Magnetic plaster

An inventive material that expands the possibilities for decorating a home or office is magnetic plaster. Because of the metal particles it contains, surfaces can hold magnets once they are applied. This makes regular walls into interactive areas that are ideal for showcasing notes, pictures, or even small tools.

Choosing magnetic plaster can be a clever and useful decision that combines style and utility. It has additional advantages that can completely change any room, and it is simple to apply and functions just like ordinary plaster.

Magnetic plaster offers a special way to achieve your goals, whether you’re trying to make a kid’s room more enjoyable or make a workspace more functional. Because of its adaptability, it’s a fantastic choice for modern interiors because it gives you more freedom in how you utilize your walls.

What is magnetic plaster

Plaster compositions were given a new characteristic when metal powder was added: they began to attract and hold magnets. Paint, thin-layer decorative plaster, or wallpaper are applied over a base layer made of magnetic mixtures. You can move the magnets along the surface without damaging the wall at the same time.

Since magnetic compositions are not as common yet, the majority of plasters that are sold are those made by the Dutch company MagPaint Plaster. An aqueous dispersion of synthetic resins containing metal particles and fine-grained filler is called MagnetPlaster. The mixture is offered pre-made and diluted with water.

British Gypsum’s Magnetic Plaster, a gypsum composition that has been altered and contains metal powder, might also soon be available in the nation. The magnetic plaster coating is gray in color and slightly rougher than regular gypsum plaster, but it is just as strong. It is used on any kind of level surface, including plasterboard. The mixture is offered for sale as a dry mix.

The English company SmarterSurfaces manufactures the Smart Magnetic gypsum magnetic composition. Up to 67% of it is made of magnetite. This makes it possible to use magnets to hold heavier objects on the wall. The piece is prepared for usage.

Other nations, like Hungary, Poland, and China, also produce synthetic magnetic compositions using their recipe.

Based on: a novel variety of plaster mix is created.

• gypsum;
• aqueous dispersion of synthetic resins.

Magnetic coatings have no effect on how computers, mobile phones, pacemakers, or Wi-Fi work. Since they are not magnetized, they are just as safe as regular plasters. They are utilized in children’s rooms as well as offices and public areas.

Characteristics and application conditions

Without any solvents, magnetic plaster (henceforth MS) is diluted with water.

Technical specifications for the artificial mixture:

• solution density – 2.47 g / ml or 2470 kg / m3;
• storage of the finished composition up to 18 months;
• use only internally;
• diluted with water;
• matte surface;
• strength gain – 24 hours;
• layer thickness 0.1-0.15 cm;
• the composition is not electrically conductive;
• there are no volatile organic substances in the composition;
• paint application is possible after 12 hours.

Benefits of magnetic wall plaster:

• vapor permeability;
• fire resistance;
• environmental friendliness;
• plasticity;
• elasticity (for polymer compositions);
• shrinkage-free (for gypsum mixtures);
• no shrinkage cracks;
• good adhesion;
• quick drying and strength gain (can be used 24 hours after application);
• durability (more than 10 years).

The drawbacks of magnetic mixes

• not tinted;
• require a flat base;
• very expensive;
• require strict adherence to instructions.

Above +10 oC, below +35 oC (ideally 16–26 degrees), air temperature and treated surface; air humidity – no more than 80%. It is forbidden to use drafts, fans, or heaters, but the space must have adequate ventilation.

The absence of layers of paint or varnish as a finishing coat is permitted with gypsum magnetic plaster. When dry, the almost coal color’s raw surface fades and turns gray. The thickness of the coating (minimum 3 mm, maximum 6 mm) affects the force of attraction. There’s no need to use gloss. On a glossy surface, magnets with a heavy picture will slide.

It is necessary to wear protective gear, gloves, and eyewear when working with MS. Use respirators if there is no ventilation in the room. The room is smoke-free. Wash your hands both during breaks and after work.

Tools for work

What you’ll need to plaster a wall is:

• spatula (two sizes – wide, narrow);
• falcon (for professionals);
• trowel;
• mixer;
• sandpaper;
• roller;
• brush;
• tape measure;
• level;
• masking tape;
• measuring cup;
• rags.

Stainless steel trowels and spatulas with rounded edges are the better option. You will also require a film to cover the furniture and floor while the work is being done.

Preparing the walls

Since magnetic plaster is a finishing plaster, its base needs to be level, porous-free, and incapable of sucking moisture out of the mixture. The wall covering needs to be long-lasting and free of paint residue, peeling spots, whitewash, and wallpaper. Grease, rust, and mold stains are not acceptable on the base. Special tools are used to remove stains. Metal items are taken out. Masking tape is used to seal switches and sockets.

Prior to applying MS to drywall, the base must be covered with a deep penetration primer, the joints and screw recesses must be plastered, putty must be dried, and a layer of acrylic waterproof primer with quartz filler must be applied.

Additionally, other bases are leveled and repaired. After dusting, the surface is primed. Walls are then allowed to dry.

