Whiteboard Paint vs. Whiteboard Wall Sticker

With the many options available today for turning walls into writable surfaces, high-quality whiteboard paint products and whiteboard wall stickers are among the most popular. Both options are commonly used in homes, schools, and offices, and both have unique advantages and disadvantages. That said, the purpose of this blog post is to help you choose the best alternative for your space, budget, and long-term needs. We will compare the two solutions in terms of durability, ease of installation, cost, and overall appearance to help you come up with the ideal writable wall coating for your location.

1. Quick Comparison Table

To help you make the best decision, here’s a brief table that compares whiteboard paint and whiteboard wall stickers with regard to several important features.

2. What Is Whiteboard Paint? 

Whiteboard paint is a specialized type of coating that transforms any smooth, flat surface like a wall, tabletop or desk into a handy space you can use for writing and drawing with dry erase markers. Afterwards you can easily erase the coated surface with a microfiber cloth.

Whiteboard paint is either epoxy or polyurethane-based and is typically used in business offices, classrooms, and creative spaces such as design studios. It’s also frequently applied in private households, medical facilities, restaurants, and other areas where written communication is key to performing daily activities.

Many whiteboard paint brands are epoxy based and prone to yellowing and cracking. In contrast, premium ReMARKable Whiteboard Paint consists of a tough, impermeable two-part polyurethane formula that resists yellowing, cracking, and peeling.  It’s unaffected by sustained use and by exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

The paint has a brief curing time of 48 hours and a lifespan of ten or more years after application. Finish options include white or clear. The white version offers you a clean, classic whiteboard look and the clear version allows you to apply it over any light color you choose.

3. What is a Whiteboard Wall Sticker? 

a whiteboard wall sticker being peeled away from a wall

A whiteboard wall sticker is an adhesive-backed vinyl sheet or film that mimics the look and function of a traditional dry erase board. You can think of a whiteboard wall sticker as a self-attaching, ultra-thin dry erase canvas that you just peel from its backing, stick onto a wall, and begin to write on.

These writing surfaces are made of high-grade PET or PVC film, and are designed for frequent erasing and smooth use with dry erase markers. Compared to traditional whiteboards or chalkboards, whiteboard wall stickers are economical and space-saving, making them useful for offices, classrooms, children’s rooms, kitchens, and rental units where permanent installation isn’t practical or permitted.

Whiteboard wall stickers are easily transported and removed, making them appropriate for installation in apartments, college dorm rooms, and other temporary spaces. Before you apply stickers, surfaces that will be the substrates have to be perfectly smooth and clean. Otherwise, you can encounter issues with proper adhesion, writability, and erasability.

4. Pros and Cons Comparison 

Below is an outline that presents some of the pros and cons of whiteboard paint and whiteboard wall stickers.

Whiteboard Paint — Pros

• Is permanent and creates an appealing, professional look
• Allows for an endless variety of custom sizes and shapes of surfaces to be coated
• Produces a flawless finish without edges or seams
• Is extremely long-lasting (ten-plus years when well maintained)
• Works on multiple types of materials (wood, drywall, metal, glass, etc.)

Whiteboard Paint — Cons

• Requires surface preparation (patching of holes, sanding, and priming)
• Involves a drying time (two days for ReMARKable Whiteboard Paint and up to seven days for other brands)
• Can be challenging to apply evenly if manufacturer’s instructions are not followed
• Has a higher upfront cost per square foot than stickers

Whiteboard Wall Stickers— Pros

• Offer instant floor-to-ceiling installation (no drying time required) under normal circumstances with no tools needed. May be applied to walls, desks, windows, old whiteboards, etc.
• Are lightweight and customizable to suit various substrates
• Affordable – stickers are typically more economical than traditional whiteboards for covering large areas, and produce a cleaner look with no frames or bulkiness
• Removable and portable – adhere firmly but can usually be peeled off cleanly even after years of use without damage
• Good for renters or those looking for temporary application and use

Whiteboard Wall Stickers — Cons

• Require at least two people for installation
• Are prone to peeling and bubbling
• Are not applicable to textured walls without preparation
• Seams may show and corners may curl, especially after extended use
• Less durable than whiteboards; surfaces stain over time. On average, wall stickers may not last as long as commercial whiteboards in high-traffic, high-use settings. They’re most suitable for light to moderate use, with guaranteed life spans averaging from one to three years.  As a result, in “hot spots” or areas where heavy-duty use occurs, durability may be reduced.

5. Cost Comparison 

• General US price ranges:

  • Whiteboard paint: $100–$250 for small areas (plus primer and labor).
  • Stickers: $20–$60 per sheet or roll.

• Long-term value:

  • Whiteboard paint: ReMARKable Whiteboard Paint is guaranteed to last for ten or more years and always looks aesthetically pleasing and professional.
  • Whiteboard wall stickers: May need replacing every one to two years and can present an unprofessional look, especially when corners begin to curl and seams show.

6. Which One Is Better for You? 

Think about what your writable surface will be used for and the upfront cost you’re willing to pay.

• For Offices, Classrooms and other Permanent Spaces: Whiteboard paint — seamless, attractive, and durable.
• For Apartments or Temporary Spaces: Stickers — quick installation and easy removal.
• For Creative or Large Surfaces: Whiteboard Paint — allows for application on any size wall so creativity can be easily and freely expressed.
• For Limited Budgets and Temporary Projects: Stickers — affordable short-term fix for those looking to save money or only needing an interim writing canvas.

In general, whiteboard paint provides a more permanent, polished, and attractive writable surface, while wall stickers provide convenience and flexibility over the short term. Although the initial cost of a sticker may be lower, the long-term value of a reliable paint solution is unbeatable. Click here to see our pricing and kits and compare options for your space.

7. Expert Tips for Choosing the Right Option 

• Evaluate your surface type (smooth vs. textured).
• Check humidity and ambient temperature (stickers may peel in humid areas).
• Consider longevity and frequency of use.
• Always use high-quality low-odor dry-erase markers on both.

8. FAQs

• Can I apply whiteboard paint over wallpaper? No, remove wallpaper first.
• Can I combine whiteboard paint and whiteboard wall stickers? Not recommended; different surface bonds.
• Which erases better — whiteboard paint or stickers? Whiteboard paint, when applied properly.
• Are both safe for kids’ rooms? Yes, if they’re low in hazardous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or are certified non-toxic. ReMARKable Whiteboard Paint is extremely low in VOCs and so may be applied in children’s rooms or spaces where people with sensitivities may be present.

The key takeaway here is that both whiteboard paint and whiteboard wall stickers transform spaces into convenient communication hubs. However, choosing between the two depends on how long you need your writing surface to last and how much your budget will allow.

Explore our professional-grade dry erase coating solutions or contact our team to find the best coating to suit your space and communications needs.