| How to Make Your Own White Board (Dry Erase Board) Posted: 07 Jul 2019 05:00 PM PDT Large whiteboards, or dry erase boards, are one of the best tools for displaying and organizing information. Instead of buying them from the store, save yourself some money by making your own! Plastic and foam are inexpensive options for making a big board you can frame and hang on the wall. If you need something magnetic, try painting a steel sheet. You could also use paper and plastic to make small boards that are easy to carry around. Create a whiteboard to make notes, write down things you need to remember, and otherwise make life a little easier. EditBuilding a Plastic or Foam Board - Size the board according to the amount of space available. The size of your makeshift board is completely up to you. However, measure out your available wall space ahead of time so you know what size of material to order. Use a tape measure to plan out where you intend on hanging your new board. Write the dimensions down and take them with you to the store.[1]
- Most whiteboard materials come in sheets, although there are other sizes available. If you can't find the size you need, you can usually order it at a home improvement store.
- Purchase a melamine sheet for a classic white-colored board. Melamine is a fiberboard sheet that has a hard coating on one side. Most store-bought whiteboards are made with melamine, so you know what to expect when you use it in your project. Some sheets are textured to look like tile, which can be useful if you need to organize information into squares, but usually a smooth sheet is a better choice. Smoother sheets are easier to erase and look better when written on.[2]
- Porcelain is a similar option. It actually is more durable than melamine, but that means it is also more expensive.
- Get a plastic sheet if you're planning on making a clear board. Try plexiglass or Lexan to make something unique. Acrylic and polycarbonate sheets are transparent, allowing you to see the wall behind them. When you write on the board, it is like writing on the wall. Of these materials, Lexan is preferable since it's about half as thick as plexiglass, weighs less, and doesn't shatter if you need to drill it to hang it on the wall.[3]
- Plastic boards don't stand out as much in most rooms and go well on white walls. You can also get a big sheet of plastic to make a massive board to write all over. The board is very easy to clean and last longer than melamine.
- Purchase wood trim to build a frame for the board. Pick lengths of molding that are longer than the board so you can cut them to create a picture frame. A pair of pieces is perfect for a board, for instance. The frame hides the unfinished edges of the board, gives it a pleasing border, and often makes it easier to hang. Use wood molding or furring strips for an easy way to fashion a frame.[4]
- Store-bought molding is a little costly compared to the rest of the material you use. If you're looking to save money, try repurposing some wood scraps you have lying around.
- Measure and cut the wood trim using a miter box. Use a tape measure to determine the length and height of your whiteboard. Measure and mark these distances in pencil on the wood you plan on using for the frame. Then, fit the wood into the miter box, lining up the marks with the grooves for the saw. Slide a basic hand saw into the grooves to cut the wood at a 45-degree angle.[5]
- To check the fit, push the wood pieces together. When they are cut correctly, they fit together like any picture frame. Redo the cuts if you notice any gaps or overlap in the frame.
- If you have a circular saw, you could use that instead to cut through the wood more quickly.
- Sand the wood with 120 and 220-grit sandpaper if you are staining it. Sanding the wood helps the stain adhere to the frame pieces. Start with the 120-grit sandpaper and use light but firm pressure to it along the wood's grain. Then, shift to the 220-grit sandpaper and go over the frame again to smooth it out.[6]
- The grain is the visible fibers in the wood. Follow the lines to avoid leaving some unpleasant scratches on the wood.
- Spread a staining product onto the wood to give it more color. Choose your stainer, then use a foam brush to spread it along the wood's grain. Go all the way across the wood with single, continuous strokes. When you're done, let the stain set for up to 15 minutes before adding another coating. Additional coats darken the wood, making it look much more appealing after you hang it on a wall.[7]
- Wear gloves when applying a stainer. If you add too much of it, mop up the excess with a rag before it sets into the wood.
