5 Best Magnetic Paint in 2022

If you’re the kind of homeowner who’s always on the lookout for unique products, you’re in the right place!

Considering aesthetics, you might frown upon the idea of drilling holes for pictures or mounting a gigantic magnetic board for holding important notes. If that’s the case, a great alternative can be magnetic paint.

You’ve heard it! Magnetic paint works similar to a magnet as it contains millions of tiny iron particles. It will work as long as you use a magnet and not metals, like nickel and steel. You apply the paint just like regular paint, and with each coating, the magnetic field becomes stronger.

Sounds interesting, isn’t it?

Now, if you’re interested enough to try out the paint, don’t look for it elsewhere! To ensure you select the best magnetic paint, we’ve compiled a list of reviews.

Keep reading to learn more!

Best Magnetic Paint – Quick Summary

• Greater Magnetic Strength- Smarter Surfaces Super Magnetic Paint

“If you want to pin multiple pages at once on the wall, then this is a great option.”

• Less Recoat Time- Rust-Oleum Specialty Magnetic Primer

“Each coat of this magnetic primer dries fast, so it takes less time to paint an entire wall.”

• Paint And Primer- Magnetize-It! Magnetic Paint & Primer

“This one is ideal for those not wanting to purchase a primer separately.”

• Magnetic Paint Kit- Magic Wall Magnetic Paint Kit

“It comes with everything needed to paint a surface.”

• Child-Safe- Magnetic Receptive Wall Paint and Primer

“The non-toxic properties of this magnetic paint make it safe to use in a child’s bedroom.”

Comparison Chart for Top 5 Magnetic Paints

Magnetic Paint Reviews

1. Smarter Surfaces Super Magnetic Paint

If you’re looking for strong magnetic paint for your home or office, why not check out this one by Smarter Surfaces?

This is such a great magnetic paint because it has a magnetite content of 60 percent. Whether you pin photos, notes, or documents, you’ll be able to pin up to five pages at once. Not only that, but you can also create a photo collage as a wall decoration. To get the optimum magnetic strength, it is recommended you apply four coats of this paint.

Another great feature this paint possesses- you can apply a color of your choice over this dark gray paint. Even after applying the topcoat, the magnetic strength will remain unaffected. So, if you want the magnetic paint to fit into the theme of your room, there’ll be no problem.

When applying this magnetic paint, you or the people in the room won’t feel discomfort because the paint has low VOC. Besides walls, this one is also good magnetic paint for glass, wood, and other surfaces.

What’s more, this paint comes with a couple of rare earth magnets for your convenience!

Pros

• Can hold up to five pages
• A different-colored topcoat can be applied over the paint
• Works on various smooth surfaces
• Comes with a couple of rare earth magnets
• The paint doesn’t cause discomfort

Cons

N/A

Product Specialty

Smarter Surfaces Super Magnetic Paint offers greater magnetic strength as it has 60 percent magnetite content.

2. Rust-Oleum Specialty Magnetic Primer

If you’d like to turn the wall of your study room into a magnetic board, you can try out this magnetic primer by Rust-Oleum!

This is an oil-based paint that you can use on various surfaces, including wood, metal, drywall, and masonry. When you apply the paint to a surface and let it dry, the surface starts attracting magnets, including rare earth magnets. You can put up memos, pictures, to-do lists- whatever you like!

As for the drying time, a single coat takes only 30 minutes to dry. For optimal results, it is recommended you leave the paint on for a whole day. And, for stronger magnetic strength, you should apply no less than three coats.

Once the primer has fully dried, the surface will have a charcoal-like appearance. You can even transform the surface into a magnetic chalkboard by applying chalkboard paint!

When applying the paint, the manufacturer recommends you use a good foam roller. Also, if you plan on applying latex paint as a topcoat, you’ll need to wait for four hours.

Each can of this white magnetic paint is capable of covering an area of about 16 square feet. If you need to cover a larger area, you can purchase multiple cans.

Pros

• Works on different surfaces
• Latex paint can be used on it as a topcoat
• Gives a charcoal-like appearance
• Each coat takes 30 minutes to dry
• The paint is long-lasting

Cons

• It has an unpleasant odor

Product Specialty

Rust-Oleum Specialty Magnetic Primer offers a smooth, charcoal-like surface that attracts magnets, including rare earth magnets. A latex topcoat can be painted over it.

