Making White Erase Boards for Your Classroom

Although many people have found alternate technologies and tools to help enhance their teaching, having white erase boards in the classroom is still one of the best ways to help facilitate learning. Students respond well to drawings and writing on a white erase board, and the boards are easily modified and cleaned so that they are very versatile. Additionally, it's easy to make a white erase board in a classroom. Read on for a brief guide on how to make a white erase board that has a magnetic surface to allow you to attach magnets to it as well.

Step 1 -- Set the Borders of the White Board

Begin by measuring out the space on the wall where you'd like to have your white board. Use measuring tape to ensure that the board is entirely even and that it's exactly the shape that you'd like. Mark the borders of the white board area with a pencil. When you've marked the entire are around the border of the board, attach painting tape around the border to ensure that you don't accidentally paint onto the surrounding wall.

Step 2 -- Lay the Primer

The magnetic primer is necessary to provide a magnetized surface for the white board. Paint the primer onto the surface of the wall, but be careful to check the wall for any dirt or inconsistencies first. If necessary, clean the wall before you begin. Apply the primer evenly and allow it to dry. It's important to lay 2 to 3 coats of primer in order to ensure a strong magnetic surface for the white board. Allow them to dry completely before you continue.

Step 3 -- Paint the Wall

Use the paint roller and brushes to paint white board paint onto the surface of the dried primer. The white board paint will be able to support white board markers and will be erasable. It generally takes 2 coats of white board paint, though you should ensure that each coat is even and completely dry before continuing.

Step 4 -- Build the Frame

Remove the painting tape from the wall. In place of the tape, lay the white board wooden frame to help demarcate where the board begins. Attach the wooden frame to the wall with hammer and nails.

On the bottom side of the white board, mount the metal rest. This will serve as a place to rest white board pens and erasers, as well as other light items. You can attach the white board metal rest using screws and a screwdriver.

Test the board using white board pens and erasers. Make sure to keep the white board clean to provide the best surface for your work in the classroom. All of the tools and materials necessary for the project are available at home improvement stores.