Make an Entire Wall a Dry Erase Magnetic Note Board! DIY Project

How to make an entire wall a dry erase magnetic board! Check out Storyblocks for images and illustrations: storyblocks.com...
Sponsor: Storyblocks. Use the link above to get your 7 day free trial.
★ TOOLS / SUPPLIES ★
Galvanized Steel Sheet: amzn.to/2z3OZoD
Dry Erase Brush-On Kit: amzn.to/2z77f0f
Magnetic Adhesive Sheets: amzn.to/2z5BVz0
Bosch Jig Saw: amzn.to/2gW4Dw9
Drywall Anchor: amzn.to/2ildxRX
Smooth Point Roller: amzn.to/2znRrsS
★ WATCH MORE ★
Titanium Rings vs Wood Rings: • Making Titanium Weddin...
Bent Lamination Wood Rings: • How to Make Wood Weddi...
How to Make Wood Rings: • How to Make Wood Rings...
★ ALL THE LINKS ★
Music by Joakim Karud / joakimkarud
Patreon Support: / picciuto
T-Shirts / Books / Stickers / Plans: makesomething.tv/
My Other KZbin Channel: / makesomething2
★ FOLLOW ME ★
/ drunkenwood
/ makesomethingtv
/ makesomethingtv
/ makesomethingtv
★ TOP PATREON SUPPORTERS ★
Josh Ramsey:
Evan and Katelyn: goo.gl/u127xi
Mark Fink:
Jonathan J Katz-Moses: goo.gl/U5QrAL
Bruce A. Ulrich: goo.gl/y6qa8P
Michael @ WillWorkForTools:
Ashley Grenon: goo.gl/aVTC8h
Jeremy Kerber:
Ryan Petzold:
Georgeann Reeve:
Carl Brink: goo.gl/MkUVVq
Adam Beckwith: goo.gl/aS01gW
Bill Diehl:
Brian McKnight: goo.gl/9XpMwQ
Chad Forrester:
Timothy l Allen:
William Armstorng:
David Picciuto
PO Box 2499
Toledo, OH 43606
© Picciuto, LTD

[@matferrogers6741]

We're wondering if you have an update on how this project has held up? Info from Rustoleum doesn't recommend most of their primers for galvanized metal (only a brush on primer for aluminum gutters) and other research indicates galvanized metal tends to shed its paint after some time. This project seems like a great way to make a big magnetic whiteboard inexpensively, we hesitate to jump in if the finish is bound to fail. Any first-hand experience would be appreciated. Thanks.

[@katybest4872]

I want to know too!!

[@Makebuildmodify]

Looks great David! How is the surface of the two part dry-erase paint? I want to do a similar board for my shop.

[@DustinConner]

How is the surface holding up after years of use? Paint sticking ok or have you had to paint it again? Thanks!

[@MikeFaneros]

When interacting with the faux whiteboard, is it solid like a board or does it bow out a bit without some adhesive on the back? A quick spray adhesive might make it firmer. Also, I'd love to hear feedback in a couple months of use to see if the paint stays or if it starts to chip or flake off. I love the idea of a magnetic whiteboard (was thinking about something similar for the top of my son's desk) but worry about the paint wearing off.

[@EvanAndKatelyn]

Is Kelly ok with the relationship you have with that bookshelf? 😉😋

[@MakeSomething]

+EvanAndKatelyn haha! She is somewhat jealous!

[@vidform]

Great video. What laser printer did you use? Brand and model?

[@zachbriggs6350]

“We’re priming sheet metal...IN A PARKING LOT!”

[@MakeSomething]

Hahaha! Missed opportunity for me!

[@billdiehl156]

I love it! This was such a timely video!! I'm currently building a wall cabinet for my tools, and I wanted one of the doors to be a magnetic white board. Now I'll just make it rather than buying it! One more thing: All I want for Christmas is a "Make Something" refrigerator magnet!!!

[@EvanAndKatelyn]

Hahaha also I just noticed the white board items in the into. Trolls!! Fire Chuck!

[@MakeSomething]

+EvanAndKatelyn 😁

[@craftedworkshop]

Fire Chuck! Nice work man, excited to see that guitar video.

[@kellysands792]

That's a great idea - better than the DiBond I'm using as that's aluminium so therefore not magnetic. Doh! It always amazes me how much stuff your DIY stores hold, I must do a video walk around in one of ours here in the UK to show you just how little is available to us UK makers.

