Large whiteboards (or "wipe whiteboards") are good tools for visually organizing information, but they tend to be expensive. Instead of spending money, make your own at a much cheaper price. Many alternatives can be made for less than IDR 300,000, 00, depending on the materials you use. See Step 1 below to get started!
Step
Method 1 of 3: Making a Whiteboard from Hardware Store Materials
Step 1. Determine the size of your board
The size of your custom whiteboard is entirely up to you. However, the type of material you will use to make the whiteboard is usually available in 120 x 240 cm, so if you need something larger, you will have to buy several sheets.
Step 2. Purchase melamine sheets from your nearest hardware store
Melamine is a sheet of fiberboard that has a hard, plastic-like coating on one side. Sometimes, these sheets are made with a ceramic-like texture, which can be advantageous in some situations (such as if you need to organize information in boxes), but, usually, this is just annoying. Because of this, you may want to choose a sheet with a smooth finish, as it will be easier to remove and look better when you write on it.
Step 3. To make a clear board, use plexiglass or Lexan
Alternatively, try a thinner polymer material for a clear whiteboard. Both are available at most home improvement stores. Of the two, Lexan is the preferred one because it is half as thick as plexiglass, is lighter, doesn't break when drilled, and has a better, more "glassy" finish than plexiglass. However, Lexan is the more expensive option.
Step 4. Support your board with support boards if needed
Whatever material you choose, the board should be very thin (approximately 0.6 cm to 1.25 cm thick). Therefore, this board will be flexible or can be folded. This won't be a problem if you're going to stick the board to the wall with glue – in this case, the wall behind the board will hold you while you write. However, if you need to move your board, buy a backing board so it can be attached to provide balance.
The material for your backing board can be anything – corkboard, wood, even extra sheets of your baseboard will work as well
Step 5. If needed, cut your board to size
If your board needs to be smaller than 120 x 240 cm (or any other size your sheet has), then you will need to cut it. If you don't have the right tools to do it yourself, don't worry – a lumber dealer or home improvement store will be able to cut it for you. If you are cutting your own material, move the saw slowly through the material. Rushing can cause plexiglass, Lexan, and melamine to crack big.
Make sure you cut the backing board as well if you use one
Step 6. Use glue/screws/hangers/etc. to hang your board
Don't forget that the chalkboard can only be used if you can hang it on the wall! When it comes to choosing how to hang a board, there's no right answer – anything that can keep the board hanging securely on the wall so you can write on it is comfortable to use! Gluing, nailing, or screwing the board to hang it on the wall is a semi-permanent solution, while hanging it on a hook will make it easier to remove the board.
- Keep in mind that this type of board is better suited to a smooth wall if it is attached directly to the wall. If your wall has lumps or texture, there may be a gap of several millimeters between the wall and the board, which can cause the board to become unstable when you write on the board.
- You can also decorate your board with buts or "balustrades" to put your markers on – it's all up to you.
Step 7. Use the board as you wish
Safe! Your whiteboard is now ready to be used as your heart desires. If you will be using the board for the same thing every day, you may want to divide your board into sections as needed. For example, if the board will be used to keep track of your schedule, you might be able to divide it by "day" and "week" (and so on).
If you want to divide your board, try using automotive line stickers (available at auto repair shops). The black stripe sticker is available in two sizes, 0.6 and 0.3 cm, which can be used to create a bold, uniform effect. These stripe stickers are available in a variety of colors, sizes and patterns
Method 2 of 3: Creating a Painted Whiteboard
Step 1. Take or buy a piece of smooth material of the appropriate size
Most whiteboards don't actually have one of the same ingredients described in the previous step. However, the board is made of smooth solid board and has been painted with several coats of paint to produce a smooth writing surface. Various types of materials are suitable for making boards of this type. Generally, you are looking for something that is durable and thin, durable, rectangular in shape, and very smooth. Don't go for anything rough or textured as this can result in an uneven writing surface.
Steel or aluminum sheet are ideal for this purpose – they are durable, strong and thin. Between these two materials, the choice is up to you. Aluminum is lighter, but more expensive. Steel, on the other hand, is heavier, but also cheaper and has the added advantage of being magnetic, which allows you to attach various notes with magnets
Step 2. Paint your board white
While there's no rule that says you have to have a whiteboard, it was originally painted white for a good reason – any color of ink will stand out on a white background. Give your board an even white color, making sure the entire surface is covered. You can let your base coat dry, then add another coat to make sure the board is thick enough.
Step 3. Finish your board with a clear outer layer
When your base white has dried, apply a clear outer coat. Apply a generous amount of clear paint over the white coat and let it dry. As above, consider adding multiple coats of paint to ensure an even thickness.
There are many suitable paints and laminates that can give you a clear, suitable finish. One of the best, melamine, has been mentioned as the choice of material for the basis of the chalkboard in the previous section. Melamine is also available in the form of “paint” paint and can be used to give your board a good writing finish
Step 4. Consider embellishing a ledge or ledge to put your marker on
Once your coating is dry, your whiteboard is basically ready to go. However, as in the previous section, you might want to consider adding other features such as embellishments and balustrades to place markers and make your board easier to use. A tray or "balustrade," on the other hand, is usually a thin piece of metal that runs along the bottom edge of the board, where you can store markers when you're not using them. Install this feature (or anything else you like) before hanging your board on the wall.
Step 5. Mount your board on the wall
Your whiteboard should hang essentially the same way as the melamine/plexiglass/Lexan example from the previous step. To attach the board directly to the wall, use glue, nails, or hanging screws (you may have to drill holes in your board to use nails or screws. On the other hand, if you want to be able to move your board, consider hanging it with hanging hooks. If you do this, you can also use a support board so it will rest securely against the wall.
Method 3 of 3: Making a Chalkboard from Home Furniture
Step 1. Determine the size of your whiteboard
Using common household furniture, large boards will not be strong or may require additional materials.
Step 2. When you have determined the size you want for your whiteboard, buy a large sheet of paper or cardboard to the size you want or cut it to the size you want
Step 3. Take a large plastic wrap or sandwich bag and cut it to the same size as your paper
Step 4. Apply a thin layer of clear decoupage liquid (such as Mod Podge) onto the plastic
Step 5. Stick the paper on the plastic and let it dry
Tips
- Melamine tends to leave scratch marks from your marker. These marks can be removed with alcohol. Adding a coat of car polishing wax to the board will help make the marks easier to remove.
- Alternatively, use a straight edge (ruler) and a razor to mark lines on the material to determine where you will cut it. This will keep the surface from getting smudged.
- When cutting melamine, sticking paper tape over the cut line will secure the edges of the particleboard and prevent chipping.
- If you cut the material at home, you may have to buy a new blade for your saw when you go to the store to make a neat cut. Purchase special blades for cutting plywood and laminate.
- You can also flip the blade direction on a table or on a circular saw to make cuts in the "wrong" direction. This gives you a neat, scuff-free cut; just cut more slowly. This trick can also be used on PVC products such as pipes or bars.
