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With magnetic paints, you can turn a simple kitchen wall into a magnetic surface to which you can attach notes, decorative elements, and the like.

Magnetic paints is applied as a top coat or primer. In the latter case, it can be painted over with conventional paint or special blackboard paint.

Wooden furniture such as kitchen cabinets can also be painted with magnetic paints.

The Best Magnetic Paint

Magnetize-It! Magnetic Paint & Primer

 4,9 Rating

Features:

  • Works On: Wood, Metal, Masonry, Drywall, Plaster.
  • Color: Dark Grey.
  • Topcoat with any latex color paint or chalkboard paint, after 1-hour dry time.
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Magnetic paint gives you the ability to create any size of the magnetic area on a variety of surface types. You can paint an entire wall in a child’s room, toy room, or office. Works best with powerful Magnetize-It magnets, applicators, labels, rolls, and sheets.

How work Magnetic Primer by Rust-Oleum?

Buyer’s guide for magnetic paints

This review and guide provide information on some best magnetic paints you can find.

There are quite a few manufacturers of magnetic paints on the market, and the prices vary greatly. From a pure price point of view, the type of magnetic paints can be priced from $30 to $283.

What is magnetic paint?

It is a base paint coating that contains metallic particles – they create the effect of “magnetism”. Magnetic paint is applied to walls, floors, furniture and creates functional surfaces to which magnets are attached. It is used in offices, public and creative spaces, children’s rooms and educational institutions. Over a layer of magnetic paint, you can apply a finishing paint of the desired color or wallpaper, and the surface does not lose its magnetic properties.

The essence of the magnetic paint or magnetic primer is that they are not magnets and have no radiation, are easily attracted by conventional magnets and magnetic holders, thanks to the metal particles evenly suspended in them. Among a number of features is the possibility of using them together with any other paint on top of the magnetic layer.

magnetic paint

  • If you want to get the analog of a magnetic marker board of the size, shape and without any problems with the placement in the room – you are welcome. Apply first magnetic paint and then marker paint to the wall, furniture or interior objects, and your magnetic marker board is ready. Now you can draw on this covering with markers, and attach magnets to it.
  • Easy, functional, economical, does not take up space, does not require disposal, safe, non-toxic – and this is an incomplete list of advantages of such paints. Magnetic and slate coating is also simple – first magnetic paint and slate paint on top – draw on the resulting surface with chalk and attach magnets to it.
  • Any interior paint can be applied over the magnetic paint to create a functional interior in the desired color scheme. Magnetic paint can also be used on its own to produce a dark gray coating to which magnets are perfectly attracted.
  • Magnetic paints have a wide range of applications – conference rooms, information stands, surfaces for material demonstration, training and creativity.
  • Magnetic surfaces will be a great help in learning games with children, because it is so easy to collect magnetic mosaics, words from magnetic letters or drawings from magnets.
  • At the workplace, a magnetic surface will make it possible to keep all important documents and notes in one place before their eyes, without taking up space on your desk or in drawers. For presentations, magnetic stands will be incredibly practical.
  • Most importantly, wherever you apply magnetic paints, they will easily fit into any interior and make it much more functional and practical.

Board vs Paint

At the beginning of the test we decided to figure out what is more profitable and functional – magnetic coating, magnetic or cork board. We did not have to think long: paint, paint and again paint. Paint allows you to choose the area of the magnetic surface, its shape and even color. Of course, it is faster to buy a board, but that is where its advantages end.

Composition of participants

We selected popular and proven in the U.S. magnetic paints. The Magnetize-It paints were the market leader, Active Wall by Magnetic Company, MagnetPaint by MagPaint, Dupli-color by Motip Dupli, Tikkurila and Rust Oleum paints by the companies of the same name.

The geography of the coatings turned out to be very wide: Active Wall and MagnetPaint are produced in the Netherlands, Dupli-color in Germany, Magnetize-It and Rust Oleum from the USA, Tikkurila from Finland.

All coatings from the review are certified, meet safety requirements for paint products and are officially sold in the United States. We are left to find out their pros and cons.

Comparative analysis

We just want to say that we compared the results of testing samples painting and the manufacturers’ declared characteristics. Serious differences did not find, so feel free to buy magnetic paint, which you liked, from official dealers and do not be afraid that expectations do not coincide with reality.