[@katzmosestools]

I painted an entire wall in an office building with that stuff. Works great! It's so smooth you can wipe it off with your finger. Just (figuratively) blast it away.

[@MakeSomething]

Ha! Expensive paint but works great!

[@finallyonethatworks]

Katz-Moses Woodworking Shop Did you do it straight on plasterboard. Always wanted to do it but worried if it would work?

[@MakeSomething]

+finallyonethatworks it should work just fine. I would primer first

[@katzmosestools]

Yea it was easy. Just primed over old paint first

[@DoItProjects]

Today I'm grateful for: This awesome maker community and all the cool projects we share! The new place is looking great, David. We can't wait to see the new shop completed in all it's glory.

[@Rafinhaa3]

Good timing for me, I was looking for some ideas for a sticky notes wall. I was thinking of a glass panel to use as whiteboard and sticky notes wall. I will consider the metal one. The thing is, won't the magnets scratch the white paint like thing? Anywat, office is looking great, David. Cheers!

[@suecox2308]

Great job--looks terrific.

[@patrice8257]

Could you make the walnut window seal big enough to work on if you wanted to? Not as big as a desk but big enough for a journal or book to read and write by natural light if you wanted to?

[@MakeSomething]

That's the plan! Kind of a mini table.

[@grasshopperjames]

Cool design! I saw some negative reviews on the white board paint. Did you experience and difficulty with the product? Does the marker erase ok?

[@WrongTimeWatch]

I like that bookshelf, I need one for my office. How much weight can it support?

[@sgsax]

New office looks like a great space! Magnetic whiteboard wall is a cool idea.

[@smilingrin]

If I may be so bold.... you have taught me SOOO much through your videos, let me teach you something. I am a metals guy through trade, have been for more than 20 years. Galvanized metal must be etched before painting, or priming (usually chemically) in order for the paint to stay on the galvanized material. However they make a product called galvaneel, that is preprimered... great stuff and will last you a lifetime! If you find the paint starting to chip/peel prematurely, pick up some galvaneel at a local sheet metal shop! Thanks for all of your great videos!

[@MakeSomething]

Oh man, I had no idea. Thanks Chad!!

[@elduderino1570]

How’d you like the Bosch sander you used to use?

[@theislandworkshop8453]

man that brick effect background is trippy

[@knotnowwoodworking]

What an incredible idea--never would of thought of doing the wall out of metal coated with dry-erase paint. Love it!!! It's a good idea for a wall (or part of a wall) in the shop too. One note, I would suggest to anyone else doing this (too late for you David), when you cut the metal sheet out for your receptacles and/or switches, cut the metal so it lines up with the edge of the electrical box, NOT so it tightly wraps around the receptacle or switch, or else it'll be impossible to remove the receptacle/switch if you have to replace it in the future. The plate will still cover properly.

[@MakeSomething]

Good point! Thanks!

[@CanKenMakeIt]

How smooth does the board end up? I'm sure you used a thin nap roller, but is the whiteboard paint "self leveling"?

[@MakeSomething]

There's a little bit of texture but it works fine. It's somewhat self leveling.

[@jkunderwood3291]

Could probably thin it with mineral spirits to get it to level better. We used to use pre painted white metal for white boards, works similarly.

[@pauldinella1936]

Don't know if you have ever used zipits but they work a lot better than those plastic plugs. Nice video, shop and office are coming together. I just moved into a new place and I am setting up both as well.

[@MakeSomething]

+Paul DiNella I’ll have to check that out! Thanks!

[@jeremybarnhart8787]

absolutely love this

[@joshallenb._6836]

Yo great vid... have you found that the ink will stain the white board if left on it for a considerable length of time?

[@MakeSomething]

It does yeah. Some dry erase board cleaner takes it right off.

[@vvdiaz2784]

Hi so I didn’t get I clear view if the paint you used said white or clear on the box? I’m trying to do a white board wall to teach at home. This video is great but as I repeated multiple time I still can’t see if the paint was clear or did it state whit on box thanks for you time

[@BruceAUlrich]

That window's going to look awesome trimmed in walnut. Really cool idea to make your own magnets like that. I think you'll get a lot of use out of it. Oh, and it cracked me up that top on your to-do list was "finish guitar." ha ha

[@TRCCtv]

how's it held up?

