How to Fix Old Whiteboards and Get Them Writing Again

You’ve got an old, worn-out whiteboard that isn’t erasing well.

What can you do?

If you want to fix a problem, you need to understand why it's happening. Let's start by taking a look at the most common whiteboard problems. 

Common Whiteboard Problems

• Staining and Ghosting: You can still read what you just erased. It's still there just uglier.
• Scratches: Daily use and improper cleaning slowly scratches the surface.
• Peeling Surface: Exposure to moisture or harsh cleaning chemicals can cause the surface to peel or puff up. 
• Dull and Discolored: The once bright white surface becomes dull and discolored, making it less effective.

All 4 of these problems have the same root cause: a cheap whiteboard coating.

The finish may look good out-of-the-box but it doesn’t stand up to the writing and erasing you are trying to do.

Cheap coatings break down fast.

When the whiteboard finish is gone, your whiteboards stop erasing.

That’s what staining, ghosting, dulling, and discoloring are.

And then what do you do about a dirty-looking whiteboard?

You break out stronger and stronger chemicals and cleaners!
...that break down the remaining coating even faster.
Those micro scratches turn into regular scratches.
And whatever material is under the whiteboard coating starts absorbing your chemicals.

Now you’ve got peeling, puffing, scratches, and lumpiness.

It’s not your fault! You were just cleaning your whiteboard! But now you need a new coating. It’s time to resurface! (preferably with something that WON'T break down again.)

Why Resurfacing with Think Board is Your Best Bet

Think Board products are a game-changer for refurbishing old whiteboards. Here’s why:

• The Coating: The Think Board coating is durable and proven in schools every day. It’s scratch-resistant and chemical-resistant to maximize the life of your whiteboard.
• Easy to Apply: These films are peel-and-stick, making the application a breeze on any smooth surface.
• Cost-Effective: Instead of splurging on a new whiteboard, you can revamp your old one with Think Board and save some cash.
• Versatile: You can apply Think Board to walls, tables, desks, and even old chalkboards.
• Eco-Friendly: Refurbishing your old whiteboards means less waste, which is great for the environment. Plus, you won’t have to figure out how to break down an old whiteboard and haul it out to the trash. Or deal with getting another huge board into your space.

Check out these before and after shots!

If you want the most thorough and longest lasting solution without replacing your whole whiteboard, you should resurface with a Think Board.

Here's why.

Think Board fixes old chalkboards and whiteboards in schools across the US.
We've seen hundreds of different teacher's "hacks" and solutions like shower board, knockoffs of our product from Amazon, white board paint, whiteboard wallpaper, etc. 

Think Board fixes old whiteboards so that they erase again and it lasts.

(Click the link above to open the Think Board Resurfacing product page in a new tab with more pictures, videos and testimonials of Think Board in action)

We’ve had whiteboards resurfaced by Think Board survive 7+ years of daily use in a middle school. 

If you’ve got a whiteboard at home or in an office that doesn’t get used much, a Think Board should last 10+ years.

If you're ready, go ahead and click this link and head over to the product page. https://www.think-board.com/collections/whiteboard-resurfacing-chalkboard-resurfacing/products/resurface-your-whiteboards

Otherwise, here's a little video showing you what we see in schools and how much better a chalkboard/whiteboard looks after Think Board!

FAQ

Can you recondition a whiteboard?

A bit, yes. You can recondition an old whiteboard. WD-40 is one of the way that some people have been using. You can find some videos on youtube. Some whiteboard companies sell a cream/lotion for their whiteboards. These creams and lotions basically add a small layer of protection that will temporarily help your whiteboard. They don't usually last very long and they do take some time to apply after every couple of uses. 

Think Board products make it simple. Our dry erase films are designed to resurface old whiteboards, making them look and function like new. By applying Think Board’s peel-and-stick film, you can cover the old, stained, or scratched surface with a fresh, durable coating that’s easy to write on and erase.

How do you make a dry erase board new again?

Resurface it with a Think Board Resurfacing Kit! 

Here's our official installation page with videos and instructions.

How do you fix whiteboard coating?

If your whiteboard coating is peeling or scratched, Think Board offers a straightforward solution:

1. Clean the Surface: Make sure it’s free of dirt and residue.
2. Apply Think Board Film: Our peel-and-stick film will cover the damaged coating.
3. Smooth and Trim: Use a squeegee to smooth out any bubbles and trim the edges for a perfect fit. This new layer is durable, scratch-resistant, and easy to clean, effectively fixing the damaged coating.

How do you restore gloss on a whiteboard?

Restoring gloss on a whiteboard can be challenging with traditional methods, but Think Board makes it easy:

1. Clean the Existing Surface: Remove any dust or residue.
2. Apply Think Board Film: Our film not only restores functionality but also adds a glossy, professional finish.
3. Smooth and Trim: Ensure a smooth application with no air bubbles. This method ensures your whiteboard looks glossy and new, ready for everyday use.

I may have ruined my whiteboard! How can I fix it/recoat it?

Don’t worry if you’ve damaged your whiteboard. Think Board can help:

1. Assess the Damage: Determine if the surface is stained, scratched, or peeling.
2. Clean Thoroughly: Remove any dirt and residue.
3. Apply Think Board Film: Cover the damaged surface with our peel-and-stick film.
4. Smooth and Trim: Ensure the film adheres well without bubbles. This will recoat your whiteboard, giving it a fresh, new surface.

What’s the best way to recondition a whiteboard?

The best way to recondition a whiteboard is to use Think Board’s products. Here’s how:

1. Clean the Surface: Start with a clean, residue-free surface.
2. Apply Think Board Film: Measure, cut, and apply the film to the whiteboard.
3. Smooth Out Bubbles: Use a squeegee to smooth the film.
4. Trim Edges: Make sure the film fits perfectly. This method not only reconditions the whiteboard but also extends its lifespan, making it look and perform like new.

For more information and to purchase Think Board products, visit Think-Board.com.