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Planning and Executing Construction and Contracting Projects: Tips for Consumers


Planning and Executing Construction and Contracting Projects: Tips for Consumers

Painting an "Attractive" Wall: Tips for Using Magnetic Paint

by Samantha Russell

Magnetic paint is a great way to liven up an empty wall, but using it is not exactly the same as using traditional wall paint. Want magnetised walls and need a few helpful tips? Take a look at this essential advice:

1. Choose a dark colour for over the magnetic primer.

Magnetic paint can be used on its own, or it can be used as primer underneath coloured paint. Unfortunately, magnetic paint tends to only come in very dark colours, and as a result, you need a relatively dark top coat to hide it.

If you want to use a light colour, you may need several coats to hide the darkness of the magnetic paint, and those extra coats may stop your wall from being as magnetic as you want. To imagine the effect, look at a magnet and your refrigerator. Now, stick several sheets of paper in between them. If the layers of paper are too thick, they prevent the magnet from adhering to the fridge. This is similar to the effect that happens when you put several coats of paint over magnetic primer.

2. Stir the paint well before starting.

Once you have chosen your colors, it is time to start painting. Mix the magnetic paint extremely well before you start using it. It features tiny little pieces of iron, and they tend to settle at the bottom of the can. If you want the wall to be evenly magnetic, you need to stir thoroughly.

3. Use extra spill protection.

Before of the iron bits, magnetic paint tends to be harder to apply than traditional paint. It doesn't stick to the brush as easily, and it is just more gloopy. Because of this, you need to prepare for lots of drips and spills.

Make sure that you use an ample number of drop cloths, preferably more than usual, and if you use tape to stop the paint from running, use extra and make sure it is tightly adfixed to the wall.

4. Check the magnetism levels before applying a top coat.

Once the paint is stirred and the drop cloth is down, it is time to start painting. Keep in mind that you may need more than one coat. After each coat, check how magnetic the surface is, and add extra coats until you have reached the desired level of magnetism.

If you plan to add a top coat, do not forget to check the magnetism of the primer before you apply the top coat. If you forget, you may end up with a wall that is not as magnetic as you hoped. Also, remember that the top coat goes between the magnetised paint and the magnets you are using. As a result, you want to ensure the primer is as magnetic as possible before adding the top coat.

If you've got a big painting project and no time to do it, professional painters can be a great resource.