Save Money by Resurfacing Whiteboards
By: Amanda Dahlby
In today’s economic times, schools are trying to identify strategic ways of saving money without sacrificing the quality of education. As difficult as it is to save money without affecting students or teachers, there is one easy method of stretching the school budget that is sometimes overlooked.
When classroom furniture is no longer functioning adequately for students and teachers, the most common solution to the problem is purchasing new furniture. But, there is one item within the classroom that can be quickly and easily renovated with minimal cost and effort: the classroom whiteboard.
With the vigorous amount of use most classroom whiteboards receive, typical whiteboards in schools become stained and discolored with daily use. This creates a perpetual cycle of replacing whiteboards that have become too stained to serve their purpose. Unfortunately, this capital expense adds up over time, and replacing whiteboards can cost schools several thousands of dollars.
Dry erase resurfacing panels, also referred to as skins, are a quick and easy alternative to replacing whiteboards. A resurfacing panel is essentially a frameless dry erase panel that sticks over the surface of a chalkboard or stained whiteboard, transforming it into a new whiteboard. As long as the resurfaced whiteboard’s frame is in good condition, there is little to no discernible difference between a resurfaced whiteboard and a new whiteboard.
Years ago, resurfacing panels were tedious to install because messy adhesives needed to be applied by hand during installation. Today, most resurfacing panels are available with a factory-applied, self-adhesive backing. Since the introduction of these self-adhesive resurfacing panels, resurfacing whiteboards has increased in popularity. Installing self-adhesive resurfacing panels is basically a two-step process—a liner on the self-adhesive backing is peeled off, and the panel is stuck to the surface of the stained whiteboard.
There are a number of incentives for choosing resurfacing over replacement.
One obvious incentive to use resurfacing panels is minimal cost. Resurfacing panels are considerably less expensive to purchase and to ship than new framed whiteboards, and installing a resurfacing panel is much less intensive than installing a new whiteboard. When replacing an old whiteboard with a new whiteboard, there are costs associated with dismantling the old whiteboard, patching the wall, disposing of the old whiteboard, and installing the new whiteboard. When resurfacing, all of these costs are eliminated. Schools are realizing substantial savings when resurfacing—some by as much as 80 percent—through bypassing this work and choosing to resurface instead of replace whiteboards.
Other incentives for resurfacing are time savings and ease. Replacing new whiteboards is a cumbersome process that takes time, and resurfacing white boards can be a very quick process that requires much less manpower.
Yet another reason to resurface instead of replace is sustainability. Compared to new whiteboards, resurfacing panels require less energy to manufacture and ship. And, resurfacing whiteboards instead of replacing them prevents them from becoming unnecessary landfill waste.
When purchasing resurfacing panels, there is such a wide variety of brands and types available that it can be difficult to narrow down the many choices. Three key factors to consider when choosing resurfacing panels are surface quality, backing, and adhesion.
1. Surface Quality
Dry erase surfaces vary widely in terms of quality. Some resurfacing panels have a melamine surface, which, with typical classroom use, will only last a few years without staining. Other resurfacing panels have a porcelain or hardcoat laminate surface. These are known to last longer than melamine, but they can still vary widely in terms of quality. To prevent the frustration of purchasing resurfacing panels that don’t stand the test of time, look for a guarantee that covers surface staining. This is an indicator of a good, non-staining dry erase surface.
2. Backing
Resurfacing panels usually consist of a dry erase surface fused to a steel backing. The steel backing provides a sturdy, smooth surface that emulates that of a whiteboard, and it also allows the panel to have a little flexibility or “bend,” which is very helpful during installation. The whiteboard to be resurfaced needs to be measured before ordering a steel-backed resurfacing panel, because the panel is cut to size during the manufacturing process.
In addition to resurfacing panels, some dry erase products that resemble rolls or sheets of wallpaper are available for the purpose of resurfacing, and they can be conveniently cut to the correct size with scissors. But, due to the thin paper or plastic backing, any minor irregularities in the chalkboard or whiteboard being resurfaced may be visible. More importantly, durability and surface quality may be compromised when choosing paper or plastic resurfacing products over a resurfacing panel.
3. Adhesion
Most, but not all, resurfacing panels are self-adhesive. Resurfacing panels that are not self-adhesive require an adhesive such as glue or contact cement to be applied by hand during installation. These adhesives can be messy to work with, and the additional process of applying adhesive leaves more room for error during installation.
Any resurfacing panel must have an ultra-strong adhesive keeping it adhered to the resurfaced whiteboard. When selecting resurfacing panels, it is wise to ask manufacturers if there are any types of surfaces that their resurfacing panels are not suitable for resurfacing. For example, certain types of old chalkboards have a vinyl coating, and not all resurfacing panels will permanently adhere to vinyl. If a resurfacing panel is adhered to an unsuitable surface, there is a risk of the resurfacing panel falling, and this creates a safety hazard.
