MAKING A WHITEBOARD FROM MELAMINE IN ERPAK VILLAGE, RT 05/RW 04, CISAUK VILLAGE, CISAUK DISTRICT, TANGERANG REGENCY

Abstract

Whiteboards have been a staple in offices, universities, studios, and schools since the 1990s—nearly 40 years after their invention by photographer and Korean War veteran Martin Heit. They quickly eclipsed blackboards in popularity because they are easy to write on and erase, and are suitable for individuals with dust or chalk allergies. Today, whiteboards are generally preferred over blackboards, largely because they offer a more modern, cleaner aesthetic. Unlike writing on a blackboard with chalk, using a whiteboard keeps your hands clean, and the text produced by markers appears much clearer. However, their relatively high cost is a distinct disadvantage. A defining feature of a whiteboard is its smooth, glossy surface, which facilitates easy writing; however, not all whiteboards are made from the same material. Each material possesses unique characteristics that dictate how the board is used. There are six common materials used for whiteboard surfaces, one of which is melamine. Melamine boards consist of plywood coated with melamine, resulting in a smooth, shiny finish. These boards are often used for decorative purposes to enhance a room's appearance. While white is the most common color, they also come in green, blue, red, and cream. Melamine boards are typically available in standard plywood sheet sizes but are thinner, usually measuring 2–3 mm in thickness. To address the issue of cost, this article offers a solution for building your own whiteboard using easily accessible materials ranging from a basic, makeshift board to one that rivals or exceeds the quality of commercial products. Constructing a whiteboard from a melamine board requires a power drill. Once you have purchased a white melamine board, you can mount it directly onto a wall; the drill is needed to install wall anchors (fischers) to hold the mounting screws securely. At a fraction of the cost of a store-bought whiteboard, you now have a homemade whiteboard of comparable quality.