Ceramic Steel Compared With Painted Writing Steel

Two writing surfaces, two service lives, one decision.

What the two surfaces are

Painted writing steel is a coil coated steel where the writing performance sits in the paint system. Ceramic writing steel, also called porcelain steel, vitreous steel or enamel steel, combines the qualities of porcelain and steel into a single fused surface.

How they differ in service

Ceramic steel will neither scratch nor corrode. It refuses stains and is colourfast, so cleaning is easier, maintenance is minimal and life cycle costs drop. Painted writing steel is specified for smooth writing, clean erasing and no ghosting, at a lower material cost.

Where the thickness ranges differ

Painted writing steel runs from 0.2mm to 0.6mm. Ceramic writing steel runs from 0.4mm to 0.6mm. Both are supplied 600mm to 1500mm wide, on a 508mm inner diameter, in 2 to 4 ton coils.

How to choose

Specify ceramic where the board stays in place for the life of the room, where cleaning is frequent, or where you quote a long surface warranty. Specify painted where the board programme is price led or the board is replaced on a shorter cycle. Many factories carry both so they can quote a range.