Learn how to make a DIY magnetic chalkboard wall with this step-by-step tutorial to create a command center that will keep your life organized!
A refrigerator overflowing with kids’ artwork.
The constant rotation of activities and commitments to keep track of.
Misplaced library books every week.
My friend Connie was about to lose it and needed a command center yesterday. Her DIY magnetic chalkboard wall is the magic bullet that now keeps her sane.
Connie is here today to share all the project details and the positive impact it’s had on her and her family.
I’ll let her tell you, in her own words, how to make a magnetic chalkboard wall of your very own!
Why Make a Giant Magnetic Chalkboard Wall?
- Paperwork: The kids come home with A LOT of paperwork, and we ran out of room on the fridge.
- Missing library books: The display shelf for library books keeps them in a prominent location, so we always know where they are. The shelf also makes our library books more of a “feature” so we can feel excited about the books that we’re reading this week.
- Personalization: Painting a magnetic chalkboard wall instantly allows us to personalize the kitchen depending on our mood.
Magnetic Chalkboard Wall Supplies
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- Rust-Oleum Magnetic Primer
- Rust-Oleum Chalkboard Paint
- Foam rollers
- Fine-grit sanding block
- Painter’s tape
- Chalk
How to Make a Magnetic Chalkboard Wall in 6 Steps
Step 1: Preparation
Prepare the wall by sanding it with a fine-grit sanding block, then wipe the dust away with a clean, damp cloth or large sponge.
Step 2: Mark areas to magnetize
Apply painter’s tape to the wall to mark the sections that you want to magnetize. Skip this step if you plan to magnetize the whole wall.
Step 3: Add magnetic primer (a lot of it!)
Roll on 3 to 5 coats of the magnetic primer on the sections that you want to magnetize. The primer instructions call for three coats but use more to ensure that the wall is thoroughly magnetized.
Step 4: Roll on chalkboard paint
After the magnetic primer dries, apply two coats of chalkboard paint with a foam roller. Sand in between coats to smooth any bumps.
Step 5: Wait!
Let the paint cure for three days before using it.
Step 6: Season the wall
Season the chalkboard wall by rubbing the side of white chalk all over the painted surface (try going horizontal and then vertical to ensure total coverage), then erase it. Seasoning will help your chalk artwork erase better.
Important Tips for a Neat Magnetic Chalkboard Wall
Five coats of magnetic paint in two rectangular areas of the wall created a line that showed in the finished product, so I sanded them down then covered them with the shelf, calendars, and papers.
You can avoid this problem by painting the whole wall with magnetic paint instead of small area.
Organization with Impact
So far we love our DIY magnetic chalkboard wall. The kids love having space to doodle and practice their letters and words, and I love visually organizing my time with the huge calendar.
The prominent command center is really helpful for me, and I no longer feel that I constantly forget everything.
I customize the chalk art whenever I get sick of the last design, and it’s really nice for me to have a creative outlet that is easy to make and easy to erase. I also love to put up an inspirational quote that means something to me on a temporary basis.
A big THANK YOU to Connie for sharing her amazing project with us! I love that she took the time to really assess what her family’s needs were before she embarked on the project. Now she has a magnetic chalkboard wall command center that keeps her organized and offers the family opportunities for creativity every day!
Everything You Need to Make a Magnetic Chalkboard Wall
Head on over to Amazon to get all your supplies delivered right to your door!
I hope you enjoyed this magnetic chalkboard wall tutorial! Were you inspired by The No Pressure Life? I would love to hear about it and feature your project. Drop me a line!
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Jennifer says
I’m looking for more materials and going to decor the chalkboard with my kids this weekend! Thank you so much for sharing, Laura. Also, please send my appreciation for Connie. Stay gorgeous <3.
Laura says
Glad you were inspired, Jennifer!
Erin Taylor says
Haha “Magnetic Chalkboard”!!! The traditional thing we always see when going to school in our place. But thank you now I have more inspiration for making my own.
T.d says
Hi, can I use chalk markers on the diy board? Or only real chalk?
Sofia says
Hi, great idea.
We used chalkboard paint (https://www.magnet-shop.com/office-education/chalkboard-paint/2138/color-for-school-blackboard-dupli-color-for-3-m2-375-ml-can) in our kitchen and in our sons room.
In the kitchen we painted a cupboard door with it and in my sons room his closet door.
We love it:-)
Pam says
Amazing, I love this idea so much!
I’ve recently discovered different magnet crafts to keep us creative and busy during lockdown, last week we created a magnetic spice rack with neodymium magnets (we found ours on http://www.prontodirect.co.uk) and I think this might have to be the next craft on our list! Love it.
Tina says
So excited to be doing this for the grandbabies in their playroom at Nana & PopPop’s!!! How long did you let the magnetic primer dry before painting the chalk paint?