You may ask, are whiteboards magnetic? Not every whiteboard can hold magnets. Magnetic whiteboards have a steel sheet under the top. Non-magnetic whiteboards use melamine or laminate instead. Many well-known brands make magnetic boards for schools and offices.
Brand/Manufacturer | Description |
|---|---|
Claridge | Sells magnetic glass markerboards in many sizes. These are good for schools and offices. |
Nevco | Makes regular and custom magnetic whiteboards. They also have portable boards with two panels. |
MooreCo | Sells magnetic glass markerboards with strong glass surfaces. |
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
Magnetic whiteboards have steel or porcelain on top. This lets magnets stick to them. Non-magnetic boards use MDF or other materials. These do not let magnets stick.
Pick magnetic whiteboards for classrooms or offices. You can show notes or work together on them. They last longer and often have better warranties.
To see if a whiteboard is magnetic, put a magnet on it. If the magnet stays, the board is magnetic. If it falls off, the board is not magnetic.
Are whiteboards magnetic
Magnetic vs. Non-Magnetic
Not every whiteboard can hold magnets. Some whiteboards have a layer that lets magnets stick. Others are only for writing and erasing. The difference is in what the board is made of.
Magnetic dry-erase boards use steel or porcelain. These materials let you put up notes or reminders with magnets. Non-magnetic whiteboards use MDF or particle board. These boards do not work with magnets, so you can only write on them.
Here is a quick comparison:
Feature | Magnetic Whiteboards | Non-Magnetic Whiteboards |
|---|---|---|
Functionality | Can attach documents and materials | Primarily for writing and erasing |
Budget | Generally more expensive | More economical option |
Durability | More durable with enamel coating | May stain or ghost over time |
You might pick magnetic boards for classrooms or offices. They are good if you want to show papers or pictures. Non-magnetic whiteboards are fine if you just need to write.
Tip: Magnetic whiteboards are great for teamwork. You can use magnets to sort ideas or show important things.
What Makes a Board Magnetic
If a whiteboard is magnetic depends on what is inside. Steel and porcelain make a board magnetic and easy to erase. These materials let magnets stick and give a smooth surface. MDF and particle board are not magnetic. If you want a magnetic board, look for steel or porcelain.
Let’s see why some materials are magnetic:
Factor | Description |
|---|---|
Crystal Structure | The way atoms are arranged changes magnetism. |
Added Elements | Some elements can stop steel from being magnetic. |
Steel is magnetic because it has iron.
Carbon steel is usually magnetic, but some types are not.
The e3 Porcelain Enamel-On-Steel surface is strong and easy to clean.
Steel is mostly iron, which is magnetic.
The kind of steel and how it is made can change magnetism.
Some stainless steels, like surgical steel, are not magnetic because of nickel.
Note: If you want a board that is magnetic and erasable, check for steel or porcelain.
Price and Material Differences
Are whiteboards magnetic? This changes the price. Magnetic dry-erase boards cost more because they use steel or porcelain. These materials cost more than wood or melamine. Making a magnetic surface also adds to the price.
Magnetic whiteboards use coated steel, which lasts a long time.
Non-magnetic whiteboards use wood or melamine, so they cost less.
Making a magnetic surface makes magnetic boards cost more.
Here are some price examples:
M2 Non-Magnetic Whiteboard – Aluminum Frame: From $81.60
1/4″ Economy Dura-Rite Non-Magnetic Dry Erase Markerboard: This is a cheaper choice.
Magnetic dry-erase boards last longer. They can last 10 to 20 years or more. Non-magnetic boards may not last as long and can get stains. Magnetic boards often have longer warranties. Some porcelain boards have warranties up to 50 years. Non-magnetic boards may only have a 10-year warranty.
Cleaning and care are important too. Both types need to be cleaned with a dry eraser or soft cloth. For magnetic boards, do not use strong cleaners to protect the coating.
Use a special ABS eraser for magnetic boards.
No chemicals or water are needed because of nano microcapsule technology.
Clean the board after each use and keep the eraser clean.
Remember: If you need a board for lots of use, a magnetic whiteboard is a good choice. It will last longer and let you show more things.
How to Identify and Choose
Testing for Magnetism
It is easy to check if your board is magnetic. Put a small magnet on the board’s surface. If it sticks, your board is magnetic. If it falls off, your board is not magnetic. Some boards look the same, so this test helps you know. You can also check labels or ask the seller. But using a magnet is the quickest way.
Tip: Use a clean magnet so you do not scratch the board.
Choosing the Right Type
Think about where you will use your whiteboard. In classrooms, you need a strong and easy-to-clean board. Magnetic boards let you put up notes and help groups work together. Offices may need boards that move or connect to computers. Look for tough surfaces, printed grids, or sharing features. At home, whiteboards help with chores or homework. You might not need magnets, but they can be useful.
Environment | Home Whiteboards | Professional/Educational Whiteboards |
|---|---|---|
Functionality | Personal organization, family communication, casual brainstorming | Collaboration, engagement, multimedia integration |
Interactivity | Limited interactivity | High interactivity with digital integration |
Intended Use | Casual use | Structured use for meetings and teaching |
Converting Non-Magnetic Boards
You can make a non-magnetic board work with magnets. Use sticky magnetic strips like Zeus Magnetic Tape from Baumgartens. Stick the tape on your board to hold signs or photos with magnets. The tape bends and is easy to cut. Remember, these boards may not hold heavy things as well as real magnetic boards. The strength and smoothness may not be the same.
Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Manufacturer | Baumgartens |
Product Name | Zeus Magnetic Tape |
Tape Width | 1" |
Tape Length | 33.33 yd |
Backing Material | Adhesive |
Color | Black |
Application/Usage | Sign, Photo |
Features | Flexible |
Note: Magnetic strips on non-magnetic boards are good for light things, but not for heavy papers or tools.
You have learned that some whiteboards are not magnetic. Magnetic whiteboards let you use magnets and other tools. This makes them more useful than non-magnetic ones. The table below shows how they are different:
Feature | Magnetic Whiteboards | Non-Magnetic Whiteboards |
|---|---|---|
Versatility | Markers only | |
Durability | Lasts longer, resists stains | May wear out faster |
Pick magnetic whiteboards if you work with others a lot. Use these ideas to help you choose the right board!
FAQ
Can you use any magnet on a magnetic whiteboard?
You can use most magnets, but strong neodymium magnets work best. Weak fridge magnets may not stick well.
How do you clean a magnetic whiteboard?
Use a dry eraser or a soft cloth. For tough stains, try a whiteboard cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals.
Do magnetic whiteboards last longer than non-magnetic ones?
Magnetic whiteboards often last longer. The steel or porcelain surface resists stains and scratches better than melamine or wood.