Tara can

You might ask, “what difference does it make what kind of container paint is sold in? ” Significant, because you need a small can for the home and a larger one is preferred for the office. So the more packages the paint manufacturer makes, the better.

Tikkurila is sold only in a 0.5 liter can – this is not very convenient even for home works. Rust Oleum 1 liter can is better, but the lack of alternative is worse than the choice. Dupli-color and MagPaint are sold in 1 and 2.5 liter cans. Magnetize-It paint is 32 Ounce, 2 Pound.

All are equal

Magnetic paints are exclusively for interior use, are single component and require no special preparations before working. Just mix thoroughly to distribute the metal particles evenly.

To attract magnets through a layer of finish paint or wallpaper, the magnetic paint is applied in 2-3 coats. When painted, the samples tested gave a slight odor that did not require additional airing.

To create a magnetic marker or magnetic slate board, use marker or slate paint as a finishing coat. This will make a multi-functional surface on which magnets are attached and you can write with markers or crayons.

The excellent distinction

MagnetPaint differs from all MagnetPaint in some characteristics. It can be applied both with a roller and a paint sprayer, the others – only with a roller. And only MagnetPaint is diluted with water if necessary. These are far from the most important indicators, so let’s just note the fact itself.

Color Coverage

MagnetPaint, Tikkurila, Active Wall and Dupli- color paints are gray, Magnetize-It is Dark Grey, Rust Oleum is black and harder to hide under the finish coat. If you want a black magnetic board, choose Rust Oleum, otherwise other paints are more practical.

Layer by layer

Each layer of MagnetPaint requires a certain amount of drying time. MagnetPaint and Active Wall paint take 4 hours to dry and a third coat is left for 24 hours. Dupli-color dries for 4 hours and a final coat is left for 6 hours. Rust Oleum dries for 30 minutes per coat and then you can apply the top coat 4 hours after the third coat. Tikkurila paint dries for 24 hours per coat.

Layer by layerIn terms of total time needed for drying when painting in 3 coats: Rust Oleum – 5 hours, Dupli- color – 14 hours, MagnetPaint and Active Wall – 32 hours, Tikkurila – 72 hours.

Magnetize-It and Rust Oleum are the leaders, Dupli-color is also good. Tikkurila is the outsider.

Coverage Area

The leaders in coverage area are Magnetize-It, Active Wall, MagnetPaint and Dupli-color. If you follow the standard instructions and paint the surface in 3 coats, one liter of these paints is enough for 2 m². The results of Rust Oleum and Tikkurila are 1 liter per 1.5 m².

Coverage AreaThe Best Magnetic Paints For The Money

Magnetic Paints

All our reviews are based exclusively on expert judgments or practical experience with most of the magnetic paints we have tested. We strive to make our guide as independent and as detailed as possible.

Reviews of the magnetic paints

Magnetic Receptive Wall Paint and Primer

  • One Quart is enough to cover 20 Square feet area.
  • After 24 hours of paint application, you can apply the color paint of your choice.
  • Magnetic primer is non-toxic and child safe.

 4,8 Rating

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Surface coverage up to 20 square feet

The Magnetic paint from Flexible magnets is a base coat that allows you to create a surface that attracts magnets almost anywhere! Use it to create a fun and unexpected way to hang magnetic notes, magnetic photos, and other craft magnets! Paint may be applied to wood, metal, masonry, drywall, and plaster. A flat finish provides a surface that can be easily top coated with any latex or paint of your choice.

Rust-Oleum Magnetic Primer

  • Dries to the touch in 30 minutes.
  • Covers up to 16 sq ft per quart.
  • Apply 3 coats of primer and use rare earth magnets for best results.

 4,9 Rating

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Fast-drying magnetic paint

Rust-Oleum Magnetic latex primer is a dark gray colored base coat that allows you to create a surface that attracts magnets almost anywhere. Create a fun and unexpected way to hang notes, photos, and more. Great to use on projects like organizing kitchen/cabinets, kid’s playroom, hanging the keyholders near the door, office decorations, etc. Use on metal, plaster, drywall, plaster, masonry & wood.

MagPaint Magnetic Paint

  • Each 2.5-liter tin will cover 5sqm.
  • Best used with neodymium magnets and magnetic sheets and tapes.
  • In 24 hours it dries to a smooth gray finish.

