Whiteboards seem like a nifty product for those who regularly need to note down important tasks and shopping lists, so they don't forget.
However, the problem with whiteboards is that they are generally very bulky and clutter up the space, which might be why many people refrain from buying them. Here’s where whiteboard paint can provide an excellent alternative.
Whiteboard paints can be applied to any wall or surface to transform them into an easily writable surface. However, it is vital to find the correct paint that will suit your needs and deliver the best results.
Hi, I'm Stacy, and today I'll be sharing a list of the best whiteboard paint products available on the market. I have included a detailed review of each product, a buyer's guide, and frequently asked questions.
So, without further ado, let's dive in.
Top 4 Whiteboard Paint For Walls
1. Rust-Oleum 241140
One of my top recommendations for the best whiteboard paint for walls is the Rust-Oleum 241140. This specialty dry-erase brush is a versatile product that can be used on various surfaces and provides excellent results every time.
Product Highlights
The Rust-Oleum 241140 model is the perfect product for creating a hard writable surface using dry-erase markers. You can use it on walls and doors, menu boards, message centers, craft projects, and more.
And according to your preference, you can pick between the clear or white-colored paint. Either way, a single container will help you easily cover upto 55 sq. ft. with two coats. If you need more, there is always the option to purchase a two-pack.
One of the most impressive things that I found about this product is how quickly it dries up after applying and becomes ready for use in an hour. Additionally, you can clean it up using just soap and water, making this paint highly convenient on all types of surfaces.
The instructions for preparing and using the paint are also included with the product, making your job even simpler.
What's There To Like About It?
What I liked most about this product is the smooth and glossy finish that this paint creates, which is excellent for writing purposes. This feature undoubtedly makes this product great for several different applications, such as creating drawing canvases, planning boards, idea boards, and so on.
Moreover, unlike many products in this list, the Rust-Oleum 241140 has a very faint odor, making it completely safe for indoor use. Even kids can use the coated surface without any risk.
What's There Not To Like About It?
For those with a modest budget, this paint from Rust-Oleum may not be the best option to go for. Although it provides excellent results, it is one of the pricier products on this list. However, there are some other excellent alternatives on the market that are more affordable if you are unwilling to spend much.
Pros and Cons of Rust-Oleum 241140
Pros
Cons
- Indoor use on a variety of objects including walls, doors, cabinet doors, message centers, menu boards, toy chests, craft projects and more
- To apply, mix pats A and B and coat surface within 1 hour of mixing with a dense foam roller or brush
- Dries to the touch in 1 hour, cleans up with soap & water and covers up to 55 sq ft with 2 coats
2. Smark Dry-Erase Paint
Another excellent product that I would like to mention is the Dry-Erase Multi-Surface Whiteboard Paint from Smark. This paint provides a semi-gloss finish to any surface it is applied on, making it ideal for creating writable surfaces at home or in the office.
Product Highlights
I came across this whiteboard paint while looking for an affordable option to use at home, and I have to say it has been of great help. First off, this paint can easily be used on different surfaces, including concrete, steel, and even glass.
What’s more, this clear-erase paint keeps your surface protected from harmful UV rays, which prevents fading or yellowing over time. Besides that, the application process was straightforward, and I did not need assistance from anyone else.
Another highlight of this product is that it offers more value for a lesser sum. That said, the quantity of paint you get for the price will help you quickly cover a larger surface area than any competing product. It makes this product one of the most affordable options currently available on the market.
What's There To Like About It?
This product comes in a kit containing all the essential tools that you need to coat any surface. These include a roller, “pour me” can, “fill me” can, and stir stick. Indeed, I liked that I did not have to go out and purchase these tools before getting down to the business of applying the paint.
Another thing that I want to mention is that all the instructions for preparation, use, and storage are included with the product and also provided online.
What's There Not To Like About It?
I could not find any significant downsides to this product except that the paint acquires a very thick consistency after mixing and preparation. The thick texture makes the application process tedious as it requires a more significant amount of effort to apply a uniform coat on the surface.
However, you can use the included roller to make the application process more manageable.
Pros and Cons of Smark Dry-Erase Paint
Pros
Cons
- EASY-TO-USE🎨Smark!'s simple and easy application process goes on quickly so you spend less time painting and gets you to marking more quickly!
- SEMI-GLOSS FINISH🎨With a clear semi-gloss finish, Smark!'s dry erase paint will work with ALL dry erase markers.
- MULTI-SURFACE🎨Goes on quickly and is IDEAL for use on: drywall, desks, tables, concrete, glass, tile, and steel creating a whiteboard surface virtually anywhere! Perfect for schools, conference rooms, labs, restaurants, playrooms
3. Ideapaint CRE1205000
The next product on the list is the Ideapaint CRE1205000, an extremely versatile whiteboard paint suitable for creating a high-performance white dry erase surface. It can be used on a wide range of solid surfaces at home, in the office, or in schools.