3. Magnetize-It! Magnetic Paint & Primer

Another magnetic paint you can try is the Magnetize-It! magnetic paint and primer.

If you’re planning to transform the wall of your child’s bedroom into a magnetic board, you can do so without any worries. That’s because the paint is manufactured to comply all the safety standards. It enhances a child’s creativity by allowing them to showcase their artwork, posters, and photos however they like.

Apart from that, you can use the paint on your office for pinning memos, charts, and documents. If you want to use the surface for writing, it is also possible to turn it into a magnetic chalkboard by applying chalkboard paint. Or, you can match the color with other areas of the room by applying a different color over the gray paint. It’s all up to you!

Application of this paint isn’t limited to just walls, but you can use it on wood, metal, plaster, and other surfaces. It gives an eggshell finish, which is perfect for homes and offices.

Pros

• Works on different surfaces
• Safe for children
• Does not require a primer
• Rare earth magnets can easily stick to the surface
• Gives an eggshell finish

Cons

• The paint is very thick

Product Specialty

Magnetize-It! Magnetic Paint & Primer is a safe magnetic paint that gives an eggshell finish when applied. Besides rare earth magnets, it can also attract weaker magnets but only when multiple layers are applied.

4. Magic Wall Magnetic Paint Kit

It doesn’t matter if it’s your first time painting a wall when you have this Magic Wall magnetic paint kit.

Along with the paint, you’ll find a brush, paint tray, and a couple of different-shaped magnets. You’re getting all the items in a single place so you can save a trip to the local hardware store.

This is a water-based paint meant to be used indoors. Instead of using tapes for putting up posters, pictures, or documents, you can retain the beauty of the wall by applying this paint. It works well with flat magnets.

A single can is capable of covering an area of 25 square feet. If you want to apply latex paint of a different color as a topcoat, you can easily do so. You can also apply chalkboard paint or dry-erase paint for jotting down the ideas that come to your mind.

If you already have a roller and want to use it for applying paint, the manufacturer recommends smoothing the surface once the paint has become dry. You’ll need fine sandpaper or a scrub pad to rub the surface lightly.

Pros

• Works great with flat magnets
• Washes easily with soap and water
• A different-colored topcoat can be used over the paint
• Works with chalkboard and dry-erase paint
• Can hold papers, including thicker ones

Cons

• The paint is very thick

Product Specialty

Magic Wall Magnetic Paint Kit is the perfect choice if you’re looking for everything in one place. The paint attracts magnets of great strength once you apply four coats or more.

5. Magnetic Receptive Wall Paint and Primer

Last but not least, the Magnetic Receptive wall paint and primer eliminates the hassle for using tapes on the wall.

This black magnetic paint for walls allows you to transform your wall into a magnetic board so that you can hang pictures and notes without using a tape. For good magnetic strength, you can apply a couple of coats, and if you want a stronger hold, you can go for more numbers of coats.

Other than walls, the paint works smoothly on wood, masonry, metal, and plaster. It gives a flat finish, so if you don’t mind the lack of sheen, you can go for this paint. 

Since this paint comes in black, you have the option of using a different-colored topcoat over it. If you want to do so, the manufacturer recommends you let the surface dry for 24 hours before applying the topcoat.

This paint is safe for children as it doesn’t contain toxic chemicals. Besides your study room, you can also use it on your child’s playroom without any worries. 

Pros

• Can be used on different surfaces
• The paint is easy to apply
• Any colored topcoat can be applied over this paint
• The paint is safe for children

Cons

• Does not work for all magnets

Product Specialty

Magnetic Receptive Wall Paint and Primer is a non-toxic paint that offers good magnetic strength on various surfaces. It gives a flat finish when applied.

How To Choose Magnetic Paint?

With the availability of plenty of options, it is necessary to choose the magnetic paint that meets your requirements. Below are some of the factors to consider.  

Paint Type

The first factor you’ll need to consider is the paint type. There are two types of magnetic paint- oil-based and water-based.

Oil-based paints offer a greater sheen level than water-based paints, but the sheen tends to fade over time. Oil-based paints also become hard and durable once dry.

Water-based paints offer a low sheen, and since this type of paint resists UV rays, the sheen doesn’t fade over time. They offer a long-lasting finish, and also, they can be cleaned easily with soap and water.

Depending on your preference, you can select a paint type accordingly.