- Glue the wood to the board using a clear epoxy. Make sure the frame fits well over the edges of the board before gluing them in place. When you're ready to add them, spread the glue across the backs of the framing boards. Set the frames down on top of the edges of the whiteboard, clamping them down if needed to hold them in place. Also, add glue to the edges of the frame boards where they connect to help stick them together.[8]
- Epoxy glue often comes in 2 parts. You have to mix an equal amount of the resin and hardener to create the glue.
- Some other glues to try include an acrylic polymer and super glue. A polyurethane construction adhesive is great for sticking foam boards to wood since the foam resists most other types of glue.
- Hang the board by screwing it onto the wall. Measure every along the frame. Using a cordless screwdriver, install drywall screws directly through the wood and into the wall. Have someone hold the frame in place the entire time. The screws need to be positioned on the wood supports, or studs, in the wall so your whiteboard doesn't end up crashing to the ground.[9]
- To locate the support beams in the wall, use a wall stud finder. When you drag it along the wall, it lights up as it detects the beams. Mark these spots so you know where to position the board for maximum security.
EditCreating a Magnetic Metal Board - Buy a sheet of metal the size you want the board to be. When you're making a whiteboard, go with something thin and durable. Metal is perfect for this task. Get a galvanized steel sheet if you're looking for something magnetic. With steel, you can pin magnets to it in addition to drawing on it.[10]
- Note that while aluminum might seem like a good choice because it's lighter than steel, it isn't magnetic.
- Use a wood sheet to back and strengthen the board. Many whiteboards aren't a single piece of uniform material. Add a back to your metal board in order to make it easier to move around and hang up. Cork is a great choice since it is soft and lightweight, but you could use plywood or something similar. [11]
- Try to get backing the same size as the board you wish to make. If you can match it to the size of the metal, then you don't have to do any additional trimming.
- If the backing is too big, you can cut it with a basic hand saw. However, most home improvement stores will cut the board to size if you ask them to do it when you make your purchase.
- Use tin snips to trim the metal to size if needed. It all depends on how big you want the board to be and how much space you have for it. If you aren't able to leave the metal sheet as is, get a pair of straight-cutting tin snips. Cut carefully around the metal to reduce its size so it fits over the backing you chose.[12]
- Cut metal is sharp. Be careful to avoid touching it, and consider wearing leather gloves for protection.
- There are different types of tin snips, so pick ones with yellow handles. This kind is best for cutting straight lines, which is all you really need to do to make your board.
- Spray a primer on the metal if you plan on painting it. While there are no rules saying that you have to make your board white, they are traditionally painted this way to make all colors of ink visible. To begin painting your board, get a rust-resistant latex primer. Spray back and forth along the metal sheet in a single, controlled motion. Keep the spray can about above the metal at all times.[13]
- Before priming, wipe off any dirt you notice on the metal. Use a soft cloth dampened in water. Using white vinegar or mineral spirits also helps ensure your board is clean and ready for painting.
- To get a nice, even coating, make a second pass after allowing the initial layer to dry for about 15 minutes.
- Dry erase markers work very well on bare metal, so you don't have to paint your board at all if you don't want to. If you like the look of shiny metal more than the traditional white of store-bought boards, leave it as is. Keep in mind that darker markers will be a little harder to spot, though.
- Color the metal white using whiteboard paint. Be sure to note the mixing instructions on the paint can. Mix the actual paint with a liquid activator included with it, then let it settle for about 1 hour. Afterward, spread the paint across the metal using a foam roller. Try to make the surface as smooth and even as possible so you don't leave any rough spots that are difficult to write on.[14]
- A whiteboard is all about smoothness and consistency. Dry erase markers don't show up well on rough surfaces, so take all the time you need to get the paint right.
- Wait 10 to 15 minutes before adding additional layers of paint. The whiteboard surface probably won't look the way you want after the first coating. Roll an extra layer of paint over it to ensure that your board is thick enough to draw on. Since metal is dark, consider applying 3 or 4 total layers. Wait a little bit between each layer to allow the paint to dry.[15]
- Give the metal an even coating of paint. Keep rolling additional coats onto it until you're happy with the way it looks.