Installing resurfacing panels is a quick and easy process, but there are various tips that can make installation go smoothly. Additional information on installing resurfacing panels can be found at www.resurfacingpaneltips.com.
Resurfacing whiteboards has emerged as an easy, cost-effective way to extend the life of a vital classroom tool. Since resurfacing instead of replacing whiteboards is an easy place to save money, resurfacing panels will continue to increase in popularity as a means to stretch the school budget without making sacrifices that affect students or teachers.
Amanda Dahlby is marketing manager for EverWhite, manufacturer of EverWhite white boards and resurfacing panels, www.everwhiteboards.com.
Product Roundup
PolyVision
PolyVision’s breakthrough interactive whiteboard solution combines the simplicity and ease of a traditional dry erase board surface with interactive performance—without cords, cables or costly installation. Go from markers to multimedia, from ink to internet, on a virtually indestructible ceramicsteel surface. Project your computer screen onto the whiteboard. Navigate through documents, presentations or websites right from the board. This unique surface allows you to write on it with a traditional dry erase marker, use magnets during a lesson or use it as an electronic whiteboard wirelessly connected to your computer. And, PolyVision’s legendary e3 environmental ceramicsteel surface offers a Forever Warranty built to withstand the hard knocks of classrooms, conference rooms and carelessness.
www.academicsuperstore.com
Visual Edge Slant Board
The Visual Edge Slant Board is simply the most versatile dry erase board on the market today. But, that is just where the Visual Edge Slant Board begins. It is the only dry erase board built to doctors’ specifications based on research that has shown to increase reading and writing performance. School desks of the past used a slanted surface for this very reason. Addition our board incorporates a magnetic work surface, folding locking legs for stability when extended and compact storage when folded. A paper clip at the top of the board will hold work firmly and a removable book catch that is strong enough to hold any book or a 17-inch Laptop Computer for typing. It measures only 12 inches by 18 inches by 1 inch, making for easy storage at home, office or in a school desk and it only weighs 1.5 pounds. Plus, it is multifunctional, lightweight, easy to store and affordable.
www.Visualedgesb.com
EverWhite Resurfacing Panels
Easily turn any old chalkboard or stained whiteboard into a new dry erase board with EverWhite resurfacing panels. EverWhite resurfacing panels come with a factory applied pressure-sensitive adhesive backing. Unlike other resurfacing panels, there is no need for messy glues or do-it yourself adhesives. Applying EverWhite resurfacing panels to existing boards is as simple as peeling off the backing and sticking the dry erase panel to the board. Not only are resurfacing panels easy to install, but they save you money by eliminating the costs associated with dismantling, disposing, cleaning and installing brand new boards. EverWhite resurfacing panels have a lifetime guarantee against ghosting and staining. The EverWhite surface is a unique, dry erase surface which does not allow ink penetration. The result is a whiteboard surface that actually stays white!
www.everwhiteboards.com
Royal Inspiration Station from Copernicus
Inspiration is at the very heart of education. Copernicus Educational Products is celebrating 20 years of inspiring teachers and making teaching a little easier. The Royal® Inspiration Station was designed in collaboration with educators. This easel incorporates many innovative features such as a height adjustable magnetic dry erase board, an additional 15” slide out magnetic whiteboard, storage tubs that are guaranteed for life, telescopic rods for pocket charts, 3” casters with foot-activated brakes. All this in a compact 30” x 30” space!
www.copernicused.com
Walltalkers Dry Erase Presentation Wallcoverings
Walltalkers ez•rite dry erase wallcoverings instantly transforms faded and outdated chalkboards into clean, bright, highly readable surfaces that actually enhance teaching and learning. Ez•rite is applied over existing chalk/marker boards, so installation is fast, easy and costs considerably less than replacing a chalk/marker board. Insistence on quality materials and processes results in a longer-lasting, better-looking product for the school. Walltalkers uses only vinyl substrates, never paper, so the dry erase presentation wallcoverings consistently maintain their unique flexibility and strength. They won’t crack, chip or deteriorate, even under daily use.
www.walltalkers.com
Script-n-Skills Station-Mobile from Jonti-Craft
Jonti-Craft, Inc. is pleased to introduce the new Script-n-Skills Station – Mobile to its lineup of early learning furniture. This literacy center on wheels has everything you need, wherever you need it. The four-sided station has a one Magnetic Write-n-Wipe easel, one Flannel board, two adjustable shelves and four slots for Big Books. The Script-n-Skills Station – Mobile also comes with three cubby trays and measures 291/2 inches wide by 151/2 inches deep by 51 inches high. It is constructed with Jonti-Craft’s exclusive features: KYDZSafe edges, KYDZTuff finish and KYDZStrong construction and carries a lifetime warranty.
www.Jonti-craft.com
