FAQ

What type of surface do your whiteboards have?

Ceramic Steel

What are the benefits of ceramic steel?

• Super smooth writing surface·
• Optimum erasability·
• Scratch, fire, bacteria and chemical resistant·
• Graffiti resistant·
• Greater color contrast
• Minimal surface/light distortion·
• Enhanced visibility and optimum eye comfort·
• Safe and clean: Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Bronze·
• Standard and premium color finishes available·
• Colorfast—will not fade.

Is ceramic steel safe in the classroom?

Ceramic Steel is 99.9% recyclable and the only globally Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Bronze surface of its kind. It is safe and clean and emits no harmful chemicals into the environment.

How is ceramic steel made?

Ceramic Steel is produced by means of a continuous coil-coating process, consisting of a steel core of light gauge covered on both sides with thin enamel coatings. The ceramic finish is fused to the steel at a temperature in the range 1292–1652 oF.  Ceramic Steel, which is used mainly for magnet-retaining whiteboard, is highly durable and outperformed aluminized steel marker board in resistance to scratching, staining, cold citric acid, and graffiti.

Why are whiteboards becoming more popular in corporate settings?

Cognitive mapping research has shown that the physical process of writing and diagramming helps people learn and recall information. Making proper use of vertical space with whiteboards can facilitate group work, reinforce linguistic development, increase engagement, foster innovation and make thinking visible. Incorporating whiteboards into project rooms, training rooms or classrooms can allow individuals to brainstorm, communicate their thoughts and share ideas with others. Although technology is prevalent throughout almost all work environments and modern classrooms, the static whiteboard is and will remain a key element in learning spaces.

What makes ceramic steel the best choice for whiteboards?

Ceramic Steel can be written on with a dry-erase, semi-permanent, water-soluble or permanent marker without damaging the surface. In fact, its durability has made it the surface of choice for the manufacture of interactive whiteboards. Dry-erase marker ink can be wiped off easily with a dry cloth or standard eraser. Semi-permanent and permanent marker pen inks can be removed with a solvent-based cleaner. Its ultra-smooth writing surface enables dry erase markers to glide easily across the surface with minimal friction, eliminating ghosting and improving erasability. As a result, cleaning is easier, maintenance is minimal and life-cycle costs are dramatically reduced. This product is available in three colors, multiple gloss levels and customizable with logos or graphics.

Prepping and Cleaning Ceramic Steel Whiteboards

We recommend solvent-based dry-erase markers (instead of water-based, or “low-odor” dry-erase markers.) Low-odor markers take longer to dry and the ink clings more aggressively to the surface, leaving behind a residue.

Three Simple Steps to Clean the Dry-Erase Surface

• Wipe board with a clean cloth moistened with a liquid cleanser.
• Rinse with warm, clear water to remove any residue from the cleanser (a very important step).
• Wipe dry with a clean cloth. If your board is used daily, the cleaning should be performed two or three times a week. Repeated cleaning may be required if writing is left on the board for morethan two days.

Removing Crayon or Tape

Crayon and tape can be removed from the surface. Here’s how:

• Dampen a clean, dry cloth with water.
• Apply a small amount of non-abrasive cleanser without bleach, onto the cloth. For best results, follow non-abrasive cleaner manufacturer’s instructions found on the product label.
• Working in small sections, clean the area using a back-and-forth horizontal motion. Use gentle pressure as if you were cleaning a window.
• Wipe off all residues with a dry cloth.
• Rinse well with clear water and wipe dry with a clean cloth. (As tempting as it might be, do not skip this step!)

Removing Permanent Marker

Yes, (thank goodness!) permanent marker can be removed from the surface. A quick and easy way to remove permant marker from the surface is to write over the top of the permanent marker writing with a dry-erase marker and simply erase. If this doesn’t solve the problem, you may need to resort to a more stringent cleansing:

• Moisten a clean, dry cloth with isopropyl alcohol.
• Wipe the board in a circular motion to loosen marker residue.
• Rinse with clear water and dry the board with a clean coth.
• Repeat these steps as necessary to remove all residue

Prepping and Cleaning Ceramic Steel Chalkboards

Initial Preparatory Cleaning

In order to ensure that your surface will function properly, it is important to properly clean the board prior to its initial use.

• Remove the clear film that covers the face of the chalkboard.
• Using a clean, dry cloth and a non-abrasive liquid cleanser, gently clean the entire boardto loosen any residue from the board.
• Using a dry cloth, wipe the entire surface to remove all dirt and residue form step one.
• Using clean water, rinse the entire board.
• Using a dry towel, wipe the entire board dry.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The rinsing and drying steps are extremely important and skipping these steps may cause underperformance of your product.

Daily Use, Care and Maintenance

Porcelain/Ceramic Steel Chalkboards do not require regular washings and should not be washed daily.

NOTE: Do not use aerosol spray-type chalkboard cleaners on porcelain chalkboards.

The Porcelain Chalkboard surface may write and erase more efficiently after a “chalking-in”process. This process is easy to do and yields outstanding results.

• Make sure the chalkboard surface is completely dry.
• Using the flat side of a pure white, good grade, dustless chalk product; “chalk” the entire surface”.
• Using an all felt eraser, in a circular motion, work the chalk into the surface of the board.
• Clean the surface with a good quality, dry chamois or soft cotton cloth. A faint “chalked-in” look should now be visible. This is normal for a a properly cleaned chalkboard surface.

Stubborn Stains

Persistant build up on porcelain chalkboard surface may be removed with an ordinary kitchen cleanser such as Ajax or Comet. NOTE: DO NOT USE ABRASIVE CLEANERS ON A CHALKBOARD SURFACE!

• Wash the board with your selected cleaner.
• Rinse thoroughly using clean water.
• Dry the surface with a good quality, dry chamois or soft cotton cloth.
• You may need to “chalk-in” the surface once you have cleaned it in this fashion.