The concept of whiteboards, introduced in the 1960s, originated from the traditional classroom chalkboard and is the preferred educational and training tool in most business board rooms and class rooms. Instead of chalk,whiteboard users utilize dry erase markers to disseminate information. The dry erase marker has been cited by lecturers as ergonomically preferable to chalk and less prone to allergens.

Though the traditional chalkboard is still used in some primary education institutions, it has many disadvantages and may do more harm than good. Chalks are messy and leave residues that may stick to the instructor's uniform. This does not look presentable especially in business meetings. Chalk filtrates can cause allergy and irritation to someone which can lead to more serious illness. This is why the whiteboard is the favorite because of the hypo-allergenic qualities of the dry erase marker. It is also versatile where you can also use it as alternative to projection screens. Companies and education institutions started to replace the traditional chalk board with whiteboard as early as in the 1980s.

There are five types of materials that white boards may be constructed from:

Melamine White Boards

Melamine was one of the primary materials utilized in the manufacture of the whiteboard. Though initially made great assistance, however, the exterior was simply dented and became less erasable eventually. For the reason that the dry erase marker was drenched into the board, the whiteboards would normally require to be changed within few months. It is the least costly alternative as it is made with a pressboard substrate enclosed in paper containing resin.

Painted Steel or Aluminum White Boards

Painted steel or aluminum whiteboards are often preferred over melamine. They typically last longer than melamine white boards and are easier to erase. Though not as prevalent, the problem of staining is still a problem in this particular solution because of the porous nature of the paint sprayed on an aluminum or steel surface. Painted steel has a magnetic property, whereas, painted aluminum does not.

Glass White Boards

The benefit of a glass whiteboard is that it does not soak up the ink and as a result, does not require to be changed due to left over dry erase mark. The disadvantage: It does not have magnetic characteristics.

Hardcoat Laminate White Boards

Hardcoat Laminate is often the material of choice for the whiteboard in high usage environments. The surface is less porous and therefore, fairly stain resistant. Because of its stain resistance and scratch resistant properties many laminate white boards come with lifetime warranties. This, of course, is beneficial for the consumer. These whiteboard surfaces may or may not carry magnetic properties dependent upon the manufacturer.

Porcelain, Enamel-On-Steel White Boards

With our new push for eco-friendly products this particular material, porcelain, is notable for its environmental certification. Though not all porcelain whiteboards possess environmental certification, it is possible to obtain a white board that does. Most of these whiteboard surfaces carry a lifetime warranty and are scratch resistant due to the manufacturing process. The manufacturing process consists of firing ceramic glass onto a steel surface within a kiln. This process produces a superior whiteboard surface that is highly desirable among white board consumers.

This type of whiteboard can be easily cleaned with any non-abrasive cleaner and possesses a polarizing steel surface which allows magnets to be used with the product. The porcelain surface also solves the problem of residual dry erase marks that often remain even after erasing.

Whiteboards have limited disadvantages. The glare may cause misreading of information especially with people that are vision impaired. When light is reflected white materials it produces glare and make is more difficult to read the presentation. In this case, the visually impaired prefers the chalk board because of its dark surfaces which then are less prone to glare. Dry marker doesn't have indicators that it is losing ink while chalk doesn't need an indicator because it is already visible to the user.