- Glue the painted metal to the backing using epoxy. Epoxy is pretty harsh, so put on a pair of rubber gloves before using it. Mix the epoxy using something disposable, such as a wooden paint stick. When you're ready to use it, spread it immediately over the backing in a thick, consistent layer like you're frosting a cake. Then, set the metal on top of it, painted side up.[16]
- You could also use a polyurethane-based super glue or a silicone construction adhesive to hold your board together.
- Wait 72 hours for the paint and glue to cure. Your board won't even be useable yet, so you might as well give it plenty of time to dry. Once the glue settles, you can hang your board without worrying about a big sheet of metal crashing to the floor.
- Don't write on the board until it has had a chance to dry.
- Hang the board using sticky picture-hanging strips. Peel the paper backing off the strips, then set 1 on each corner of the back of the whiteboard. The other side of the strips are also sticky, so push the whiteboard firmly against the wall. Press firmly on the whiteboard for about 30 seconds to hold the strips in place. Test out your new whiteboard when you're done.[17]
- Picture-hanging strips are the only way to hang the whiteboard without drilling holes through it or the wall.
- If you're planning on hanging the board on your refrigerator, use some glue to stick magnets in the corners. Use epoxy, super glue, or another strong, durable adhesive.
- Another option is to screw the board to the wall. You could also buy a metal picture hanger that attaches to drywall to hang the board.
EditMaking Small Paper Boards - Purchase plastic covers or wraps to use as a whiteboard. When you're looking for something to write on over and over again, nothing is better than plastic. Report covers (plastic sheets that sheathe important papers) are an inexpensive option. The average cover is about in size, making it perfect for small, individual whiteboards. You might be able to find some different sizes, depending on where you look.[18]
- Report covers look almost like plastic folders or binders. You could get individual plastic sheets, but most covers come in pairs held together by plastic bars that slide off.
- You can get report covers at most general stores and office supply stores, along with any other supplies you need, if you don't have them already.
- Trim a piece of white card stock to the same size as the cover. Card stock is great for creating a solid base to write on, but you could also use paper. Since report covers are meant to contain paper, you usually do not need to trim it. Card stock is a little different, so cut it to fit in order to get a stronger whiteboard.[19]
- Paper whiteboards are not as strong as card stock ones, but you can always swap out the paper. It's really useful for students, for instance. You could put in a math worksheet, then swap it out later for something else.
- Measure and mark any borders you plan on adding to the sheets. Add a tape border to hold the plastic sheets together and make them more pleasant to look at. Choose a colorful roll of duct tape, then measure its width and divide the number by 2. Trace that measurement around the edges of the plastic using a washable marker.[20]
- The tape needs to wrap around the edges of the plastic. Half of it will be on the front plastic cover and the other half will be on the back. Outline your border accordingly.
- Place the tape on the cover to hold the plastic together. Wrap the tape over the edges of the plastic to hold the covers together. Smooth it out to get your completed whiteboard. Plan on leaving at least 1 side of the plastic open if you intend on swapping out the paper between it.[21]
- For a permanent whiteboard where you won't remove the card stock, tape up all 4 sides. Remember to put the card stock in before you close up the last side.
- Another way to do this is to wrap plastic around card stock. You could get a sticky plastic film or glue plastic with a transparent decoupage glue.
- You could also get a piece of card stock laminated to create a strong whiteboard with a clear cover. If you don't have a laminating machine available, check your local library.
- If you wish to divide your whiteboard up into different sections, you could use automotive pinstriping from an auto parts store. All you have to do is stick it over the board.
- Use magnetic paint to turn a regular whiteboard into a magnetic one. Simply cover the layer of magnetic paint with whiteboard paint when you're done.
- You can make your walls into whiteboards using whiteboard paint. If you want to do this, make sure you have permission to paint and write on the walls.