Color

Magnetic paint is typically available in black, white, and gray. If you want, you can topcoat it with regular paint of your desired color, but if the coat is thick, then the magnetic strength will decrease. It is also possible to use thin wallpaper as a topcoat without affecting the magnetic strength.

The choice of magnetic paint color depends entirely on your preference. If you’d rather use a different-colored paint or wallpaper as a topcoat, then the color won’t matter.

Magnetic Strength Of The Paint

The magnetic strength of the paint is a crucial factor to consider. If you’re looking for strong magnetic paint, it is recommended you choose the one having a magnetite content of at least 50 percent. Generally, the more magnetite content, the stronger will be the attraction between the painted surface and the magnet.

Amount Of Paint

A can of magnetic paint is capable of covering a specific square meter. Before selecting any magnetic paint, it is recommended you measure the area of the wall on which you will apply the paint. That way you will know the amount of paint needed to fully cover the area.

Additionally, you might need two or more cans if you want to apply multiple coats for increased magnetic strength.

How Do I Apply Magnetic Paints?

Magnetic paint is applied just like regular paint. Here’s how you can do it.

Step 1: Measure The Area Of The Surface To Be Painted

Use a measuring tape to measure the area so that there’s enough paint to cover the area. A can of a magnetic paint is capable of covering a particular area, so make sure to choose the one accordingly. If needed, you can use more than one can of paint.

Step 2: Prepare The Surface

Sand the surface to remove flakes and then wipe it down using a clean, damp microfiber cloth. If there are any holes on the wall, use a decorators’ caulk to fill them.

After that, use a masking tape on the edges to protect other areas from paint. Also use a drop cloth for protecting the floor.

Step 3: Stir The Paint

Stir the paint thoroughly so that there are no lumps, and the iron particles are mixed properly.

Step 4:  Apply The Paint

Pour the paint into a paint tray. Take a short pile roller and apply plenty of paint to it. Use the roller to apply paint to the surface evenly. It is recommended you start with small vertical sections to cover the entire wall.

Once the first coat is dry, apply a second coat. Let it dry. The time it takes to dry depends on the product you’re using.

Step 5: Sand The Surface

Sand down the surface to make it as smooth as possible.

Step 6: Apply More Coats {If Needed)

Apply a third coat or more, letting each coat dry in between.

Frequently Asked Questions

2. How Long Does Magnetic Paints Have To Dry?

It depends on the magnetic paint brand you’re using. Some magnetic paints will take a day to fully dry while others take two days.

3. How Many Coats Of Magnetic Paint Are Needed?

For better strength, it is recommended you apply at least two coats of magnetic paint to the surface.

4. How Strong Is Magnetic Paint?

Magnetic paint isn’t as strong as a steel board, but it is still strong enough to hold magnetic sheets and disc magnets.

5. What Are The Types Of Magnetic Paints?

Magnetic paints are either oil-based or water-based. While oil-based paints are durable, their high sheen tends to fade over time. Water-based paints are resistant to UV ray, and their low-sheen stays longer.

6. Can I Paint Over Magnetic Paint?

It is possible to paint over magnetic paint. However, if you apply two or more coats of regular paint, the magnetic strength will decrease.  

7. Does Magnetic Paint Actually Work?

Magnetic paint offers a stronger hold when you apply multiple coats. However, the hold isn’t as strong as a magnetic board.

8. Which Magnets Are Suitable For Magnetic Paints?

You can use any magnet for magnetic paints as long as they have the adequate strength.

9. What Should You Look For When Buying Magnetic Paints?

When buying magnetic paint, you will need to take note of the paint type, color, the amount of paint in the can, and whether the paint has sufficient magnetic strength for holding your desired items.

10. How Often Should I Paint With Magnetic Paints?

Before applying a second coat, it is recommended you wait for at least three or four hours to dry.

11. How Well Does Magnetic Paint Work?

Magnetic paint attracts magnets strongly when you apply multiple coats to the wall. It can only attract magnets, and not steel or nickel. You can use magnetic sheets or disc magnets for holding papers.

Final Word

There’s no reason why you should restrain from decorating your room the way you want when there are simplified options available. When aesthetics is a priority, but still you want to take a glance at important notes, nothing beats the best magnetic paint.

It’s hard to find such a paint that is most suited to your needs, which is the reason why we did research and shared this guide. All of the above magnetic paints work well as long as you apply sufficient coats for holding a magnet of a particular size.

We hope you’ve already chosen your desired magnetic paint!