Converting a whiteboard into a magnetic chalkboard

[kkgg11]

Hi, 

I'm converting a magnetic whiteboard (1550mm x 1210mm) into a magnetic chalkboard for the kids room. I'd love to know what products you would recommend getting, how many coats worth etc. 

Thanks

[EricL]

Hello @kkgg11 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about converting your whiteboard.

I'm sorry but the store no longer carries magnetic chalkboard paint. This would have been the most common recommendation to turn your board magnetic. However, if you were to compare the cost of a midsized magnetic whiteboard it is actually more affordable than some of the magnetic paints in the market.  

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[kkgg11]

Thanks for the message. As the whiteboard is already magnetic, couldn’t I just use your regular chalkboard paint? Surely it would still continue to be magnetic? 

[EricL]

Hello @kkgg11 

Thank you for the clarification, it's good to know that the whiteboard is already magnetic. This means that you can use ordinary chalkboard paint to turn it into a magnetic chalkboard. Please note that chalkboard paint is often used on timber materials which are porous and allows the chalkboard paint to be absorbed properly. I therefore can't make any guarantees how long the chalkboard paint will stay attached to the surface of the whiteboard. 

My best advice is to wash the surface with soap and water to remove all the possible grease and oil contaminants. Once the board is dry, I propose using Selleys Sugar Soap Wall Cleaning Wipes - 25 Pack to prep the surface one last time before painting it. I recommend looking at the Chalkboard paint brands at the store and see which one suits your needs.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[kkgg11]

Wonderful. Thanks. Presumably I should use a primer before the chalkboard paint. Which one exactly would you recommend ? 

[EricL]

Hi @kkgg11 

I suggest using Dulux 1L PRECISION White Maximum Strength Adhesion Primer or similar. This is a versatile primer and can be applied to shiny or glossy surfaces. 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric