining and harsh disinfectants. Porcelain-on-steel offers a less glossy matte experience with strong magnet-holding power and exceptional durability. For most busy conference rooms and project spaces that need magnets, projection-friendly surfaces, and all-day writing, porcelain is often the better fit. For executive suites, client-facing spaces, and areas prioritizing aesthetics and easy sanitization, glass stands out. Below, we break down the differences so you can match the surface to your workflows, rooms, and budget.

Strategic Overview

Modern workplaces need whiteboards that look great, erase cleanly, support magnets, fit large teams, and hold up to constant use. Use this quick comparison table to narrow your choice.

Sizing considerations

Flexible floor-to-ceiling markerboards are an excellent choice for boardrooms, maximizing vertical real estate for expansive brainstorming and seamless collaboration. Full-wall whiteboards are much more viable at the porcelain level, with panels commonly available in sizes up to 5' x 16' (or larger via modular rail systems) and no practical limits on height or width when field-assembled. Some glass manufacturers can accommodate full-wall sizing (e.g., 4' x 12' or custom up to 5' x 10' in single panels), though with minor restrictions such as maximum sheet dimensions, added seams for ultra-large spans, or reinforced backing for structural integrity.

When specifying a full-wall whiteboard for a boardroom, you'll want to consider how the space is used: is this a space for executives? If so, the writing surface probably won't need to extend all the way to the floor. Do you plan on using a projector in conjunction with the whiteboard? You'll need to make space for an outlet or two. From there, think about how teams actually collaborate in the room. If the boardroom hosts high-level planning or strategy sessions, prioritize wide, uninterrupted spans that support free-flowing ideation. It also helps to map out everyday workflows: who needs access to the wall, where people will stand, and how furniture—like the conference table, credenzas, or AV carts—interacts with the surface. Ensuring reachability and keeping lower zones clear when needed makes the installation feel intentional and prevents the board from becoming blocked or underutilized.

When glass is the better fit:

• Client-facing and executive areas where design is a priority

• Spaces that require frequent disinfection without surface dulling

• Feature walls with color, pattern, or back-painted branding

When porcelain is the better fit:

• Conference rooms and collaboration zones that rely on magnets and sticky-note alternatives

• Project rooms with heavy daily writing and low-glare visibility needs

• Training rooms using projection or hybrid meeting tech

Which surface is more durable in daily use?

• Both are engineered for longevity. Tempered glass is heat-treated to increase strength and shatter-safety per ASTM C1048 tempered glass safety. Porcelain enamel is a glass-ceramic layer fired onto steel, yielding exceptional hardness and abrasion resistance. In practice, both resist scratches; porcelain’s fused ceramic face also excels under high-frequency writing and erasing. While the face of tempered glass is incredibly durable, the tempering process does create a few vulnerabilities around the board’s edges, thus giving the slight edge to porcelain.

Which writes and erases cleaner?

• Both surfaces are non-porous and resist ghosting with the right markers and cleaners. For sanitization, CDC guidance supports using appropriate disinfectants on non-porous surfaces and following label directions to avoid residue build-up . Tip: periodic deep cleaning helps prevent polymer build-up from dry-erase inks. We recommend using a manufacturer grade cleaning solution whenever possible. With that being said, both glass and porcelain are highly versatile and can be safely cleaned with a wide range of standard solutions, including everyday glass cleaners, mild detergents, or disinfectant wipes, as long as they’re used according to instructions.

Do you need a magnetic board?

• What you need really comes down to personal preferences. If your teams like to incorporate outside elements into their dry-erase sessions (like paperwork, swatches, materials, etc.), then porcelain-on-steel is the best solution, as it’s strongly magnetic across the entire surface. Glass boards can be magnetic only when manufactured over a steel substrate, and because glass adds separation, you’ll typically need high-strength neodymium magnets to hold materials reliably. 

How does glare affect hybrid meetings and projection?

• Glossy surfaces create specular reflection, concentrating light into a "hot-spot", which can reduce readability on camera and in the room. This hot-spot occurs when the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection, directing intense light toward specific viewers or the camera lens. In contrast, matte or low-gloss surfaces produce diffuse reflection scattering light evenly across a wide viewing angle. This minimizes hot-spots, improves image contrast, and ensures consistent visibility from all seats and camera angles.

  Porcelain boards are widely available in lower gloss finishes—when compared to glass—that improve contrast and reduce reflections. For glass in bright spaces, control ambient light paths to prevent direct reflections across the board. Pairing low-gloss porcelain with short-throw projection ensures optimal color accuracy, contrast, and hybrid visibility without sacrificing collaboration.

What about safety and installation?

• Tempered glassboards, such as those from Magnatag, meet safety glazing norms and are designed to crumble into small, blunt fragments if broken (per ASTM C1048 on tempered glass safety). Porcelain-on-steel boards are heavy, noncombustible panels that mount on cleats, rail systems, z-clips and more.  Anchoring is recommended for both types of surfaces, given their size and weight properties. Always verify that mounting brackets attach directly to studs, cmu, or wall anchors—especially at large sizes.

Sustainability considerations

• Steel and glass both have strong recycling pathways. Steel enjoys high global recycling rates (around 85-90% for many applications) and significant recycled content (often 30-60% in new products), reducing embodied impacts. Glass is also widely recyclable in principle, with container glass achieving 30-40% average recycled content in the U.S., though tempered and back-painted units may require specialized streams. Low-VOC installation and cleaning practices support healthier interiors and can align with USGBC LEED v4.1 low-emitting materials guidance.

Total cost of ownership (TCO)

• Glass often carries a higher upfront price due to tempering, edge finishing, and back-painting. Porcelain-on-steel typically costs less per square foot and offers robust magnetic utility and visibility. Over a multi-year horizon, both surfaces deliver long service lives; the better value depends on whether your teams prioritize magnets and low-glare legibility (porcelain) or premium aesthetics (glass).

Quick recommendations by room type

• Boardroom/executive office: Glass for premium look; consider lighting to manage reflections.

• Main conference room: Porcelain, low-gloss finish for visibility, projection, and magnet use.

• Project war room/engineering: Porcelain for magnetic strength and heavy daily erasing.

• Huddle space or phone room: Either; choose based on aesthetics (glass) or magnet use (porcelain).

• Reception/corridor feature wall: Glass for brand color and edge-to-edge design