We manufacture 2 types of writing surface, both are steel based, hence they are both magnetic.
One surface is called Acrylic. This surface is a pre painted product, and is coated in a similar way to colourbond steel. Some people refer to this writing surface as “Commercial Grade”; however, this terminology implies it is a more industrial / heavy duty writing surface, which it is not.
As it is essentially a painted surface, hence, slightly porous, whiteboard markers tend to ‘bleed” below the surface. This is not a problem, but it means the board will require much more cleaning. If written information is left on the surface for extended periods, it will leave a ghost residue. Usually what happens with this surface if used in a large organization or school, is that no one takes the responsibility of maintaining the board, and eventually the surface begins to stain heavily, and will not clean. Usually the next thing to happen is that the board is cleaned with jiff or an abrasive cleaner. When this occurs, the surface is permanently damaged. This surface is good for a very small office where there are one or two people responsible for the care of the board and low usage.
The other surface is Vitreous Enamel (Porcelain / Ceramic). This writing surface is a school or university grade material.
The surface is glass baked onto steel. Being a glass surface it will not scratch, and glass being non porous, markers will not “bleed” below the surface, which means that it is easier to clean and it will not scratch.
If ghosting is becoming apparent on an acrylic writing surface, it will never be removed completely, as the residual ink from the marker has bled below the surface, (as mentioned above)
If ghosting becomes apparent on a porcelain writing surface, it is easily removed by using Methylated spirit.
Spray the Methylated sprit onto the whiteboard surface, and clean off with a soft cloth before the spirit evaporates, and depending on how bad the residue on the whiteboard surface is, it may need to be cleaned several times until the whiteboard surface is “squeaky” clean.
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