Question 1

What is the difference between a melamine and a porcelain enamel whiteboard?

Accepted Answer

Melamine is a plastic laminate surface that's affordable but prone to ghosting — faint permanent marks that build up over time with regular use. Porcelain enamel is a ceramic coating fused to steel, offering far superior erasability, ghosting resistance, and a lifespan that can exceed ten years with proper care. For light home use, melamine is perfectly adequate. For classrooms, meeting rooms, or any environment where the board is used daily, porcelain enamel is the professional standard and worth the higher price.

Question 2

Are magnetic whiteboards worth the extra cost?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in most cases. Magnetic whiteboards allow you to attach printed sheets, visual aids, and accessories without adhesive — a significant practical advantage in collaborative or educational settings. The price premium over non-magnetic boards is often modest, particularly in the mid-range. The main exception is if you genuinely only need a writing surface and will never use magnets, in which case a non-magnetic board saves weight and cost.

Question 3

What causes ghosting on a whiteboard, and can it be fixed?

Accepted Answer

Ghosting is caused by marker pigment absorbing into the writing surface rather than sitting on top of it — a sign that the surface material is degrading or was low quality to begin with. It's most common on melamine boards used frequently. Specialist whiteboard restoration sprays can reduce mild ghosting, but once the surface is heavily stained, no cleaner will fully restore it. Prevention is far more effective: use quality dry-erase markers, clean regularly with a dedicated whiteboard cleaner, and avoid using permanent markers on dry-erase surfaces.

Question 4

What size whiteboard do I need for a meeting room?

Accepted Answer

For a meeting room with four to six people, a 1200×900mm board is the practical minimum — anything smaller and people at the back of the room struggle to read the content. Larger rooms or groups of eight or more benefit from 1500×1000mm or above. A common mistake is buying a 900×600mm board for a group setting: it looks reasonable in isolation but feels cramped in use. When in doubt, go one size larger than you think you need.

Question 5

Can I use permanent markers on a whiteboard?

Accepted Answer

No — using permanent markers on a dry-erase whiteboard surface will cause irreversible staining. Permanent marker ink is designed to bond with surfaces rather than sit on top of them, and no standard whiteboard cleaner will remove it. If you accidentally use a permanent marker, the only partial remedy is to draw over it immediately with a dry-erase marker and wipe quickly — the solvents in the dry-erase ink can sometimes lift the permanent pigment if caught early enough. Always check marker compatibility before use.

Question 6

Is a cheap whiteboard from a budget brand worth buying in 2026?

Accepted Answer

It depends entirely on how often it will be used. Budget boards from brands like Q-Connect or BIC, priced from 10 £, are perfectly serviceable for occasional personal use — a home office, a child's bedroom, or quick reminders. Put one in a busy meeting room and you'll be replacing it within a year due to ghosting and surface degradation. The rule of thumb: if the board will be used more than a few times a week, spend more upfront on a steel or porcelain surface. It's cheaper in the long run.

Question 7

What should I look for in a whiteboard mounting system?

Accepted Answer

The mounting system needs to match both your wall type and the board's weight. Screw-mounting is the most secure option and is recommended for any board larger than 900×600mm. Adhesive strip systems work for smaller, lighter boards but can fail over time, particularly in warm rooms. Before buying, check whether mounting hardware is included — many boards, particularly at the budget end, ship without fixings. If you're mounting into plasterboard rather than brick, you'll need appropriate wall anchors regardless of what the manufacturer recommends.

Whiteboards Price Comparison

Whiteboards price comparison UK