Starting a start-up white board paint.

[korygrandy]

So this is how my newly formed partnership and I are getting the start up off the ground with my partner. It kind of transpired over the passed 2 business meetings. I am actually running to home depot tonight to grab some "paintable whiteboard for that wall. I am gonna throw some sorta sweet classy border on it though. for now just tape it off. So even tips on that before I slap it on. Currently wal is primed and 2coated with latex. I heard 3 coats of the paint in question.

The idea we have is huge, the planning will go very smoothly, but I would actually really look to get people's general ideas and questions who have relevant experience in a digital start up company.

Posting on the ib forum may, or may not be included in my business plan hahaa, totally kidding it is not.

So here is just a glimpse of what I have time to really share if anyone cares to follow.

Setting up an online stream of my office whiteboard for historical, knowledge sharing, and documentation purposes. I will actually wire this into the social stream and see if even this minute piece of our overall puzzle will unfold.

I figure folks love reality, and building a successful company is part of at least the American Dream if not many parts of our globe. So why not record this at the same time. I have a camera sitting around, I am bored, and its serves many purposes.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Starting a start-up white board paint.

Why not a white bathroom panel? Already finished ......just needs molding and cheap too.

 

[salty87]

Re: Starting a start-up white board paint.

i've seen stories about that paint on tv. a show about its invention and many uses. i almost bought some but opted for the cheaper way out...melamine panels from home depot. you get what you pay for, the panels work fine for being written on but don't hold up to erasing very well. $12 or so for 8'x4' panel.

i'd like to see/hear more about your paint progress.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Starting a start-up white board paint.

The engineering company that I work for has this in every conference room at most offices. Very common.

 

[korygrandy]

Re: Starting a start-up white board paint.

This was easier than I thought it would be. I spent $80 for the whole project at Home Depot, I didn't look for deals and I guess I bought more pricey wood and stain than some might pay.

Original surface was painted latex with a 3/8" nap roller.

1. Sand using 250grit to smooth down the surface
2. Airhose to the wall, and then a tact cloth to clean up the dust.
3. I had Home Depot shake the 2 separate cans that this "Rust-oleum Dry-Erase" paint comes in.
4. Mix paint and "dry-erase" contents into 1 can and be prepared to use all paint up within 1 hour.
5. Box says to use 3coats, for a 7' x 7' area. I had a 7' x 5' area and 3 coats barely made it.
6. I took the tape off within an hour after last coat and I had no issues, but I always paint latex on latex to avoid issues when peeling tape.
7. Once applied, product takes 3days to cure, longer in colder rooms. I made the mistake of testing it with the letter "T" in a very discreet corner, and I soon realized it wasn't wiping off, heh because it takes 3 days to cure.

I used a smooth roller instead of my standard 3/8" nap I use on most all other painting projects.

If you had the sandpaper, rollers, trays, primer, and didn't cut/stain a nice ebony pine border like myself, you could have got the project done for under $20.

I will post my "wiping results" in a couple of days when the product cures.



http://www.grandwindow.com/pics/whiteboard-01.jpg
http://www.grandwindow.com/pics/whiteboard-02.jpg
http://www.grandwindow.com/pics/whiteboard-03.jpg
http://www.grandwindow.com/pics/whiteboard-04.jpg
http://www.grandwindow.com/pics/whiteboard-05.jpg
http://www.grandwindow.com/pics/whiteboard-06.jpg
http://www.grandwindow.com/pics/whiteboard-07.jpg
http://www.grandwindow.com/pics/whiteboard-08.jpg
http://www.grandwindow.com/pics/whiteboard-09.jpg

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Starting a start-up white board paint.

I will post my "wiping results" in a couple of days when the product cures.

I think the secret is don't let writing stay on the wall for too long.

At our company, the whiteboard is the entire wall typically, edge to edge.

 

[korygrandy]

Re: Starting a start-up white board paint.

I think the secret is don't let writing stay on the wall for too long.

At our company, the whiteboard is the entire wall typically, edge to edge.

Thanks for the tip. We have one wall to wall in our "war-room" but honestly I was so busy at work today I didn't even get a minute to ask them for pointers...and then it was off to do more business land lording. Man life is too damn fast. Somewhere in here I need to remember to take my boat out!

 

[korygrandy]

Re: Starting a start-up white board paint.

Are there any markers I should grab that are easier to wipe off, or a solution mix that "assists" without damaging?

Glad you tuned into this thread Bruce, I know you have business sense and I might be PM'ing for advice if you don't mind mentoring.

I've had localized business success, and am trying to execute with a lean principle, in a trending and growing arena that I enjoy and have a slight sense of.

I will be the main business side of the partnership so I am really looking to get some leadership and mentoring quick. Our "service" should be ready to deliver in 3months but I am anticipating more like 6. We will be constantly evaluating that.

I am anticipating needing to make some sort of "connections, appointments, contacts and the likes" in a few key cities relative to my business. One strategy is appropriate local larger-market conferences. While I'm there I am going to let the business side of me go to work doing ground pounding and making some connections, deals and friends.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Starting a start-up white board paint.

Are there any markers I should grab that are easier to wipe off, or a solution mix that "assists" without damaging?

Glad you tuned into this thread Bruce, I know you have business sense and I might be PM'ing for advice if you don't mind mentoring.

I will see what our company uses.

As far as business sense, you probably already have a lot more experience than me operating your own business. I can give you my opinions if you want them though