[@TheParadiseBox]

Came for the DIY, stayed for the FIRE music

[@IsaKocoglu]

Nearing on three years later, how is the whiteboard holding up? I am planning on doing the same, if you can tell me that the whiteboard is holding up just fine. Or did it need a fresh coat of whiteboard paint since then?

[@MakeSomething]

Well... it’s held up perfectly fine but to be honest I never use it. I don’t think I’ve written on it since the first year

[@IsaKocoglu]

@@MakeSomething 😅 Thank you for the reply nonetheless 😊👍

[@sophiestewart8025]

This is great! I was going to use magnetic primer before seeing this video. What did you use as a trim for the board?

[@kierstenmmoore6313]

Nice video! I'm wanting to make something like this on the side of our pantry for our grocery list, notes, and display daughter artwork with magnets. How strong is the magnet hold?

[@Cacalotlraven]

How did you make the book shelves? Are they strong enough not to fall on you?

[@MakeSomething]

They were there when we bought the house. Hopefully they never fall otherwise it’ll crush my computer!

[@gandjboyd7872]

Looking good

[@delladumlao]

This is great! Do you think I could use any color (blue specifically )spray paint on the galvanized steel sheets. I imagine the dry erase paint is only white. But suppose I foremost need the magnetic characteristic, but not necessary the dry erase characteristic. Also, if I wanted to make it self-standing to move around, what material, thickness, size, might you suggest using ask backing? Thank you.

[@Randios187]

12ft walnut desk?! That's going to be sweet.

[@MakeSomething]

I know, right!?!!

[@NewTestamentDoc]

REally imaginative. Love your creativity.

[@ModernBuilds]

So many books!! slightly jealous haha

[@MakeSomething]

Every time I go to a new city I hit up the used book stores and thrift stores!

[@BruceAUlrich]

Do the new cities have a significantly different selection, or it is just cool to see some change?

[@edwardgray6167]

This would be perfect for kids!

[@taylorsherf6597]

to go along with the walnut theme that you are going to have, do you think it wood (lol) be cool to use some laminate walnut pieces on the face of the horizontal wood pieces in that sweet bookcase to add to the theme?

[@austinorton1476]

Great job

[@TheCHRISCaPWN]

I'm probably missing something, but won't the desk cover the panels you just put up?

[@MakeSomething]

+Chris Thompson desk will only be 30 inches high

[@davidnichols4939]

You sound and look so excited about the new space. I am happy for you. Best wishes!

[@robertwolinski7294]

How tall do you expect the desk to be? Could you have made the metal sheets half the height if most of it is being covered up by a desk?

[@MakeSomething]

Yes, I could have made the sheets much shorter but figured it would be quicker to not have to cut them down to size.

[@robertwolinski7294]

Makes sense, saves on time, maybe not on cost.

[@FroggiesAnonymous]

Hey I was wondering if you can add colouring to the dry erase paint? And if you could can it be food colouring or would it need to be a raw pigment or another paint? Love your video!

[@john_enx]

Those speakers, u are killing me, I'm jealous! I just sold my Tannoy reveal 502, soon ill go for JBL LSR 308 I hope they are as good as 305.

[@JDMead]

I really dig this project! I've done this exact same thing for some of the teachers in my schools. The only issue you may run into is if you leave writing on the dry erase paint longer than a week its really hard to clean. Red seems to be the harshest color for some reason. I painted their old chalkboards and turned them into dry erase boards, using the same paint, for the interactive projectors I also installed. This basically turned it into a 115" iPad for the students. Plus let the teachers keep their coveted whiteboards.

[@jamesgrimwood1285]

Yeah we need our whiteboards, can't write down lists of naughty kids without one ;-) At our place we've got generic whiteboards, and the occasional interactive whiteboard panel (which has the faded black smear from someone forgetting it's not an actual whiteboard you can write on with a marker...) I guess paining walls with whiteboard paint is the modern version of painting a kid's room with blackboard paint.

[@jordanandjennah]

Thanks for the video, i'm starting to get busier and i've been thinking of putting a board up to keep track of jobs. Congratulations on your new shop!!

