How to: turn any surface magnetic

Want a magnetic surface for all your memories or to keep track of important papers? But is a standard magnetic board not for you?

Then magnetic paint is the ideal solution for your project.

Now that you know you want to use magnetic paint for your project, you probably have some questions such as: is it best to use a brush or a roller? Do you need to prepare the surface? How many coats should I paint?

To answer all your questions and make your project a success, we have put together this handy how-to-guide for you. Here you will find all the products you need and some tips on how to personalize your magnet project even more.

Step 1: preparation

Pretreated surfaces Untreated surface

Pretreated surfaces

By pretreated surfaces we mean surfaces that have already been varnished, stained, or painted.

It is important to apply the paint to a clean, dry and dust-free surface. Clean the surface with a soda-based cleaner, rinse it and let it dry for a while. When the surface is completely dry you can sand it smooth with 240-grit sandpaper, afterward remove all dust.

If you only want to paint part of a surface use painter's tape to tape off the parts not to be painted. If necessary, you can place a plastic sheet on the floor to protect the floor.

Untreated surface

Untreated surfaces include untreated wood, MDF and OSB.

Sand the surface with 240-grit sandpaper until you obtain a smooth surface, and remove all dust.

If you only want to paint part of a surface use painter's tape to tape off the parts not to be painted. If necessary, you can place a plastic sheet on the floor to protect the floor.

Progold Cover Foil

From €2.05

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3M Golden Masking Tape

From €6.95

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Step 2: painting

Which tool? How many layers?

Roller or brush?

Regardless of which tool you use, it is important to mix the magnetic paint thoroughly with a stir stick before use and do this periodically during application to keep the metal particles in suspension. You do not want to use magnetic paint that does not contain metal particles!

Once the paint is well mixed you can apply the magnetic paint to your prepared surface with a flat brush, such as the 'la brosse à lisser' from Libéron or with a foam paint roller such as the paint roller foam from Progold.

Work both horizontally and vertically and level in the same direction to obtain a nice smooth effect. Allow each coat to dry for 4 hours.

How many layers?

For ideal performance it is best to apply at least 3 coats, if you are going to apply wall paint over this afterward you can certainly go up to 5 coats. The more coats you apply the better the magnets will adhere.

Magpaint Magnetpaint

Content: 1 l

Variants from €13.45

From €25.95

Which brands have magnetic paint?

Currently, there are a number of brands that offer magnetic paints including Libéron, Magpaint and Little Stars. Both the prices and quality of these paints are quite similar.

Step 3: Personalization

Magnetic paint always has a standard gray color but that doesn't mean you can't personalize it. If you have applied enough coats of magnetic paint (i.e. at least 3), you can put a water-based wall paint in the color of your choice over any magnetic paint.

This way you will let your magnetic surface blend seamlessly into your interior. Want to give your magnetic paint an extra touch? Then why not combine it with blackboard paint !

It is perfectly possible to combine magnetic paint with blackboard paint. They you get a multifunctional surface where you can easily hang papers and write notes can write on in chalk. So ideal for the children's room or an office space, for example.

Useful tools

Progold Paint Roller Felt

From €1.75

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Progold Paint Tray

From €0.85

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ProGold Flat Brush 7530 Classic

From €3.75

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Progold Paint Roller Foam

From €1.25

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Libéron La Brosse À Lisser

From €11.45

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Need help?

If some of the steps aren't entirely clear to you, or if you are in a specific situation that isn't covered by our how-to guide, then our experts will be happy to help.