- Melamine boards tend to stain with repeated use, so wash them off with a little bit of isopropyl alcohol diluted in an equal amount of water. Adding a layer of car wax to the board also makes marks much easier to erase.[22]
- Cutting material yourself is dangerous if you aren't careful. Handle saws responsibly and wear protective gear like a dust mask and goggles.
EditThings You'll Need EditBuilding a Plastic or Foam Board - Melamine, plexiglass, or Lexan board
- Wood trim
- Hand saw or miter saw
- Miter box
- Epoxy glue
- Wood staining product
- Foam brush
- Wooden stirrer
- Cordless screwdriver
- drywall screws
- Stud finder
EditCreating a Magnetic Metal Board - Galvanized steel sheet
- Wood or cork packing
- Rust-resistant latex primer
- Whiteboard paint
- Wooden stirrer
- Epoxy glue
- Picture-hanging strips
- Magnets (optional)
- Tin snips (optional)
EditMaking Small Paper Boards - Report cover or plastic wrap
- Card stock
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Duct tape
EditRelated wikiHows EditReferences EditQuick Summary
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| How to Help Your Team Perform Posted: 07 Jul 2019 09:00 AM PDT Combining the energy, knowledge, and skillset of a team of people to accomplish a task is an efficient and effective business model. The key to the success of a team lies in its performance. Helping your team members perform well starts with your own example as a leader, but you also need to inspire them to be committed to your team and motivate them to want to perform better. EditLeading by Example - Work like you expect your team to work. Don't cut corners or try to take off early every chance that you get. Your team will notice your behavior and work ethic and will base their performance on yours. Set a good example by working as hard and as well as you want your team to work.[1]
- You don't have to work every hour of the day, but you do need to work with integrity. Your team will notice if you aren't passionate or if you don't care about the job.
- If you see that someone on your team is struggling to complete a task, help them out and show them how it's done.
- Be present and approachable at work. If you're often late, take every opportunity to leave early, or if you're really grumpy when someone needs to speak with you, your team will see that you're not really interested in the work. Be there when you expect everyone else to be there and keep an open door if someone on your team needs to discuss something.[2]
- Even if you're tired or had a rough night, you need to give your team the attention and compassion they deserve.
- Dress appropriately and take care in your appearance. Your physical appearance says a lot about you and will show your team what you expect. If you wear dirty or inappropriate clothing to work, your team will think that you don't care and may follow your lead. Wear clean and professional clothing to set a good example.[3]
- Keep a change of clothes in your car or office in case you spill something or need to make a quick change.
- Communicate with the individuals on your team. Ask the people on your team how they're doing. Show concern for their well-being by letting them know that they can talk to you if they need to. Send a regular email or have a weekly meeting with each team member to check in on them and make them feel like you care about them.[4]
- People will work harder if they feel like their leader has their best interests at heart.
- Don't delve into someone's personal life unless they allow you.
- Talk to the people on your team directly, don't ask others about them. Show the person that you're interested in their point of view.
EditKeeping Your Team Happy and Inspired - Share your long-term vision with your team to inspire them. Your team will be inspired to help you accomplish your forward-looking goals if they're included in them. In meetings or in conversations, take some time to explain a long-term goal and how the present tasks can help you and your team accomplish that goal.[5]
- It's easy to get lost in mundane day-to-day tasks, so carve out some time in your schedule to talk with your team about future goals.
- The best way to lead your team into the future is to connect with them about it in the present.
- Give praise and recognition to your team when they succeed. Your team will feel valued if you recognize and praise their hard work or if they accomplish a major goal. The recognition could be a formal announcement or even an informal comment or gathering. Your team will respond to your appreciation and feel motivated to perform well.[6]
- Consider an employee of the month award or a regular award that is meant to recognize a team member who has consistently performed well.
- Avoid publicly criticising your team. If you have a problem or an issue, keep the criticism contained to closed meetings or direct communications like email or phone.