[@alexismunoz1138]

Ayooo. This is awesome I'll be following this vid to make my wall onto a whiteboard lol

[@rachl009]

How has the dry erase paint held up over the years? I repainted a desk and hutch, removed cork board from the hutch and want to replace it with magnetic dry erase board

[@MakeSomething]

To be honest I never ever write on it. I thought I would but it has not been the case. So yeah, it looks great. 😁

[@rachl009]

@@MakeSomething That's the thing! I think it would be cool/useful to have the back be a whiteboard to draw on, but will I actually use it? Is it worth the $50+ dollars and time to make it or should I just use a piece of free wood? Thanks for the reply :D

[@rachl009]

I ended up getting a non magnetic whiteboard for free! I use it a lot, I'm thinking about maybe putting a piece of sheet metal behind it to make it magnetic, but so far it's fine being not magnetic!

[@jonathandoeman7496]

Interesting paint. Does that paint work on the wood? If so, do you think it would work better primed or just slap it on there?

[@MakeSomething]

I should work. I would definitely prime first!

[@woodtime]

I am excited to see what you think of that polyurethane stone that you are going to install. I distribute and sell that product and many others with my other company here in Canada.

[@RowdyPenguin]

I was mysteriously "drawn" to this video! Great stuff David. Digging the new stone wallpaper backdrop. Classes up the joint.

[@jenniferspears2720]

Great video! Just what I was hoping to find!

[@qingfengwang2404]

Hi, I'd like to know what kind of stapler gun you are using for penetrating the metal sheet...

[@MerwinMusic]

How do you like that desk chair? I want to find a good desk chair that doesn't have arms so I can play guitar in it. I like that style of chair but am weary of buying a chair I have never sat in.

[@MakeSomething]

I love it! Mine is a replica of the classic Eames office chair. It's a design that's been around for decades. If you watch Seth Meyers it's what he sits in during the show as well. I see it everywhere. Comes with arms but you can take them off. I took mine off for the exact same reason.

[@MerwinMusic]

Nice, thanks, I will have to check it out.

[@finallyonethatworks]

Always wanted to paint a wall with this, love the idea of making it magnetic aswell. Is there a reason you have the sheets going below the desk line ? Maybe some cool cable management with magnetic clips?

[@MakeSomething]

They go below the desk line just because I didn't want to cut them. Using magnetic cable management clips is brilliant and I'm totally stealing that idea!!! THANKS!!

[@finallyonethatworks]

Make Something Ill look forward to seeing it

[@StevEOnEShoT]

Hey Dave, is the sheet metal necessary for dry erase paint? - I have a blank spot on the wall behind my work bench; would this work if I just painted directly on concrete?

[@MakeSomething]

+Steve Mravik it should work on any smooth primered surfaces.

[@smilingrin]

The sheet metal is necessary if you want to make it magnetic

[@StevEOnEShoT]

Check. - No need for magnetic; my use is for checklists and reference sketches. - I think I’m going to smooth out the surface with DAP plaster. - I’ll follow up later with how it turns out.

[@DarinBeard]

Very cool idea. I think I want one.

[@adamkreuz9068]

I'm gonna check that out. A lady at work asked me to make a giant wall sized scrabble board. This would be perfect

[@Dathanswick1]

I love the vision for your office.

[@lasivianleandros3558]

Did you have to use more dry erase paint than you showed to coat it?

[@ken1Lane]

You have to be the coolest maker on KZbin.

[@MakeSomething]

😃

[@vauzz66]

The wood you are removing from the wall is really pretty

[@joshm.8439]

Hey brotha, you should make some Make Something wooden magnets and sell them on your site!!!!

[@taylorsherf6597]

I was thinking the same thing! I would definitely buy them!

[@SpeedysWoodshop]

Great idea!!!! I need to do this for my shop

[@InfiniteCraftsman]

Dry erase paint?! This changes everything! Can you mix small batches too for crafts etc..?

[@MakeSomething]

Yes!

[@CatCityDesign]

Love the grateful magnet.

[@JohnMadeit]

I like the idea of a dry erase magnetic wall. ☺ You stone wall back drop looked a bit trippy. 😲

[@matthewserio6077]

My son, Emilio, and I loved it but you should say “Whose in your house?” more. You are doing an awesome job and we love your videos. Thank you for inspiring us. Stay awesome.

[@MakeSomething]

Ha! Will do!

[@nicholasphelps7489]

Awesome project and I TOTALLY dig that music!

[@kevingeorgiades4879]

So cool. I am going to be making some magnetic dry erase boards for calendars soon and this is perfect. Thanks!

[@eianflanagan7767]

You should put lights under the book shelf.

[@adayim3364]

Can you mix Dry Erase paint with a Colour Paint and not have its effect comprised?

