Writable Surfaces – How and Why You Should Create Them

You can realise the value of writable surfaces around the office only after you’ve had them for some time. They add a fresh dynamic to the workspace. Every wall in the office has the potential to become a fountain of ideas. Smarter Surfaces specialises in converting regular walls, furniture, and virtually any smooth surface into a supercharged collaborative haven with nanoengineered dry-erase paints, multi-functional wallpapers, and magnetic paints and plasters.

In this post, we’ll discuss how you can create smart writable surfaces around your office and how the endeavour can tap into the innovative and collaborative potential of your workforce.

5 writable surfaces we’ll explore

A whiteboard wall in white
A whiteboard wall in your brand colours
Magnetic whiteboard walls in white and in any colour
Projection screen magnetic whiteboard walls
Writable desks, doors, and other surfaces

A whiteboard wall in white

A whiteboard wall with a white finish is the closest alternative to a traditional whiteboard but it’s better. The white writable wall is suitable for meeting rooms, conference halls, etc. It opens up possibilities like using the same wall as a whiteboard and a projection screen.

There are two methods of creating a whiteboard wall in white.

You can apply whiteboard paint to the wall
You can install a whiteboard wallpaper.

Either way, you end up with a large whiteboard wall that you can write on with dry-erase markers. The nature of the wall may suit one method more than the other. For instance, if your wall has permanent fixtures like electrical panels or switchboards, whiteboard paint is more suitable as you can tape off the fixtures and paint around them. On the other hand, the wallpaper is easier to install and becomes ready faster.

A whiteboard wall in your brand colours

You can have a whiteboard wall in any colour. It can be a great opportunity to deck up your office with functional yet aesthetically pleasing walls that are consistent with your brand. The product you need for this is clear whiteboard paint.

Clear whiteboard paint can be applied to a painted wall directly provided that the paint is not worn out and the wall is smooth. In the case of a wooden wall, you’d need to first apply a couple of coats of clear primer to treat the porous surface.

Magnetic whiteboard wall

Adding magnetic properties to an office wall creates some interesting opportunities. You can stick notes to it, keep important information handy, and get rid of unreliable thumbtacks. A magnetic whiteboard surface lets you write and stick information with magnets at the same time.

You can create a magnetic whiteboard wall using paint or by installing wallpapers.

Smarter Surfaces’ magnetic paint and super magnetic paint are perfect for the job. These paints are infused with magnetite – a mineral ore with ferrimagnetic properties. 4-6 coats of the magnetic paint enables a regular wall to hold 4 to 5 sheets of A4-size paper.

To create a white magnetic whiteboard, you need to cover the magnetic wall with white water-based primer and then apply whiteboard paint in white.

You can apply any colour of your choice to the magnetic wall and then apply a coat of clear whiteboard paint to have a magnetic whiteboard wall in any colour.

Alternatively, you can cover a regular wall with a magnetic whiteboard wallpaper to get a magnetic whiteboard surface in white.

Projection screen magnetic whiteboard walls

With the right set of products, you can create multi-functional surfaces that work as whiteboards, magnetic boards, and projection screens.

The projection screen magnetic whiteboard wallpaper is designed for these specific purposes. This wallpaper gives you a three-in-one wall that can be the centrepiece of any meeting room.

You can achieve the same multi-functional wall using paint too. First, you need to create a magnetic wall using magnetic or super magnetic paint. Then, you prime it and let the primer dry. After that, you cover the wall with low-sheen whiteboard paint that can be used as a projection screen.

Writable desks, doors, and other surfaces

You can turn any smooth wooden or metallic surface into a whiteboard for writing, drawing, and collaborating using our self-adhesive films, available in white, clear, and projectable low sheen.

The films turn your furniture, doors, and metal panels into writable surfaces where you can write with a dry-erase marker. These films are easy to install and come with a 5-year performance guarantee. You can also use the self adhesive films to refurbish old, worn out whiteboards in the office.

Unusual Ways To Use Writable Surfaces

Writable surfaces offer a multitude of creative and practical uses beyond the traditional office or classroom spaces. Sports teams can enhance their pre-match planning and communication using Whiteboard Paint, while weddings can benefit from Chalkboard Paint for seating plans and directions. You can turn your office space with murals or simplify tasks like office lunch orders with writable walls. The possibilities are endless.

How to maintain writable surfaces

A writable surface created using our products can be used at peak performance for years. For that to happen, your paint or wallpaper needs to be applied correctly and maintained properly.

You can always refer to application guidelines and tutorial videos to ensure the perfect application of the products. As far as maintenance is concerned, you need to take care of three things.

Use dry-erase markers and microfibre cloths for writing and wiping
Use a dry-erase cleaner clean the surfaces periodically
Use a permanent marker remover for occasional cleaning of stains.

The best way to learn what product you should choose for your specific needs is to book a free video consultation with the product experts at Smarter Surfaces. You can show us your wall or surface, tell us what you are looking for, and our experts will guide you to the best solution possible.