- Create a positive work environment. Establishing a work environment that inspires your team to enjoy their work can dramatically increase their performance. Provide a safe, anonymous system for your team members to report problems and respond to any problems with respect and compassion.[7]
- Show your team that your work environment is built on trust. If you make a promise, keep it!
- The happier your team is, the more productive they'll be.
- Allow people to give their input. A big factor in inspiring your team to perform is letting them know that they can speak up if they have an idea or if they find a problem. Whenever you hold meetings, make sure your team knows that you welcome feedback, even criticisms. It will make your team feel comfortable bringing issues to you and will make them perform better if they think it's safe to voice their opinion.[8]
- In addition to making your team feel more comfortable, an open-door discussion policy can also lead to greater productivity because your team may come up with a better way of doing something.
- Spend time together outside of work to connect your team. Increasing and promoting social interaction among the members of your team will make them feel more comfortable and inspire them to work harder together. If the members of your team are comfortable with each other, they'll share ideas, help each other out, and perform better.[9]
- Try holding a lunch meeting at a restaurant. The change of scenery and the enticement of tasty food will make people feel more relaxed and happy.
- Organize events unrelated to work. Have a bowling night, a weekend picnic, or host a viewing party for a big sports game.
EditMotivating Your Team to Perform - Set clear goals for your team to work towards. Your team will feel more motivated to accomplish their tasks if they have a clear idea of what they are. Make sure that everyone on your team knows what the goals for the day or week are to encourage them to work together to achieve those goals.[10]
- Use a calendar to set clear goals for the day. People will be motivated to complete their work for the day before they go home.
- Pay your team what they're worth. The biggest motivation you can give your team is fair compensation. People perform better if they're paid what they deserve. If you pay your team less than they can get paid doing something else or working somewhere else, you won't have a dedicated and loyal team willing to perform to the best of their abilities.[11]
- Consider regular pay increases to keep your team motivated.
- Research industry pay rates for your team members so they're being fairly compensated.
- Give bonuses and rewards for good work. Praise and recognition are very worthwhile methods of inspiring your team, but cash bonuses will motivate them to perform as well. Set a performance goal that comes with a bonus if your team can accomplish it. Your team will perform better in order to receive the reward.[12]
- Give a holiday bonus to allow your team members to enjoy time with their families.
- Consider tying a small cash prize to an employee of the month award.
- Offer chances for advancement to your team members. Your team will be motivated to perform better if they believe there are opportunities to advance their careers and make more money. If a position opens up that you need to fill, offer it to a member of your team first to show them that their performance is being rewarded.[13]
- It will also motivate the other members of your team if they believe they can also get promoted in the future.
EditRelated wikiHows EditReferences
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| How to Cut Brie Posted: 07 Jul 2019 01:00 AM PDT Brie is a familiar sight on most cheese boards. Its creamy texture, buttery flavor, and tender rind are a great contrast to sharp or firm cheeses. If you're hesitant about digging into the wedge or disc, try your best to cut small pieces that include the rind so no one finds a hollowed-out portion of brie on the board. Keep in mind that you can remove the rind from the entire portion of brie if you know that no one wants to eat it. EditCutting a Disc of Brie - Find a brie knife. To cut the cheese without it sticking to the knife, you'll need a long knife with a very thin blade. If you don't have a brie knife, use any knife that has a thin, sharp blade, or even a blade with holes. These are sometimes called open blade knives.
- If you plan on spreading the brie on a baguette, you may also want to get out a small, pointed cheese knife that you can set next to the cheese. This knife is sometimes called a small spade.
- Slice the disc of room-temperature brie in half. Let the brie sit at room temperature on a cutting board for up to 1 hour before you cut it. Then, use a gentle back and forth motion to cut through the middle of the disc. You should now have 2 equal-sized semicircles of cheese.[1]
- It will be harder to taste the unique flavors of the brie if it's served cold from the refrigerator.
- If you plan on serving half of the brie, wrap 1 semicircle in parchment or waxed paper and store it in the refrigerator.