Product Highlights
The Ideapaint CRE1205000 is an easy-to-apply whiteboard paint that almost anyone can use to create a dry erase surface quickly. It is suitable for application on any smooth surface such as wood, chalkboards, whiteboards, and more.
Unlike many other similar products, this whiteboard paint creates a non-ghosting and non-staining surface. That said, it erases cleanly every time, so you do not need to worry about any stained walls. Besides that, it is also one of the best alternatives to purchasing costly whiteboards that are neither as convenient to use nor as easily manageable.
Speaking of affordability, with the CRE1205000, you get up to four times the writing surface than competing products as it can help you cover upto 50 sq. ft. Also, this paint is more durable than a whiteboard, which ensures that it will last longer than both whiteboards and other dry erase products.
What's There To Like About It?
If you are looking for the best whiteboard paint for walls that is also environment-friendly, then this product from Ideapaint may be the ideal choice for you. It is a low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paint, free of harmful emissions that can even cause diseases. Having a low VOC also makes it safe to use around children.
Additionally, the product is also GreenGuard-certified, which makes it suitable for indoor use. Simply put, this whiteboard paint is one of the safest options available on the market.
What's There Not To Like About It?
The one thing that I noticed about this product is that it becomes challenging to remove marker stains if they are left on the surface for over 18 hours. To prevent this issue, it is best to wipe the marks clean using a microfiber cloth when your work is done. If the stains are persistent, try using a sanitizer.
Pros and Cons of Ideapaint CRE1205000
Pros
Cons
- IdeaPaint CREATE KitGO AHEAD – WRITE ON YOUR WALLS ! IdeaPaint has invented the most flexible, environmentally-friendly and cost effective dry erase product available. With an easy, single coat roller or spray application, IdeaPaint transforms any smooth surface into a high-performance, dry-erase canvas that erases cleanly every time.
4. Writey Board 30001
While most whiteboard paint products transform any surface into a white writable surface, the Writey Board 30001 takes a different approach. It offers a clear coat of dry-erase paint that allows you to create a writable surface without changing your room's color.
Product Highlights
The Writey Board dry-erase paint can conveniently transform any wall into a high-performance whiteboard surface. To make your job increasingly hassle-free, it comes with all the tools required to prepare and apply the paint on the surface quickly and easily.
Furthermore, this model can also be used to restore any damaged or old blackboard or whiteboard with the simple application process. Another thing that I liked about this product is that it only requires a single coat — unlike most other products, which require at least two coats. That said, it allows you to save a lot of time and money.
Furthermore, the 48-hour cure time ensures that the paint will set and dry thoroughly, offering a solid ready-to-use writable surface. It is also worth noting that I tried it on both glossy and non-glossy surfaces, with excellent results. Either way, it leaves behind a smooth layer that is perfect for writing.
What's There To Like About It?
The best thing about this product was the clear-coat application which allowed me to retain the color of my walls.
Another thing worth mentioning is that this nifty whiteboard paint from Writet Board is one of the most affordable options currently available on the market. Needless to say, you won't have to break the bank to purchase this excellent product.
What's There Not To Like About It?
The Writey Board clear dry paint is an excellent product that works perfectly as claimed by the manufacturer. However, one thing to note is that it leaves behind a foul odor that slowly dissipates over time. That is why it is best to apply the paint in a properly ventilated area and to keep your face covered during the process.
Pros and Cons of Writey Board 30001
Pros
Cons
- Transform previously unused wall space into a high performance whiteboard
- Clear allows you to create a dry erase surface without changing your room's color palette
- EASY INSTALL We've assembled tools you need: 25 sq ft of clear or white dry erase paint, 9" roller, spray cleaner, dry erase marker and cloth
Buyers Guide
And those were my pick of the best whiteboard paint products available on the market today. However, knowing about these excellent products is only half of the battle when selecting the right option for your needs.
That is why I'm going to share with you some of the factors you should consider before making a choice. Keeping these points in mind will help you make an informed decision when purchasing whiteboard paint.
1. Ease Of Application And Use
When looking for the best whiteboard paint for walls, the first thing to consider is whether the product is easy to apply.
Generally, the basic application process is similar for most products and involves a two-part formula, which is applied on the required surface. At the same time, ease of application refers to how quickly and effortlessly the mixture can be prepared and whether the consistency makes the process effortless or not.
On that note, products that acquire a thicker consistency take more time and effort to apply, but they last longer.
Another thing related to ease of use would be the tools required. Some manufacturers include all the necessary tools, such as a roller and brush, in the package itself. If instructions are also available, either with the product or on the website, it makes things easier.
2. Durability
Another major factor that should be considered is how long the product will last. Ideally, you want to purchase a whiteboard paint that can be applied once and lasts for years without reapplication.