 4,8 Rating

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Contains very fine ferrous particles

This water-based emulsion magnetic paint is not a magnet itself but instead transforms any surface into one that magnets will stick to. The paint contains very fine ferrous particles, which gives it its gray color but after just 24 hours a top coat of your choice can be applied. The paint is non-toxic and VOC and lead-free meaning it is safe for home, office, and school. It will not affect signals from electronic equipment such as television or Wi-Fi signals.

What is magnetic paint?

Magnetic paint is paint that has magnetic properties. This allows magnets to stick to your wall and turn it into a decorative surface or bulletin board.

Your magnetic paint is either applied as a primer and then painted over with conventional wall paint, or it acts directly as a topcoat. As a rule, magnetic paint is gray.

What makes magnetic paint magnetic? Most often, magnetic paint is based on resistant latex paint mixed with a high number of microscopic iron particles. Due to the magnetism of the iron particles, magnets of all kinds adhere.

What are the types of magnetic paints?

Magnetic paints are available in both water-based and solvent-based formulations. The latter is characterized by various specific advantages and disadvantages, which you should consider.

There are several types of magnetic paints:

  • Water-thinned magnetic paints.

We recommend water-thinned magnetic paints primarily for indoor use. This type of paint emits fewer harmful substances than magnetic paints, to which solvents are added. In addition, solvent-free paints are significantly less odorous.

The decisive disadvantage of water-based magnetic paints is their somewhat lower opacity. This means that stains caused by water damage, for example, cannot be completely concealed. Once the paint has dried, these often reappear discreetly.

  • Solvent-based magnetic paint.

Solvent-based magnetic paints achieve much better results on stains of this type. In addition, solvent-based magnetic paints provide a slightly smoother surface texture.

However, in terms of odor intensity during drying as well as pollutant evaporation, magnetic paints of this type are clearly inferior to water-thinned paints. Such paints are taboo for children’s rooms and bedrooms.

What should you look for when buying the magnetic paints?

When you buy your magnetic paints, you need to pay attention to various quality criteria. We have summarized these for you in the following chapters so that you can easily find your personal magnetic paints test winner.

When buying should pay attention to the following:

  • It is solvent-free and low odor.

Magnetic paint, strictly speaking, is not magnetic at all, but merely magnetic. This has the advantage that with magnetic paint from the hardware store, there is no so-called shielding, and interference from electrical devices such as telephones, computers, or WLAN routers is excluded.

From a health point of view, we recommend that you use solvent-free, water-based magnetic paints. These emit significantly fewer harmful substances. Especially indoors, the use of such paints is preferable to products containing solvents.

  • Low-odor.

In addition, you should choose low-odor paint – this applies especially if the magnetic paint is used indoors. Magnetic paints with a strong odor are still noticeable days later, despite intensive ventilation. In addition, the fumes can cause headaches and even nausea.

  • The consumption.

The consumption per coat and how many coats are necessary is usually specified by the manufacturer. Factors such as opacity and coating thickness play a major role. Generally, the thicker the coats of your magnetic paint, the better the magnets will adhere.

Still, you should pay attention to how much paint is necessary for your project. After all, you don’t want to run into expenses. We recommend reaching for a product that requires less than 25us fl oz of paint per square foot.

  • Quantity.

Magnetic paint is available in a variety of sizes. For example, magnetic paint is available in 0.26US gal lqd, 0.66US gal lqd, or 2.6US gal lqd buckets.

Before you buy, calculate the area you want to cover with your magnetic paint. Then, equate how many square feet you can cover with one paint bucket.

According to many consumers who have already had experience with magnetic paint, the manufacturer’s specifications regarding the amount needed are accurate. Here’s how to estimate approximately how much magnetic paint you will need in total.

  • Color shade and gloss level.

As a rule, magnetic paint is available in gray or dark gray. Unlike blackboard paint, no other shades are available. More rarely, white magnetic paint or black magnetic paint are sold.

Many consumers would like transparent or translucent magnetic paint or colored magnetic paint, but these are not produced. If you prefer a colored surface, you will have to paint over your magnetic paint with conventional paint.

