Large whiteboards for drawing with markers are very convenient to use. They are ideal for children at the stage of learning to read, help to "put" a hand, learn to write and draw. In their work they are used to create flowcharts, conduct lectures and training. However, the cost of such boards is quite high and starts at 1,500 rubles. Therefore, many people have a question: is it possible to make a magnetic whiteboard with your own hands?
Materials and Tools
You will need:
- Centimeter tape for measurements.
- Nails, hooks for attaching the board.
- Screwdriver and hammer.
- Melamine or another suitable type of plastic.
During operation, be extremely careful not to cut yourself when processing sheets.
Option one. Transparent board
First you need to determine the size of the future product. Depending on the destination, the sizes can be any. A magnetic-marker board 90x120 centimeters is suitable for teaching students, drawing small schemes. Small children can make smaller boards. For placement in a large office and lectures, product sizes should be from 150 cm on the narrow side.
The building materials store sells melamine of various sizes. This material has a strong plastic coating on one side, which will ensure the durability of the product. It is better to choose sheets with a smooth surface, as they are easier to wipe, and the labels will be better read.
If you want to make a transparent whiteboard, you can buy Plexiglass or Lexan. The latter option is thinner and more resistant to damage, weighs less, does not crumble and has a beautiful glossy finish.
If you decide to make a magnetic whiteboard with your own hands, note that the material is very thin - only 6 mm thick. You can hang the board on the wall, but if you plan to move it, you need to glue the backing sheet. To use magnets, it is best to select a sheet of steel and add plywood or cork.
Please note that such a board should be placed on a flat wall. If the surface is not smooth enough, then the board will not be stable, writing on it will not be very convenient. Also, for convenience, you can attach a shelf for markers and rags to the finished product.
Now the stores sell glider boards, divided by the days of the week. For marking, automotive self-adhesive strips of 3-6 mm wide are ideal. If you make a magnetic whiteboard with your own hands, you can decorate it at your own request and depending on the purpose of use.
Option Two. Whiteboard magnetic marker
To make a white board, you can take any smooth material and cover it with several layers of paint and varnish. But a steel sheet is ideal. It is cheaper, heavier and magnets are well attached to it.
Cover the sheet with white paint in several layers. It is used white, because on this surface all the colors of the markers will be clearly visible. Each layer should dry well.
After all layers of paint have dried, cover the sheet with a thin layer of transparent glossy varnish. One of the best coatings will again be melamine, which is not only solid, but also liquid.
Now you can frame the product, make shelves and hang the board. The shelf is made of a thin strip of metal and is attached to the bottom edge of the product. Framing will hide the uneven edges of the board.
Useful Tips
- Markers need to be washed with a dry sponge or soft rag. It is better to use special markers designed for whiteboards. Light stripes may remain on the surface after erasing the labels. They are removed with alcohol. To avoid streaking, melamine can be coated with wax, which is used to polish machines.
- It is better to cut the material with a saw for laminated materials or plywood.
- To facilitate sawing, you can draw a line with a ruler and knife. Then, during the cutting process, the material will not break. To prevent crumbling and grinding, sticky tape can be glued to the cut line.
By making a magnetic whiteboard with your own hands, you can save a lot. Such a product will fully meet your wishes and requirements.