The basic principle of a memo board is a magnetic force, which attracts magnets and thus ensures the adhesion of notes. The surface is usually straight, so flat magnets stick well.
You can make classic rectangular memo boards or construct the panels in any shape. There are no limits to your imagination because the magnetic power of the magnetic paint is, of course, independent of the painted figure.
Magnetic paint can be used wherever a memo board is needed. Whether in the kitchen, hallway, or the nursery to attach stars. Of course, in the bathroom or bedroom, if one or the other needs a memo board there.
Possible applications of magnetic paint
Magnetic paint is water-thinkable paint based on acrylic or plastic dispersion. Magnetic paint can give magnetic properties to any surface. Therefore, ready-to-buy magnetic paint has a well-proportioned amount of iron dust.
A magnet can now adhere to any place where the mixture has been applied. Painting over magnetic paint is very easy. Because it is a primer, any color or shape can serve as a topcoat.
Thus, photos, notes, or sketches can be quickly and innovatively attached to the self-created memo board, where tape or thumbtacks would otherwise only damage the wall’s surface.
Make your memo board with magnetic paint.
A memo board is convenient to attach important notes or postcards. You always have the objects in view and can attach new notes quickly and easily.
You will learn to make the memo board in a few steps in our instructions. It is about the production of magnetic paint. Alternatively, magnetic foil, magnetic plates, or board foil are also available to construct a memo board.
Necessary tools
No special tools are needed to work with magnetic paint. It can be applied with a brush or a small roller. This can be a foam roller or a short-haired lambskin roller. The latter can be used to achieve particularly even coats.
Painter’s tape for masking off areas is helpful if specific shapes or only certain sizes are painted. In addition, a folding rule for measuring the decor and a pencil for preliminary drawing is also recommended. The tool washes out well after painting with soap and water.
Magnetic paint memo board: step by step instructions.
A memo board finds its place in many places in the home, such as in the kitchen, above the desk, or in the hallway. The board is also suitable for children because they can write their first words with letter magnets.
Self-built, the blackboard is particularly beautiful because it can be decorated according to unique ideas. In our step-by-step instructions, you will learn to make the memo board in just a few steps.
Step 1: Prepare the surface.
Preparation does not only include having the necessary tools and materials at hand. It is also essential that the surface on which you want to apply the magnetic paint is free of dirt and grease. Peeling old paint must first be thoroughly removed.
Uneven surfaces can be smoothed by sanding if necessary. Before application, the magnetic paint must also be stirred vigorously once so that the deposited iron particles are distributed throughout the color again.
Step 2: Determine paint quantity
For 5 – 6 m² of surface, a quantity of approximately 1 liter of magnetic paint is required for one coat. The recommendation for painting is at least three to even 5 layers depending on the substrate. This means that 1 liter is sufficient for about 2 m².
Depending on the manufacturer of the magnetic paint, it may vary for which area one can is enough. Depending on the size of the place to be painted, the required amount can be calculated easily.
Step 3: Paint with magnetic paint.
When using wall paint, it is essential to apply the magnetic paint evenly. There should not be too much paint on the brush or roller to avoid paint drips running down. However, if the color does drop down, it can be wiped away with water.
However, this should be done immediately so that the dripped paint does not dry on first. Magnetic paint is not suitable for application by spraying or spraying using paint spraying systems.
Step 4: Check and repaint layers
If you are unsure how many coats of magnet paint to apply, you can quickly test it. The magnets can be tested with a piece of cardboard first. A little more adhesion usually won’t hurt.
If the magnet does not stick to the memo board through the cardboard, another layer of paint can be applied after 4 hours of drying time. It is therefore advisable to empty the can of magnetic paint. In doing so, the attraction to the wall will be increased, and leftover paint will not dry up on the shelf.
Before painting, read the manufacturer’s instructions on the package and follow the corresponding specifications and recommendations to achieve the best possible result.
Step 5: Repainting magnetic paint (optional)
Fresh magnetic paint usually has a slightly grayish tint due to the iron particles. If this is not your liking, apply a wall color in your desired shade or wallpaper.
However, this should be smooth and as thin as possible not to weaken the magnetic effect too much. You can combine magnetic paint with blackboard paint if you also want to leave written notes on your memo board.
This results in a board-like surface that is suitable for chalk and magnets. However, this step is only optional and applies exclusively to the individual visual optimization of the memo board.
FAQ
Is a memo board made of magnetic paint safe for children?
Yes, magnetic paints are generally safe and non-toxic. However, if you want to paint the kitchen, living room, or children’s room with magnetic paint, always make sure it is safe.
You will always find the relevant information and seals on the paint can label and in the technical data sheet of the magnetic paint. Many low-pollutant products carry the Blue Angel, the German Federal Environment Agency seal.
Exclusively non-toxic and child-safe magnetic paint can be recognized by EN 71-3, the European standard for toy safety.
How to remove the magnetic paint from the memo board?
Magnetic paint does not always have to be removed. You can also paint over it: the more layers you apply, the more the magnetic power of the memo board is lost.
You can find out what other methods are in our tutorial on removing magnetic paint.
Does the magnetic paint lose its adhesive power over time?
Various factors can influence the magnetic property of the magnetic paint.
For example, high temperatures cause a slight loss of magnetism, whereas cold brings it back. So pay special attention to the humidity and temperature in the room where your memo board hangs.
External solid magnetic fields can also cause the magnetic paint to lose some of its magnetic alignment and thus lose its power. Again, however, this can be regained by removing the interfering magnetic fields.