Which is best? Glass Whiteboards, Melamine Whiteboards, Porcelain Whiteboards, Whiteboard Paint, or Think Board

Choosing the perfect whiteboard for your office, school, or home can be a daunting task with so many options available on the market. In this article, we will compare the different types of whiteboards, including glass whiteboards, melamine whiteboards, porcelain whiteboards, whiteboard paint, and Think Board. We'll explore the pros and cons of each whiteboard surface material and provide answers to some frequently asked questions. Let's dive in!

Glass Whiteboards

  • Average price (4'x8'): $1,600 to $2,400
  • Average price (4'x12'): $2,700 to $3,800

Glass whiteboards are known for their durability, scratch resistance, and modern appearance. They do not ghost or stain and provide a smooth writing surface. However, they are more expensive and heavier compared to other whiteboard materials, making installation more difficult.

Pros

scientist writing formulas on a glass whiteboard
  • Extremely durable and resistant to scratches
  • Does not ghost or stain
  • Stylish and modern appearance
  • 20 Year Warranty

Cons

  • Expensive compared to other whiteboard materials
  • Heavy and difficult to install
  • Writing is more difficult to read on glass whiteboards
  • Glass may chip or begin cracking over time

 

Writing on glass whiteboards is hard to read
 
A glass whiteboard experiencing cracking

Melamine Whiteboards

  • Average price (4x8): $270 to $540
  • Average price (4x12): Not Available In Sizes Larger Than 8 Feet.

Melamine whiteboards are an affordable and lightweight option, suitable for those on a budget. They are widely available in various sizes and designs but are prone to ghosting and staining over time. Melamine whiteboards may require frequent replacement, especially in heavy-use environments like a classroom or office.

Pros

someone writing on a melamine whiteboard
  • Affordable option for budget-conscious buyers
  • Lightweight and easy to install
  • Widely available in various sizes and designs

Cons

bad ghosting and staining on a melamine whiteboard
  • Prone to ghosting and staining over time
  • Not as durable, may require frequent replacement
  • Not recommended for heavy use or commercial environments
  • Melamine is not recyclable

Porcelain Whiteboards

  • Average price (4x8): $450 to $850
  • Average price (4x12): $900 to $1,700

Porcelain whiteboards are highly durable, resistant to scratches and stains, and perfect for heavy use in commercial and educational settings. They often have a magnetic surface for added versatility. While more expensive than melamine whiteboards, they provide a long-lasting and high-quality writing surface.

Pros

  • Highly durable and resistant to scratches and stains
  • Excellent for heavy use in commercial and educational environments
  • Magnetic surface for added versatility
  • 10 Year Warranty

Cons

Huge dent in a porcelain whiteboard
  • More expensive than melamine whiteboards
  • Heavier and harder to install
  • Limited design options compared to other whiteboard materials
  • May delaminate over time, causing ghosting
  • Easy to dent, ding, or damage

Whiteboard Paint

Whiteboard paint allows you to transform any surface into a writable area, offering unlimited design possibilities and customizability. It is easy to apply, but it's prone to ghosting and staining over time and may require frequent repainting or maintenance. Additionally, whiteboard paints are a Prop 65 item and are known to be carcinogenic. 

Pros

a wall featuring whiteboard paint
  • Transforms any surface into a writable area
  • Unlimited design possibilities and customizability
  • Install on curved walls

Cons

whiteboard paint showing signs of staining and ghosting

  • Prone to ghosting and staining over time
  • Challenging to install perfectly
  • Difficult to clean and may require frequent repainting
  • Not as durable as other whiteboard materials
  • Takes 7 days to cure and dry
  • Known to be carcinogenic (Prop 65)

Think Boards

  • Average price (4x8): $229.99
  • Average price (4x12): $299.99
a smaller-sized Think Board on a wall with a Mark Twain quote

Think Board offers a unique and innovative solution to your whiteboard needs, with several advantages over traditional glass, melamine, porcelain, and whiteboard paint options. Here are some reasons why Think Board is the best choice:

  • Affordability: Think Board provides a high-quality whiteboard experience at a fraction of the cost of glass and porcelain whiteboards. When compared to melamine whiteboards, Think Board offers a more durable and long-lasting solution without breaking the bank. 
  • Quality: Unlike melamine whiteboards and whiteboard paint, Think Board is designed to resist ghosting and staining, ensuring your whiteboard remains clean and easy to read. Its smooth surface provides an excellent writing experience, similar to more expensive options like glass and porcelain whiteboards. Think Board has a 10-Year Warranty. 
  • Ease of Installation: Think Board is incredibly easy to install, requiring no special tools or expertise. It adheres seamlessly to a variety of surfaces, including walls, doors, and even existing whiteboards, making it a versatile and convenient option. In contrast, glass and porcelain whiteboards tend to be heavy and difficult to install, often requiring professional assistance.
  • Versatility: Think Board is available in various sizes and can be easily customized to fit your specific needs. Unlike whiteboard paint, which requires repainting and can be difficult to maintain, Think Board is a hassle-free and durable option that can be removed or repositioned as needed.
a newly installed Think Board in a classroom

In conclusion, Think Board is an excellent choice for those looking for a high-quality, affordable, and easy-to-install whiteboard solution. It offers the durability and ease of use of more expensive options like glass and porcelain whiteboards, without the associated drawbacks and costs.

FAQs

Which material is best for whiteboards?

The best material for whiteboards depends on your specific needs, budget, and usage. Glass and porcelain whiteboards are highly durable and resistant to ghosting, making them ideal for heavy use in commercial and educational environments. Melamine whiteboards and whiteboard paint are more affordable but may require more frequent maintenance or replacement. Ultimately, you just want an ultra-smooth, non-porous surface that marker won't get trapped in. Scratches in Melamine boards, and the textures in whiteboard paint cause the whiteboard marker to get stuck, which causes "ghosting." Think Board offers an excellent balance of quality, affordability, and ease of installation, making it a great choice for a wide range of applications.

What should I look for when buying a whiteboard?

When purchasing a whiteboard, consider factors such as durability, resistance to ghosting and staining, ease of installation, size, and cost. Look for a whiteboard that meets your specific needs and fits within your budget.

Think Board is a versatile and high-quality option that offers an excellent balance of these factors. We offer both magnetic and non-magnetic whiteboard products designed to suit your unique needs. Our magnetic whiteboard is ideal, for example, if you would like to use a whiteboard skin overlay in your classroom or office space. 

a Think Board being used for business-related notes

What is the best whiteboard for no ghosting?

Glass and porcelain whiteboards are known for their resistance to ghosting and staining, making them ideal for heavy use. Think Board is another excellent option that offers a high-quality writing surface with minimal ghosting, at a more affordable price point. And a small hack with Think Board... if markings have been left on for over 6 months, or someone accidentally used a Sharpie, you can deep clean your Think Board with 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol and bring it back to brand new. Think Board is the only whiteboard that can be cleaned with rubbing alcohol, as it is designed to not break down the top dry-erase coating. This small feature allows you to use, reuse, and deep clean your boards over and over again. 

With so many whiteboard options available, it's important to choose the one that best fits your needs and budget. Think Board is a standout choice, offering the benefits of more expensive whiteboard materials without the high cost, while also providing ease of installation and versatility.

Make the smart choice and invest in a Think Board for your home, office, or classroom today! We also offer whiteboard resurfacing, an affordable and long-lasting solution for your pre-existing whiteboards or chalkboards. 

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