[@MakeSomething]

I’m pretty sure you can. Where I used to work we had an orange dry erase wall

[@DrewLytle]

Great looking place! Neat idea to put the whiteboard on metal and then hang it. Might do that for my room since I'm renting and can't paint! Is it going to be comfortable to write on that whiteboard if you have to reach across your desk and also be sitting, though? Seems like you could make that other side wall into a whiteboard and it would have been a more comfortable place to write. It would also be right near the door so you're reminded of things when walking out. Just a thought! Thanks for the video!

[@samsteffen4779]

That rock wall looks great!!

[@muaythai2005]

I just put two and two together with your shop video- congrats on a new house! I just bought a house and have had to do serious work to it, your videos have been extremely helpful, thanks for all the work on them.

[@laurelannschenkoske795]

Great video. How's it working out now, 2 yrs later? How well does it erase?

[@MakeSomething]

Well, truth is I don’t use it. I never write on it. 😕

[@rgmtb]

Has the paint scratched off yet?

[@WayWoodworking]

The new shop looks great

[@camreynolds7780]

I'm loving the new stone wall

[@brianmarcum4829]

Nice!

[@ThePointstheif88]

Always think it's interesting how you put sponsors into the video that isn't tools or something normal for a work shop. I hope meundies sponsors you for a video. Haha. Can't wait for the shop to be finished.

[@MakeSomething]

+iron and wood haha!

[@esterreyes2851]

How did this workout long term? I want to do this in my classroom

[@meganrodriguez1086]

By far the best dry erase board tutorial I've found so far! I'm wanting to cover my entire wall (cheaply) with a dry erase board for the fall semester, this is awesome! You're a life saver! Definitely subscribing!

[@meganrodriguez1086]

Also, nice call on keeping the bookshelves!

[@MakeSomething]

Thanks! Welcome aboard!

[@TheHandystanley]

Really was blessed with the "What I am Grateful sticker!!" Looking forward to see your room build out! Holding back on my 2 cents...Loved the music.

[@CC_farm]

Wearing socks in the shop is going to be the next big thing in Making! Love the videos and the podcast.

[@glong12]

Office plans sound awesome. Like the wall. Also the “rock” wall behind the workbench looks great too. Keep up the great work.

[@JoDidntHearYou]

LOVE THIS! Definitely adding this to my dream office ideas. Ugh, way too many ideas! For a 9’x10’ room, idk how I’m going to narrow all these awesome ideas down 😭 Thanks for this awesome video!

[@Foleywoodworking]

I see you shot the Patreon shout outs in then new shop. Are you getting close to moving all your tools into the new shop? Any ETA on the next shop update?

[@MakeSomething]

Started moving in this week!

[@mwrcrft]

Great video with tips on the dry erase board. We are moving back to the 419 after living in the 615 for the last 20 plus years. The better half is so excited to get away from the madness the 615 has become and back to family and the slower pace of the 419.

[@MakeSomething]

Thanks! Welcome back to the area!

[@DavidPlass]

Hey, I found you via the Making It Podcast. I like how you explain what you're doing and how (e.g., with the metal saw blades). Rock on!

[@MakeSomething]

Thanks! Welcome aboard!

[@Tramz14]

I enjoyed your Christmas present idea video! Watch it now and again to get ideas. Love to see a sequel. Love the new casa

[@Manaray5000]

Hey, watching this in 2021 how well has that coating lasted since?

[@MakeSomething]

Coating is still fine but I never ended up writing on it.

[@Manaray5000]

@@MakeSomething Awesome thanks for the reply!

[@nesleyheiney3111]

I promise I’m not trolling right now lol. The grounding isn’t the issue the issue is the metal being conductive and being in contact or almost in contact with the lug screws on the side of the outlet. It’s an easy fix though just take the outlet out and wrap it in electrical tape. Every outlet I install I do that with for safety. I love your stuff, videos and podcast. This is in no way a trolling statement. I just don’t want to see you get electrified lol.

[@MakeSomething]

+Nesley Heiney right on, thanks! Definitely not trolling!

[@skylarraymond1961]

I used to have a door with a chalk board on one side can you try to make it because I would like to know how to make it! Thank you!!

[@ryanhendricks7304]

Glad to have your videos back! Great build, time to use this for my classroom.

[@Sonal_Mobile]

I make magnets too! I really like this project because you can make a dry-erase board that fits the space you have exactly. Excited about your upcoming projects too :)