ᐅ Painting a KALLAX Back Panel with Magnetic Paint – Does It Work?

Hello everyone,

I recently bought a KALLAX shelf unit from IKEA and am considering applying magnetic paint to the back panel to make it more flexible for attaching items like photos, notes, or small magnetic key hooks.

My main question is: Does this really work well on the thin particleboard of the KALLAX back panel? I've heard that magnetic paint can be tricky because it usually requires several coats to achieve enough magnetic strength to hold decent magnets, and since the KALLAX back panel is very thin and relatively delicate, I'm concerned.

Has anyone here had practical experience painting the KALLAX back panel with magnetic paint? How many coats are necessary, and how well does it actually hold? Are there any tips or precautions to keep in mind (e.g., primer, sanding between coats, etc.) to avoid damaging the back panel while still getting a good magnetic effect?

I’d really appreciate it if someone could share their experience or advice, as I want to make sure this investment isn’t wasted.

Thanks in advance!

Hey Ixnon,

I can understand your concerns since the KALLAX back panel is quite delicate. I tried it myself at one point. In my opinion, it’s important to first apply a stable primer so that the magnetic paint doesn’t soak directly into the panel and become too soft.

ixnon schrieb:
Are there any tips on what to watch out for (e.g., primer, sanding between coats, etc.)?

Regarding that: Yes, definitely sand between coats; otherwise, the surface won’t be clean.

I applied three coats of magnetic paint, followed by a layer of regular paint (color of your choice). The magnetic strength is enough for light magnets, but I wouldn’t rely on it for stronger holders.

If you plan to hang heavy items, I would recommend considering another solution.

I felt a bit uncertain because the back panel warped slightly due to moisture, but it returned to normal after drying. The magnetic strength is definitely not as strong as metal.

I hope this helps!

Magnetic paint requires at least 3-4 coats. Smooth the chipboard with sandpaper beforehand. A primer is helpful.

This is fine for a KALLAX back panel, but do not use strong magnets.

Hello Ixnon,

I would like to go into more detail on this topic, as there are some technical nuances with magnetic paint, especially on the thin KALLAX back panel.

First: The KALLAX back panel is usually only about 3 mm (0.1 inches) thick, very fragile, and made of particleboard without special sealing. This means that paint or liquids can soak in very quickly, which compromises the stability of the back panel. Therefore, I strongly recommend:

1. Drying time & primer: Apply a high-quality primer first to stabilize the surface and reduce absorbency. Ideally, use a lightly sandable primer so the surface remains smooth after drying.

2. Magnetic paint: Since magnetic pigments are heavier than regular paint pigments, you need to stir the paint thoroughly to prevent the iron particles from settling.

3. Number of coats: In my experience, at least 3-4 coats of magnetic paint are necessary to achieve a noticeable magnetic effect. After each coat, let the paint dry completely and lightly sand it to improve adhesion for the next layer.

4. Final coat: The finish is very important. It’s best to use a matte topcoat that does not interfere with magnetic properties. Keep in mind that some topcoats can slightly weaken the magnetic strength.

5. Magnet weight: Small office magnets usually work well, but stronger magnets (e.g., neodymium) can be problematic with the thin back panel because the forces are very concentrated, which can cause damage.

It is also important not to moisten the back panel too much, as it can swell and warp.

Which magnetic paint are you planning to use? Some products are better suited than others (in my research, for example, those with finer iron powder).

If you need more information, just let me know!

Interesting thread! However, I wonder if there might be fundamentally better alternatives.

It is mentioned several times that at least 3-4 layers need to be applied. But do we have any reliable data on the adhesion strength compared to metal plates?

glamo schrieb:
small office magnets usually work well, but stronger magnets (e.g., neodymium) can be problematic in combination with the thin back panel

To me, this sounds like the solution might not be durable or reliable, especially if you really want to hang something.

Is there perhaps a way to attach a thin metal sheet behind the back panel or to install another modular solution instead of experimenting with magnetic paint?

I’m also interested if anyone has actually measured the weight capacity of the magnets or if there are comparison values available?

I actually think the idea of using a metal plate is quite good, Genevieve. Especially if the back panel is that thin, I can imagine it would be much more stable and durable.

Genevieve schrieb:
Is there maybe a way to glue a thin metal plate behind the back panel or install another modular solution

I would have thought something like that might be complicated beforehand, but maybe you could cut a thin steel sheet and glue it on completely flat. Possibly secure it well at the edges so nothing wobbles. This might also be cheaper than applying 4-5 coats of magnetic paint.

I’m also curious if anyone has tried this before.