- Cut the semicircle into small triangular pieces just before serving. Slice from the center of the straight edge towards the rounded edge to make small, thin wedges. Make the wedges about wide at the widest part of the triangle. You can cut from 1 or both sides of the semicircle.[2]
- If you're serving guests, leave the semicircle of cheese on your platter with the knife next to it. Then, let your guests cut triangular pieces from the cheese.
- You can store leftover brie as long as it hasn't been out at room temperature for more than 2 hours (including the 1 hour you left the cheese out before serving). Wrap the brie in plastic wrap and put it in an airtight container. Then, refrigerate it for up to 2 to 3 days.
EditSlicing a Wedge of Brie - Choose a sharp brie knife. Look for a thin knife with a long, narrow blade that won't stick to the cheese. If you can, choose one that has holes in the blade to make it easier to slice the brie.[3]
- You can also set a small spade or spreading knife on the cheese platter if you'd like to spread the brie on a baguette.
- Slice along the length of the room-temperature wedge. Instead of cutting the brie into chunks, use your knife to make long, thin slices. Start at the tip of the wedge and cut along one side. Then, switch to the opposite side of the wedge and cut another thin sliver.[4]
- Try to keep the cheese wedge-shaped as you slice it. Once you or your guests have made several cuts, the brie will be smaller but it should still look like a wedge.
- You can refrigerate leftover brie as long as it hasn't been left at room temperature for more than 2 hours (including the 30 minutes you left the brie out before serving). Wrap the brie in plastic wrap and put it in an airtight container. Then, store it for up to 2 to 3 days.
- Avoid cutting off the triangular tip of the wedge. You may have seen people cut the very end of the wedge off to make a small triangle. This is considered rude since the point of the wedge is usually the ripest and most flavorful part of the wedge.[5]
EditRemoving the Rind - Put the brie in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes. Keep the brie in its packaging so it doesn't absorb odor while it's in the freezer. Chilling the brie briefly will make it easier to slice off the rind.[6]
- You can freeze the brie up to 1 day.
- Remove the brie and set it on a cutting board. Take the brie out of the freezer at least a few hours before you're going to serve it. Then, unwrap the brie from its packaging and put the cheese on a cutting board. While you want it to drop to room temperature for serving, you should cut the rind off while the cheese is still cold.
- Turn the brie on its side and cut off the flat sides. If you're cutting a wedge, turn it onto one of its flat sides. If you're cutting a disc of brie, you'll have to move it onto the rounded edge and hold it in place. Then, take a sharp knife and carefully slice away the flat sides of the wedge or disc.[7]
- You can use any type of knife for this step.
- Trim off the rounded sides or sides of the wedge. Lay the disc or wedge of brie back down onto the cutting board and carefully cut off the rounded edge around the sides of the disc. If you're cutting a wedge, you'll need to trim off the long sides and the flat, wide end of the wedge. Regardless of which style you're cutting, trim about of the rind so you don't cut into the cheese itself.
- If you prefer, switch to a smaller knife to make it easier to cut around the brie's edges.
- Let the brie come to room temperature. Once you've finished removing the rind, leave it for 1 to 2 hours so it's no longer cold. You and your guests will have an easier time enjoying the flavors of the brie if it's at room temperature.
- Set out the brie or cut it into slices. Now you can place the brie wedge or disc on your cheese platter with a small knife next to it so guests can help themselves. If you're using the trimmed brie in another recipe, you can slice the brie thinly.
- For example, if you're grilling a brie sandwich, make thick slices to lay on the bread. If you're cutting a wedge, make long strips of brie across length of the wedge. If you're cutting from a semicircle, you can cut long, rectangular strips across the flat side of the cheese.
- If you're assembling a cheese plate, leave space between each cheese so you have room to cut them.[8]
- Avoid scooping out the center of the brie and leaving the rind if you're sharing a cheese plate.[9]
EditThings You'll Need - Brie knife
- Cutting board
- Small spade knife, optional
EditReferences
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