How to Make a Smooth Magnetic Chalkboard, that Works!

Learn how to make a magnetic chalkboard with a smooth, natural slate looking finish. I use a sheet of 2′ x 3′, 22 gauge steel and mount it on 1/2″ MDF using contact cement and then paint it with black chalkboard paint.
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[@briancnc]

Jon, great video just a few suggestions. I've made hundreds of these over the years so I like you have tried many different finishes at techniques with varying results. You're right, the mag receptive paint is junk. The only way to hold magnets well is to use a ferrous metal substrate. You can get 2x3 galv hvac sheet from HD for about $10. You will need to look through the pile as it's so thin (23 ga I think) and it has memory once bent. It's a lot cheaper than normal sheet metal stock they sell. I apply them with spray contact cement as it goes on very even and no cleanup. I also don't sand it, sometimes these paints can have nasty chemical almost contamination issues with the galv. steel. I just wipe it down with denat alcohol and it gets good adhesion. I also spray the chalkboard paint, about 3-4 coats and it dries very slow so with the right HVLP it flattens to a perfect smooth matte finish. You can do it with something as cheap as a wagner and still get awesome results. I never use primer, used to but it's not necessary for brand new sheet metal. I like waterbourne chalkboard paint more than solvent as it seems to be the most consistent and is incredibly durable once cured. I've stress tested and the waterbourne is more durable (usually not the case!) I think latex base is just more flexible to any chalk abrasion. Anyways, great video just thought I would share my input. I've literally pulled my hair our sometimes getting these panels right and found the above to work the best.

[@JonPetersArtHome]

Great Info ! Thanks

[@DANHOGZ]

To save time & hassle, maybe try "Chalknetic Chalkboard Paper", it's available on Amazon now. But if you asking for very strong magnetic power, then metal sheet is still the only option.

[@emgeezef]

Textured paint, with enough clear coats to make it smooth but still somewhat bumpy makes a PERFECT chalkboard. I have outside furniture with metal arms. Those arms are painted in some kind of multicolored textured paint and then sealed and clear coated for protection. Randomly one day my kids drew on it and when I wiped it off it came off perfectly. No ghost left behind. It was a bold, clear line because of the subtle bumps left behind after the sealant and clear coat. So beautiful and now that the kids want something more than chair arms to draw on I am attempting to recreate the chair arms on a sheet of metal.

[@JasonBarre]

I really like the texture left by you applying the paint with the spreader, looking forward to trying that technique.

[@alexanderrode6983]

Great work!

[@luemoonba]

Great idea! Thank you.

[@BLHomestead]

I own a daycare center so this helps a ton! Thanks for the great idea.

[@firefighteremt9]

Great project - thanks for the tips

[@rtaylor3350]

I didn't realize you could have a chalkboard that is magnetic :) this would resolve my idea for my kitchen. Thanks Jon

[@BruceAUlrich]

Good tips, Jon!

[@JeronimoJGC]

Great Video, thanks for sharing!

[@williamweatherall8333]

Really good video!

[@rocktruckrob]

this idea is pretty cool....thanks Jon,great vid

[@DesertBumWoodWorkn]

Thats a good idea on the metal backing.

[@FranksDIY]

That would be great to have in the shop. Very nice Jon thanks for sharing

[@aarong4756]

Solid advice on the magnetic paint as I was looking at this product the other day but there is no doubt a peice of metal is my best bet. Thinking it would be nice to have a half chalkboard and half cork board for my daughters room.

[@electricroundup8300]

Rockin' & Chalkin'........Nice tips Jon.............TY

[@FredMcIntyre]

Nice work Jon!

[@JonPetersArtHome]

Thanks Fred

[@rashereire]

nice, i'm making a child's easel this weekend and was planning a mag side

[@stevecollins9450]

Enjoyed it, Jon. I like the squeegee idea too.

[@drewpierce2273]

I used RustOleum magnetic paint kit. $19.995 at HD. Works great and is easily refreshed on any surface. But, certainly using a steel sheet is more permanent. Nice.

[@Stephens8x6Workshop]

Excellent idea with the spreader to get a smooth paint finish. Looking forward to the follow up(s). Greetings from Lancashire UK

[@JonPetersArtHome]

Thanks Stephen

[@josephbrauer2573]

Very cool Jon , I am building a "toy-box/cabinet" for my son , and I think now I will incorporate this idea into the project.

[@JonPetersArtHome]

Thanks Joseph

[@craigpereira6381]

Nice idea .

[@JonPetersArtHome]

Thanks Craig

[@connorsmyth5485]

Another great job, do you have any tips for a beginner woodworker who doesn't have a big work space?

[@MESTER47]

Heiii John, good explanation, but depends how large the blackboard will be, if its very large better to use1/4 plywood base and i suppose for a better quality its to spray paint the chalk paint! all the best from Romania!

[@KadhimAlawi]

Great work! Is it possible to apply on a white melamine mdf sheet?

[@jgarvin6]

Great idea. I wonder if it would be possible to make this with a chalkboard on one side and a whiteboard on the other by drilling holes in the corners and making a frame of some kind so that it can be hung on the wall and flipped over.

[@RobinLewisMakes]

Would never have thought to apply paint using a knife, really interesting technique

[@JonPetersArtHome]

It works great for this

[@donjohnson24]

Some years ago I was told that the first use of chalk on a board should be with broad strokes all over the board - made by using a stick on its side. Apparently, if you do not chalk 'prime' the board in this way, the first marks made on a virgin board with the end of a stick of chalk can be very hard to remove, and remain as 'ghosts' in the background for some time. Perhaps, Jon, you can advise us if you did NOT have problems with your test marks.

[@BOBBY-et9xb]

the sound on this vid was not load enough compared to most of your other vids. nonetheless always a pleasure watching your vids.

[@adamwilliams7074]

foam roller works well for top coat

[@tivnator]

Can you spray the chalk paint?

[@samiam7]

Nice tip on the squeegee jon

[@JonPetersArtHome]

Thanks Sam, .. ever hear the band, Sam I Am, really good band from the late 90s.

[@samiam7]

Jon Peters Art & Home never. I'm checking it out now though lol

[@australiawilliam3326]

Hi,why didn't you spray paint it ,one thin coat metal primer,then several coats of thinned semi gloss black ,with 600 wet and dry abrasive between coats.

[@Visper84]

If you ever make a whiteboard, post a video of that too.

[@javicortez8946]

Can I have one please? 😁

[@DavidBishopinc]

I used chalkboard paint to resurface a pin-pong table. It was never real smooth. Perhaps I could have used this technique.