Would you love to have a larger whiteboard wall? This wall can hold writing to-dos for larger projects and really getting detailed in the process. If this sounds like you, you will love this DIY project I did recently in my office. I am a true believer that if you can really get a clear picture of what you want your project to look like, it will be easier for you to implement it and be successful with it.
Here’s the before picture. It was a mess. I had already started spackling in this picture. We haven’t painted in over 12 years and it really needed some TLC. I spent some time on getting the wall as smooth as possible because I didn’t want to see too many bumps through the markerboard paper since it was self-adhesive paper and would stick to the wall.
Tip: If you don’t have a paint liner, you can use Glad Press’n Seal Wrap
Back to the project, then we painted the yellow on the wall. I decided to go with Classic Yellow from Sherwin Williams to brighten the office area.
Time Saver Tip: Be sure to prime your walls if you had a darker color and you are going with a lighter color. I forgot this step so I had to paint three coats on the walls. But if I had primed first, I would have only had to do two coats. Oh well.
Here’s the wall painted. It is a really bright but not too bright yellow. I only have one window in my office so this really helped brighten up the space.
This is the product I used: Two – Wall26® – Removable Dry Erase Message Board Peel and Stick Decal Sheet w/ Black Marker Pen – 24″ x 36″
While the wall was drying, I unrolled the markerboard paper flat on the floor. Since it was larger and thicker than regular self-stick paper, I wanted to make sure I could work with it without it rolling up on me and creating many creases and possibly worse, ripping the paper. To do this, I used heavy books to hold down the corners and let it sit on the floor for two(2) days to be sure it wouldn’t roll up. In the meantime, I let the wall dry completely.
Then, my husband and I leveled it as best as possible and with a smooth side of a plastic trim guide
We then added the other piece and lined it up at the bottom of the first piece. We did not overlap it because we read in the reviews not to do this because it would start peeling back. Then little by little we removed the paper backing and smoothed out all the air bubbles from the second markerboard paper. It took some time but really did work. We did notice that we couldn’t stretch the paper because it created creases on the paper which was difficult to get out. I was a little nervous because I didn’t want it to rip or crease anywhere. But, lucky for me, it only
Tip: Do not stretch the paper because it creates creases on the paper which are difficult to get out. I have a few creases at the bottom but it’s so far at the bottom, I am probably not going to be writing down there.
Here is the after picture: What do you think? The first few days, I was intimidated about writing anything on it. I kept saying to myself, what should I write? Being able to write down all the steps made this process more real to me and that I needed to step up and do the tasks I listed. But, after a few days, I took the plunge and started. I listed things like ebooks steps I needed to finish. Client step by step tasks I needed to complete. And backend blog tasks I still need to finish.
I love it. And, hopefully, it will stay on the wall. It’s been about two weeks and it still sticking nicely. It definitely is my special place to write down everything.
Other Tips:
- Use an Expo Marker
instead of the marker that came with it.
- It wipes off pretty well but it may leave a little gray area. I am still figuring out how to remove the markers completely. I will update when I figure it out.
- Use an actually dry erase eraser. It works best to erase the markers. I didn’t try color yet, that will be my next step.
If you don’t have room in your office, you can use them in other areas of the home. Here are some other places I would add this whiteboard wall.
- A Kid’s playroom
- A Homeschool classroom
- A Garage
- A Kid’s study area
- A conference room in a small office
I hope you enjoyed my DIY Project. What areas of your home would you add a markerboard like this? Please share your comments below.
Please note these are affiliate links through Amazon, and at no additional cost to you, I will earn affiliate fees if you decide to make a purchase.
What a great DIY project.
I might try this at work, considering white boards are scarce.
If I can only get my boss on board with the idea.
Thanks for sharing this with us.
Thanks for sharing Sabrina. What a before and after transformation of the space! I can envision putting the whiteboard wall in a social area like the living room, so that guests can leave comments or funny remarks.
Pretty cool. Had never heard of this. Sounds a little tricky to get up though. I imagine myself entangled in it like Lucy and Ethel in the wallpapering episode. Lol They should invent whiteboard wall paint, like the chalkboard paint. Maybe they already have and I just don’t know it. 🙂 that’d be super easy.
What a fun project! As a renter, I’m afraid my options are limited when it comes to things like this because the owners only have one rule – no messing with the walls. Still, I really enjoy learning about creative projects like this.
Like others, I thought “kids!” I happen to live in the same house as two, almost three, little grandchildren. As for me, it could help me forget the lists I write which are easy to get misplaced. Btw, your pictures are great–having visuals to show what you mean, in addition to writing about it, makes a world of difference.
Oh, yes, and you are delightfully organized! How perfect that you share your organizing tips online. 🙂 Thank you.
I love the whiteboard wall. It looks like it would come in so handy and be just so convenient. My husband could use one of those in the living room. That way he can leave himself notes to see before he steps out. He always complains that he is so forgetful.
What a great idea. Looks good. Imagine it would be especially nice in a child’s room.
I would love to try some peel-and-stick dry erase paper. I wonder if the marker debri that gets rubbed off tends to stick to it a bit and can dry erase cleaner be used on it? A science teacher I used to work with would get squares cut from shower wall linings for individual student use. It worked great and was a lot cheaper than buying a set of individual “real” boards for each student.
I never heard of the shower wall linings for individual student use. Great idea, Jeri. Thanks for sharing.
The peel and stick version are cheaper than the large standing alone marker boards. I also found a Sherwin Williams paint you can add over your wall paint and it becomes an instant markerboard wall, it is clear so you can write on the wall without changing the wall color. I never tried it, but if this peel and stick didn’t work, I was going to try that one instead.
Thanks for commenting.
Sounds like a cool idea for an office–or for those kids’ doodles on the walls, the right walls!
Hi Sabrina, what a great idea. Wouldn’t that also be something for a kids playroom.
I really like your paint tray tip – good stuff.
I agree, Lenie, kids would love it! Especially the kids that love to write on walls. =) Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
My – you are creative! The thought would not even dawn on me to make my own white board. My daughter on the other hand would probably come up with such an idea.
This is a wonderful way of noting your ideas for future projects or for children to draw on.
Yes, I agree, Phoenicia. Thanks for commenting. =)
What a super cool idea! I find we never have enough space to display things, and a white board wall is just the right thing. Whether you’re brainstorming, or wanting to keep track of or display small things, it’s a great idea!
Thanks for stopping by, Doreen. I’m having fun with it.