Alternative options for creating a whiteboard wall?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around various options for creating a whiteboard wall in an apartment setting. Participants explore different materials and methods, considering both practicality and the need for removability due to rental agreements.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests looking for rolls of whiteboard material at local stores, noting unsuccessful attempts at Staples and Walmart.
  • Another participant proposes checking home improvement stores for white plastic-covered wall treatments, mentioning their use in meat-processing plants for durability.
  • A suggestion is made to consider dry erase whiteboard paint, with a link to a product for reference.
  • Concerns are raised about the need for a removable solution, as the apartment's landlord may not allow permanent changes.
  • Participants discuss the possibility of using substrate material that can be painted with whiteboard paint, emphasizing cost-effectiveness and removability.
  • Links to specific products on Amazon are shared, though some participants express concerns about poor ratings and usability.
  • One participant suggests alternative options, such as large sketch pads or rolls of paper, arguing that traditional whiteboards may require frequent marker replacements and maintenance.
  • A humorous suggestion is made about using a clear plexiglass divider with glow-in-the-dark markers for a creative approach.
  • Another participant recalls a previous thread where an unconventional method was suggested, involving salvaging materials from a dump.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a variety of opinions on the best approach, with no clear consensus on a single solution. Multiple competing views remain regarding materials and methods for creating a whiteboard wall.

Contextual Notes

Some suggestions depend on specific conditions, such as the need for removability and the suitability of materials for indoor use. There are unresolved concerns about the durability and practicality of certain proposed solutions.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals living in rental properties looking for temporary solutions for creating writable surfaces, as well as those interested in DIY home improvement projects.

pergradus
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Hello PF'ers, a friend and I are sharing an apartment for the school year and we had the idea to make one of our living room walls into a giant whiteboard. I know you can buy rolls of the material to write on (doesn't have to be magnetic), but I'm not sure where to find it. I called the local Staples, they didn't have it, and neither did Walmart. Anyone know where else one might find it?

Thanks!
 
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Interesting...I think I want to do that
 
Can you get white, plastic-covered wall-treatments at a home improvement place? Get a sample and test. Actually, you might want the people who build meat-processing plant sand need everything to look white and washable. They need LOTS of durable, washable wall-materials.
 
Have you considered Dry erase white board paint?

http://www.homedepot.com/Paint-Spray-Paint-Specialty-Decor/h_d1/N-5yc1vZaqms/R-202041135/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053
 
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Thanks Janus, but it needs to be removable, as we are living in an apartment and the land lord probably wouldn't appreciate us painting over one of his walls.

Turbo - thanks for the idea I'll check into it.
 
You could get some substrate material that can be painted with Janus' paint. Maybe save a lot of money and still not have to cause your landlord any trouble. Just unscrew it and take it when you leave.
 
flyingpig said:
The ratings aer bad.
A complaint is that they don't cling well in the wind? Uhm, maybe because they're not made for outdoor use? For the amount you get for $4.95, worth trying.

Use tacks.
 
  • #10
Evo said:
A complaint is that they don't cling well in the wind? Uhm, maybe because they're not made for outdoor use? For the amount you get for $4.95, worth trying.

Use tacks.

+ shipping fees

I will let OP be my guinea pig
 
  • #11
flyingpig said:
+ shipping fees

I will let OP be my guinea pig
You have a better option?
 
  • #12
Hobby lobby or some other type of hobbie store. I think you'll find a whiteboard is not what you want as you'll have to get new markers all the time and cleaning the board gets annoying. Just go with one of those big giant sheets of paper thingys they use in meetings. They are basically just giant sketch pads and you can get extra large pencils to use on them if you want bigger text.

You could also just get a roll of large paper and rip however big of a section you want off and pin it to the wall. If you really want the sketch board to be made out of plastic I'd just go to a junkyard or something and find some white plastic cause that is all those things really are.
 
  • #13
You want a clear plexiglass divider running doen the center of you room with glow in the dark markers so it looks like you're planning high tech covert ops.
 
  • #14
pergradus said:
Thanks Janus, but it needs to be removable, as we are living in an apartment and the land lord probably wouldn't appreciate us painting over one of his walls.

Turbo - thanks for the idea I'll check into it.

It's white. It's easy to paint over it. Hopefully. Just don't let the landlord touch the walls when you move out, just in case.

I think that looks like a great idea. I think I might do that in the playroom I set up for the grandson. Nothing like teaching the grandson that he can write on the walls before sending him home to mom and dad.
 
  • #15
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