Magnetic paint is a great alternative to the pinboard. It’s not only more aesthetically pleasing, but it also has stronger magnets built-in which make it easier for you to hang your pictures on the wall. Although magnetic paint may be slightly more expensive than regular paint, the convenience of having strong magnets built into your walls makes up for that difference in price!
How does magnetic paintwork?
Magnetic paint is wall paint based on acrylic or plastic dispersion, which is available in various colors. The paint can be easily diluted with water and then applied to the wall. Magnetism is created by tiny magnetic iron particles. Thus, after painting the paint, you can attach photos, papers, and other light materials directly to the wall through magnets.
How good is magnetic paint?
How well the magnetic paint works depends mainly on the correct technique when painting. For magnetism to do its job and for magnets to stick to it well, you should stir the paint vigorously and apply at least three coats. If you want to play it safe, paint even up to six times. Nevertheless, magnets stick to the paintless well than to a real magnetic pinboard or refrigerator, for example.
The load-bearing capacity of magnetic primer also depends on the number of metal particles in the paint. The higher the number, the stronger the wall paint. As a rule, the proportion of iron particles ranges from 50 percent (holds about four Din A4 sheets at a time) to 70 percent (holds about eight Din A4 sheets) – the higher the performance, the higher the price. For better adhesion, it also helps to use magnets with a large surface area.
How to paint the wall with magnetic paint
If you want to paint with magnetic paint, you should proceed as follows:
- First remove the remains of the old wallpaper or loose paint residues of the wall paint, as well as dust with a brush or hand brush. Before you paint with magnetic paint, the wall should be completely dry and free of grease.
- If you want to paint only a certain area of the wall with magnetic paint, tape the corresponding area with masking tape beforehand. Then stir the paint well with a wooden slat or an old wooden spoon. This will distribute the magnetic particles evenly in the paint.
- After that, you can apply the magnetic paint to the desired area with a brush or paint roller. To achieve an even result, it is recommended to apply the wall paint with a short pile lambskin roller.
- Finally, you should let the paint dry well. This will take at least four hours.
Repeat the third and fourth steps until you are satisfied with the result. The more layers of paint you apply, the better magnets will adhere to the wall later.
Can you paint over magnetic paint?
You can simply paint over magnetic paint like conventional paint. The magnetism may remain – depending on the number of layers with which you paint over the magnetic paint.
Which magnets for magnetic paint?
Since magnets on magnetic paint do not develop their full holding power, you should rely on large and strong neodymium magnets. Conventional ferrite magnets also work, but then you should only attach light materials, such as individual photos or papers, to the wall.
