Neat backsplash idea

[Jenny W.]

I just installed a backsplash in my Scamp. I wanted stainless steel, but also wanted it to be magnetic so I can display pictures as I travel. So I bought masonite and primed it with Rustoleum's magnetic primer. I used a small foam roller and applied about 5 coats. Then I used Krylon's metallic silver paint for the top coat. I then used a wire brush - so it gave it the look of brushed aluminum. I attached it to the wall with Liquid Nails construction adhesive. Wal-lah!
I have noticed that regular magnets don't really work, but the super strong ones that look like watch batteries are perfect.

[Donna D.]

Looks nice! I need to put something in my Scamp on that wall, I'll e sure to add this to my "possibilities" file

[GordM]

Looks really good. I might try something like that on my icebox front. That way the kids (3 year old and 1 year old) can play with their magnetic fridge toys. Hmm, this is a really great idea actually!

The ice box front is wood, very thin veneer actually. I wonder how well it will take to the magnetic primer?

[Rarebird]

HI,
Last year I painted my ice box front. I think mine was fake wood, and awful. I thought of the magnetic paint, but decided on the chalkboard paint so my daughter could get creative. I think I primed it (because I prime everything just to be sure), and the chaulk board paint was easy and looks nice - flat black. You can also use the magnetic paint first, then the chaulk board paint and have it both ways!
I've been thinking of using the leftover chaulk board paint on the panels of our tiny TINY powder room door at home where one can sit, and draw, at the same time!
Marjie

[GordM]

Yes, my wife mentioned the chalk board paint on top of that too. I'm definitely going to try this. I will let you know how it turns out.

[Vivian]

Isn't stainless steel already magnetic? Aluminum is not.

[GordM]

I don't believe stainless steel is. Magnets don't stick to cutlery at least.

[Vivian]

I don't believe stainless steel is. Magnets don't stick to cutlery at least.

My stainless steel knives stick to a magnetic strip.

[Ricky 4]

What a neat idea-that is a wasted area because nothing sticks to it except for double sided tape and it leaves a mess when you change the items stuck there. I have lots of neat magnets but no where to display them. I am going to check into this!
THANKS, Jenny

Mrs. C

[Raya]

Whether stainless steel is or is not magnetic depends on the type/grade.

From what I know, typically it is not magnetic, but sometimes it is.

Raya

[GordM]

For some reason I didn't think they did, but I guess they do! Maybe I'm using lead cutlery!

[Raya]

For boating gear, people often bring a magnet along when shopping. We prefer it not to stick!

[Jenny W.]

The stainless steel sheeting is typically not magnetic.
Cost and constructability were also the other major reasons why I did what I did. I used a friend's table saw to cut the masonite. I didn't even want to attempt to cut stainless by myself & would have to buy additional tools to do so. Also, stainless steel is more expensive. A 4'x4' piece of masonite was about $6. The magnetic paint was $20 & the metallic spray paint was $6. So that's my story & I'm stickin' to it!

[Sandra L]

Great idea!

[ERIC B.]

Isn't stainless steel already magnetic? Aluminum is not.

Series 300 stainless...No

Series 400 stainless...Yes

At least that's what I was taught by a Machinist friend.

[danneva]

There are magnetic stainless steels. There are several families of stainless steel with different physical properties. A basic stainless steel has a ‘ferritic’ structure and is magnetic. These are formed from the addition of chromium and can be hardened through the addition of carbon (making them ‘martensitic’) and are often used in cutlery. However, the most common stainless steels are ‘austenitic’ – these have higher chromium content and nickel is also added. It is the nickel which modifies the physical structure of the steel and makes it non-magnetic.