Magnetic Paint: Benefits, Application and Suitable Magnets

How does magnetic paint work?

Magnetic paint is not itself a magnet and does not generate its own magnetic field. However, it contains a large number of tiny iron particles that act as a ferromagnetic base.

Once painted, the wall can hold magnets in a similar way to thin steel sheet. The holding force is lower than on a conventional magnetic board, however, so strong neodymium magnets are particularly suitable.

Where can you use it?

• on a planning wall in an office,
• for photographs and children’s drawings,
• for notes, timetables and lists,
• in a workshop for work instructions and drawings,
• at school or in a child’s room,
• for lightweight information and wayfinding materials.

The paint is not suitable for attaching tools, shelves or other heavy objects.

How do you apply magnetic paint?

1. Clean and level the surface and let it dry.
2. Stir the paint very thoroughly to distribute the iron particles evenly.
3. Do not thin the paint.
4. Apply the first continuous coat.
5. Once dry, apply a second coat and ideally a third.
6. Once completely dry, the surface can be lightly sanded.
7. Finally, you can paint over it with your chosen interior paint.

The smoother the surface and the more even the individual coats, the better the magnets will hold.

Can you paint over magnetic paint?

Yes. Magnetic paint is dark grey, so it usually serves as a base coat. Once dry, it can be covered with ordinary wall paint or chalkboard paint.

Apply the top coats fairly thinly. Every additional layer between the magnet and the iron particles increases the distance and may reduce the resulting holding force.

Which magnets should you use?

Strong neodymium magnets are the most suitable. The manufacturer recommends models with a pull force of at least 40 N.

Ordinary weak ferrite fridge magnets may not hold reliably through the top coat.

Coverage and drying

• Two to three coats are recommended.
• With three coats, 2.5 litres cover up to 5 m².
• Coverage depends on the absorbency and roughness of the surface.
• At around 23 °C, one coat takes approximately two hours to dry.
• The next coat can usually be applied after approximately 4–6 hours.
• Allow the surface to dry for at least 24 hours before sanding.

Working safely

• Wear protective gloves and eye protection.
• Ventilate well while painting.
• Keep the paint out of reach of children.
• Wash tools with water after use.
• Dispose of leftover paint and the container in accordance with local hazardous waste rules.
• Use the paint indoors only.

Recommended product

For a magnetic noticeboard

Magnetic paint 2.5 l

A dark grey base paint containing iron particles for creating a magnetic area on a wall.

• 2.5 l container
• Approximate weight 6.7 kg
• 2–3 coats recommended
• Up to 5 m² with three coats
• Can be painted over with interior paint
• Suitable for indoor use only
• Product code 10293

Tip: for reliable holding, use neodymium magnets with a pull force of at least 40 N.

View product

Frequently asked questions

Summary

Magnetic paint lets you create a magnetic noticeboard on almost any flat indoor wall. It contains iron particles and can be covered with your chosen colour once dry.

For a good result, apply three even coats and use strong neodymium magnets. The area is mainly suitable for papers, photographs and lightweight information materials.