The wall is marked prior to applying MS (typically, only a portion of the wall is covered with a magnetic composition). To prevent the mixture from getting on other areas, a strip of masking tape is glued around the outside of the plastered area.

Step-by-step application of magnetic plaster

Plastering has to wait until the composition is ready. Stir the Dutch ready-mix by hand or with a low-speed mixer after opening the package. The composition’s structure may be disturbed by the blades’ rapid rotation. Add water (no more than 3%) when thickening.

Transfer the gypsum mixture into a container with 8 liters of cold water for every 12.5 kg bag. Gently mix or use a mixer, working slowly. Stir it once more after ten minutes of resting. Never dilute in a container that even slightly contains the leftovers of the prior solution. A fresh batch may settle faster than expected and unexpectedly.

There are differences in the application technique for gypsum and polymer MS.

MagnetPlaster, a polymer, in use:

1. Apply a 1-1.5 mm layer of magnetic solution with a spatula (trowel). The application technique is similar to applying thin-layer decorative plaster. A portion of the solution is applied to the trowel with a narrow spatula. With the first movement, holding the trowel at an acute angle to the surface, transfer the solution to the base. Application technique – wet-dry (start the stroke on the already applied solution, finish on the uncoated base). The stroke is leveled with the second (return) movement.
2. At 20 o C – this is the “touch-free” drying time – 4 hours. The coating is given 12 hours to dry before the next step.
3. Apply the finishing layer of 1 mm.
4. Allow drying time of 24 hours.
5. Use a wide spatula or 120-140 sandpaper to remove pellets, remove traces of the spatula.
6. Wipe the plastered surface with a clean dry cloth. The coating is ready for painting or wallpapering.

Gypsum Magnetic Plaster Application:

1. Apply the first layer of 2–3 mm with a trowel or spatula, doing the same as described above. After 10-15 minutes, the surface can be leveled with a spatula.
2. Let the solution set (approximately 40 minutes). Use the time to wash the container in which the solution was. The container must be clean. Particles of the old solution become crystallization centers or setting catalysts for the new one.
3. Mix a new batch of magnetic plaster.
4. Apply 1-2 mm of the second layer. Smooth the solution with a damp tool without putting it off for later. Excessive polishing with water is not necessary.
5. Let the coating dry without touching it for 24 hours. This is necessary to obtain a durable, even coating.

Because of the base’s ability to absorb moisture, the finish’s drying time may be shortened in warm weather and prolonged in cold weather.

Wipe the spatula’s surface more frequently with a damp cloth when handling gypsum mixtures to prevent the development of dry grains that leave grooves.

See also: Myths surrounding soundproofing plaster: application techniques with and without extra sound insulation

Use of the pre-made Smart Magnetic gypsum magnetic mixture:

1. After opening the bucket, stir the composition.
2. Using a rubber or steel (stainless steel) spatula, apply the paste with a 1.2 mm layer. Non-professionals can use a short-haired roller for application. Roll the surface in two directions.
3. Wait about an hour until the surface partially dries. Smooth the surface of the layer with a spatula.
4. Allow the layer to harden for at least 6 hours before applying the next layer.
5. Apply layer No. 2 in the same way as in step 2. Do not use a roller – work with a spatula.
6. Smooth the surface in the same way as in step 3. For better smoothing, you can wet the spatula.
7. Check the quality of the surface after 6 hours. If it is not smooth enough, you can apply another thin layer with a spatula.
8. Allow it to dry and gain strength for 24 hours.
9. If necessary, sand the surface with sandpaper.

Magnetic plaster consumption

The manufacturer’s stated MS consumption is an estimate. The consumption varies according to the level of skill of the plasterers and the quality of the prepared surface. One bag of dry mix is required for 5.1 square meters of gypsum MS ThistlePro Magnetic in order to produce a 3 mm layer. 2.5 kg are needed for a synthetic ready-made mixture applied in a layer of 1 mm per square meter. Use of premade Smart Magnetic gypsum mixture: 2 kg per square meter

A 20% or so reserve should be made before purchasing plaster.

A novel way to transform ordinary walls into interactive, useful areas is through the use of magnetic plaster. It fosters creativity and practicality whether in a classroom, office, or residence.

Although applying magnetic plaster is simple, getting a smooth, even surface requires using the right preparation and application methods. After it’s set, the wall provides an excellent foundation for magnets without sacrificing style.

All things considered, magnetic plaster is a contemporary invention that blends form and function, making it a flexible choice for any area. For anyone wishing to improve the usability of their walls, it’s a useful upgrade.

Magnets can adhere to the surface of magnetic plaster, a multipurpose wall finish that contains iron particles. It works well for designing interactive areas where you can quickly add notes, images, or decorations, such as kid’s rooms, offices, or kitchens. Plaster is suitable for the majority of walls and provides a stylish, practical substitute for conventional finishes without compromising on longevity or design.

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