Thankfully, I've found that high-quality whiteboard paints can easily last up to ten years if cared for properly. I would suggest you go with products that offer a guarantee of at least that many years. It will provide you with a worry-free experience as you only need to reapply it once every ten years.
It is also worth mentioning here that durable products are priced higher than low-quality ones. That said, the investment you put in a better product will result in a more cost-effective experience in the long run.
3. Safety
Whiteboard paints are used in a variety of situations, from offices to schools and even homes. This versatility makes it imperative that the product you select is entirely safe for use under all conditions.
It is especially true if you plan to apply it around children, such as in classrooms. On that note, some whiteboard paints contain harmful VOC emissions and can cause serious health problems. I would suggest checking with the manufacturer first regarding any safety considerations about the product.
Another aspect of safety could also be related to how environment-friendly the product is. You can easily find certified products that are safe for your surroundings. What’s more, these automatically become a viable option for use at home or in other locations.
4. Versatility And Nature Of Use
Most whiteboard paints that I've come across allow you to use them on a wide range of surfaces, including drywall, wood, metal, fiber, and glass. So, be sure to select the product depending upon the type of surfaces you need to paint.
Additionally, the type or frequency of use also needs to be kept in mind when purchasing whiteboard paint. For areas such as homes and schools, it is better to go with a product that can be frequently cleaned without affecting the durability of the paint. On the other hand, select a paint that offers more coverage at a lower cost for business or office uses.
Moreover, different uses require different types of considerations. Some whiteboard paints provide a smooth glossy finish, while others offer a more matte texture. Here, it is best to go with the type of paint that best suits your purpose.
5. Budget And Value
The cost of any product will perhaps be the driving factor when purchasing a whiteboard paint. While there is a common misconception that costlier products offer better results, it is not always the case. There are several instances where more affordable products work just as well as their pricier counterparts.
On that note, I have frequently come across products that failed to justify their asking price and have found cheaper alternatives that offer better results. Anyhow, the ideal product would offer the most value for money.
In the case of whiteboard paints, such products would be those that allow you to cover a greater area of the surface at a lower price point.
Best Whiteboard Paint For Walls FAQs
In this section, I have listed some of the most commonly asked questions regarding whiteboard paints and tried to answer them to the best of my ability. Read on to learn more.
For best results, I recommend that the surface you plan to apply the paint on is perfectly smooth. That said, one of the most important things is to remove "orange-peel walls." Simply put, you want to get rid of any paint that is peeling or hanging from the surface.
To smoothen such surfaces, you should sand them down using 240-grit sandpaper. Or perhaps, you can apply a joint compound layer. As an added tip, be sure to cover the wall or any other surface with a base paint layer before spreading the whiteboard paint.
The time it takes for whiteboard paint to dry varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. That said, some products become dry to touch in as quickly as an hour, while others can take upto eight hours.
Similarly, the curing time also varies between different products, ranging from 48 hours to seven days. So, if you are in a hurry, be sure to pick paints that are ready for use between 48 hours to three days.
In most cases, whiteboard-painted surfaces are straightforward to clean. And although this is true for most surfaces, the best results can be seen on glossy surfaces. Just follow the cleaning instructions that the manufacturer provides while applying to ensure it will be easy to clean going forward.
Following proper cleaning instructions will also help increase the lifespan of the painted layer, and you won’t have to repaint it frequently. Moreover, this precaution prevents ghosting and staining.
I recommend using a microfiber cloth for erasing instead of a dry erase board eraser. Dry erase marker ink gets wholly trapped in the fabric of the microfiber cloth, which helps in erasing all ink quickly and effortlessly, even on large surfaces.
If there are stubborn ghost marks that you are finding hard to remove, you can apply a sanitizer using the microfiber cloth on the surface. It can clean even the most hard-to-remove spots while leaving your surface intact.
Once you have prepared the mixture for the whiteboard paint, you should immediately start applying the paint to the wall. If possible, try to complete your project in about 40-45 minutes to get the best results.
This is called the "pot life" of the product or the period during which the coating can be applied before it begins to dry. That is why it is recommended to time your coating process correctly to ensure it is completed correctly.
My Final Recommendation
With this, I have reached the end of my list of recommendations and comprehensive guide. I hope I was able to help you find the right whiteboard paint that meets your needs perfectly.
Before signing off, just let me tell you about my personal favorites. That said, my top pick would be the Rust-Oleum 241140 mode because of its smooth finish, high performance, and versatility.
On the other hand, if you are looking for an affordable option that offers excellent results, then the Smark Dry-Erase Brush whiteboard paint is a great choice. Finally, the Ideapaint CRE120500 is an environment-friendly option that also provides long-lasting durability.
On that note, I’ll be off to scribble some notes on my freshly-painted writable walls. Until next time!