When painting over magnetic paint, we recommend water-based mineral paints, as they are virtually free of pollutants and yet insensitive to mold.

Magnetic Chalkboard Paint

In the search for creative solutions for interior decoration, you can pay attention to the materials with which to create a surface for drawing with chalk or marker. For example, slate (graphite), magnetic or marker paints can help you create a drawing surface directly on the wall of the room.

Slate paint

Slate paint is used to create a durable, abrasion-resistant, and flat surface that resembles a chalkboard on which you write with chalk. Therefore, it is also called chalkboard paint. Slate paints are available on an acrylic base. In addition, their composition includes:

  • graphite crumb – provides durability of the coating;
  • pigments – are necessary for creation of the certain color;
  • base – consists of binding components that are necessary for even distribution of graphite paint on the wall.

Such a coating does not necessarily have to be used for painting. By itself, it has a stylish appearance and good performance qualities.

Magnetic paint and blackboard paint can be used in harmony together. After priming and marking the area, simply apply 3 coats of Smart Magnetic Paint and 2 coats of Smart Chalkboard Paint to complete the surface.

We recommend using Smart Neo-Magnets or any strong rare earth magnets for magnetic functions. You can also use standard chalkboard crayons and markers to write on the surface.

The surface of the magnetic whiteboard is easy to clean. Simply use a regular whiteboard cloth or a microfiber cloth. Cleaning with a dry cloth will leave some lime residue, but this can be removed with a damp cloth.

Magnetic paints Price:

Magnetic Paint Under $50

  • Magnetic Receptive Wall Paint and Primer
  • Magnetize-It! Magnetic Paint & Primer
  • Rust-Oleum Magnetic Primer

Magnetic Paint Under $300

  • MagPaint Magnetic Paint

Conclusions

Magnetic paints, when used correctly, can create a cool design effect throughout your home. It takes a lot of paint and the right magnets to create a magnetic surface that holds paper well. Magnetic paints work especially well as a background for drawing on a whiteboard. Not only can you place magnets on the painted surface, but you can also write chalk notes that can be removed later.

Magnetic paints can be applied to wallpaper, concrete, and wood, among others. In principle, any surface can be painted with magnetic paint, for example, mineral substrates such as concrete or masonry. It is also possible to apply magnetic paints on wood. Whether it is wood fiber, blackboard, or kitchen cabinets, magnetic paints will adhere to almost any hard surface.

It doesn’t take much experience to apply magnetic paints professionally. Just make sure the surrounding areas and objects are safe and proceed.

FAQs- The Best Magnetic Paints In Comparison

✅ Which magnets are suitable for magnetic paints?

The magnetism of simple magnetic paint from the hardware store is relatively weak. For this reason, magnets can only exploit a small part of their potential.

We recommend the use of high-quality magnets. These are usually magnets with neodymium alloy. You should avoid cheap ferrite magnets.

We also advise you not to attach magnets with a high dead weight to your wall. Likewise, the magnets should not carry heavy objects. The risk that they cannot bear the weight over time and hit the floor is too high.

✅ How often should I paint with magnetic paints?

How often you need to paint the desired surface with magnetic paints depends on its opacity and magnetic strength. Most manufacturers recommend painting three times.

However, you should decide individually here. As a general rule of thumb, the more paint you spread, the higher the proportion of iron particles on the corresponding surface. Accordingly, the adhesion of the magnets increases.

✅ How do I apply magnetic paints?

Magnetic paint is ideally applied with a paint roller. Smaller areas are best treated with a paintbrush for wall paint. The substrate must also be properly prepared before painting.

✅ How long does magnetic paints have to dry?

Allow your magnetic paints to dry for at least 24 hours after painting. This will ensure that the magnetic paints have dried completely and that the magnets will stick. If you have multiple coats of paint, you should wait at least 5 hours before applying the next coat of paint to your walls.

If in doubt, however, check the manufacturer’s instructions on the paint can. There you will usually find instructions for use of the corresponding magnetic paints. If necessary, some magnetic paints require a longer drying time.

Max Welder

Max Welder

Hi! I'm Max Welder (toolsproper.com). I always wanted to work with my own hands, repair something, do things. Now I combine my knowledge with computers and my own knowledge in the field of mechanics in order to understand which tools I like the most. I hope to convey some knowledge and experience.

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