Create a magnetic wall and hang photos with magnets
You can hang photos, cards and posters magnetically on any steel surface, such as a refrigerator, steel cabinet or whiteboard. Stick a piece of self-adhesive magnetic strip to the back, or use a small neodymium magnet on the front. Is your wall not made of steel? Make it magnetic first with magnetic paint. This way you can create a photo wall or notice board without drilling any holes.
Which solution is right for your surface?
| Surface | How to hang your photos |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator, steel cabinet, steel door, whiteboard | Magnetic strip on the back of the photo, or a small disc magnet or ball magnet on the front |
| Normal wall (plasterboard, stone, wood) | Apply magnetic paint first, then hang with neodymium magnets |
| Glass, aluminium, plastic, most types of stainless steel | No magnet will stick directly to this; see which metals are magnetic? |
Hanging photos with magnetic strip
A magnetic strip is a thin, flexible and self-adhesive strip made of neodymium. Cut off a piece, stick it to the back of your photo or card and hang it against steel. This keeps the front completely clear and the magnet invisible. For a standard photo, a narrow strip of 10 mm or 15 mm wide is usually enough; for a larger poster or a card on cardboard, choose 20 mm and stick several pieces across the back.
Note: do not stick loose magnets onto a magnetic strip. This weakens the strip. The strip should be attached to the object you are hanging, and stick to the steel surface.
Creating a magnetic wall with magnetic paint
Magnetic paint contains fine iron particles. Once dry, magnets stick to the painted wall, allowing you to create a photo wall, notice board or planning board without drilling any holes.
- Clean the wall, making sure it is dry and free from grease.
- Apply the magnetic paint according to the instructions on the can. The more coats, the more iron in the wall and the better the magnets will stick.
- Allow the paint to dry thoroughly. If you want a different colour, you can apply regular wall paint over it afterwards; however, each extra layer will slightly increase the distance to the iron.
- Test the magnets you intend to use before decorating the entire wall.
Which magnets work on a magnetic wall?
A painted wall contains much less steel than a refrigerator door. Standard weak refrigerator magnets therefore often do not stick well. Neodymium magnets are much stronger and work best here. For a photo or card, a small disc magnet of, for example, Ø8 to Ø12 mm is usually sufficient, or a ball magnet that is easy to remove. For something heavier, such as a stack of paper or a small plate, choose a larger size or multiple magnets. Always test first: how well a magnet holds depends heavily on the thickness of the paint layer.
Frequently asked questions
Do magnets damage my photos?
No. Magnets have no effect on paper photos. Keep strong magnets away from bank cards and electronics.
Can I remove a magnetic strip from a photo?
The adhesive layer bonds strongly and permanently. For a photo you want to keep, it is better to use a magnet on the front, or stick the strip to a piece of cardboard that you can clamp behind the photo.
Are small magnets safe in the home?
Small neodymium magnets should be kept out of reach of children and pets, as they can be swallowed. Read more in magnets, children and pets.
More ideas for the home can be found in Magnets in the home: 10 handy applications. Not sure which magnet you need? Use the Magnet Advisor or contact us.
