FAQ regarding magnetic paint

Table of Contents

How does magnetic paint work?

Magnetic paint consists of regular paint but also contains a lot of iron powder. It is these iron particles that turn the magnetic paint into a surface for magnets. When walls, furniture and other objects are painted, the iron components are distributed. The more coats you apply, the more iron particles are on the surface, and the better the magnets will stick.

4 cans of magnetic paint in different sizes

Where can I use magnetic paint?

It can be used in interior spaces. It is not suitable for outdoor use because it can start to rust. The same applies to areas inside buildings where the magnetic paint would be exposed to humidity (i.e. bathrooms).

How much surface area does magnetic paint cover?

1 litre of magnetic paint is enough for 6 m² with only one coat. However, we recommend to at least apply 2 coats, in that case, 1 litre will cover approx. 2-3 m². For a very firm hold of the magnets, we recommend three to four coats.

It is best if you use up all the magnetic paint from the can. You will gain a little bit more adhesive force with an additional coat of paint and avoid having the paint dry out in the can.

What do I have to keep in mind prior to painting?

The painting surface should be as smooth and as dry as possible.
Very porous surfaces should be pretreated with dispersion primer.
Lightly sand smooth, lacquered surfaces (e.g. doors).
Completely remove loose wallpaper.
Mask or cover any area that is not to be painted.

What do I need to keep in mind for painting?

Thoroughly stir the paint before you start painting to evenly disperse the metal pigments.
Do not mix the magnetic paint with other paint or water.
Use a short-pile roller for painting.

Is it possible to paint over magnetic paint?

You can paint over the magnetic paint with dispersion paint, whiteboard paint or chalkboard paint. The paint can also be covered with thin wallpaper. To ensure the magnets will properly adhere, you should apply an adequate amount of magnetic paint and cover it with only a thin coat of dispersion paint or chalkboard paint. We recommend applying three to four coats of magnetic paint. Before you apply the topcoat paint to the wall, you should allow sufficient drying time for the magnetic paint. Please refer to the information under 'How long does magnetic paint need to dry?".

How long does magnetic paint need to dry?

The drying time is dependent on ambient temperature, humidity as well as the thickness of the applied paint coat so there are no hard and fast rules how long it will take. Below we will give a few pointers you can use as your guide.

Magnetic paint:

Let each coat of magnetic paint dry for at least 3-4 hours.
At the latest, the magnetic paint surface will be completely dry and ready for use after 2 weeks.

Magnetic paint + dispersion paint / wallpaper:

Let each coat of magnetic paint dry for at least 3-4 hours.
As soon as the magnetic paint is dry to the touch (at least 6 hours of drying time after the last coat was applied) it can be painted over with emulsion paint or covered with a lightweight wallpaper.

Magnetic paint + whiteboard paint / blackboard paint:

Let each coat of magnetic paint dry for at least 3-4 hours.
Wait approx. 2 weeks before you paint over the magnetic paint with either whiteboard or blackboard paint. By allowing for a sufficiently long drying time you can avoid unwanted textures on the surface of the magnetic paint.

Is magnetic paint harmful?

No, magnetic paint is not harmful and can be used in living quarters without hesitation. Magnetic paint contains iron particles that turn the painted wall into a ferromagnetic surface. That means, the wall itself is not magnetic and therefore will not negatively affect technical devices. The magnetic paint from MOTIP DUPLI that we carry in our assortment is also free of harmful heavy metals.

Can the paint be removed at a later point?

Yes, you have two options:

Since the paint itself is rather soft, it is easy to sand down. Make sure to use respiratory protection.
Alternatively, you could cover the wall with wallpaper and then paint over it with the magnetic paint. This way, you will “only” have to remove the wallpaper.

Can magnetic paint interfere with (cardiac) pacemakers?

No. The colour itself is not magnetic; it contains iron particles that attract magnets, just like a refrigerator door. Magnetic paint does therefore not affect a pacemaker.

Can magnetic paint weaken radio waves?

Yes. If the paint is applied wall to wall, each coat of magnetic paint weakens radio waves slightly, and therefore affects wireless reception or the use of a mobile phone. If you just paint the size of a regular bulletin board, it should not compromise the reception.