Q: I have an office nook in my kitchen that I would love to do some type of magnetic backsplash but I want it covered in fabric. Any ideas on what I could use? I have heard that chalkboard paint is not strong enough to hold things up, so that's not an option. I need something magnetic and strong enough to hold through the fabric. Any ideas?
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Try some sheet metal like this. You have them cut it into 2 24x18 sheets to get the right size. And hang them those little plastic mirror clips.
metal cookie sheet?
I would glue a magnetic sheet with adhesive to a cork board and cover it in fabric (you can staple or pin the fabric to the back of the cork board).
They sell magnetic sheets here: http://www.custom-magnets.com/Adhesive_magnet_rolls.htm
I believe Staples and the like carry "printable magnets" which are just sheets of magnetic material covered with paper that you're meant to feed through your home printer, and then cut out the shapes from. Easy enough to just cover that in fabric, I would guess.
I saw some 'magnetic cork board' stuff at a discount store the other week.
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I believe that Home Depot etc sell pieces of galvanized steel for repairs. With strong enough magnets, you could probably lightly pad it with felt under the fabric. I'm hesitant to put non-launderable fabric in any touchable area of a kitchen... so if this was my project I would probably go the extra mile and make the fabric cover attached with velcro, so removable and washable. Don't forget to pre-shrink!
Nickety - Excellent suggestion!!!
The issue isn't so much the backing as it is the magnets. Most magnets are too flimsy to hold up more than a single sheet of paper. Michael's sells simple black round magnets that will get the job done; if you want something more decorative, you can DIY to your heart's content.
I 2nd diane streicher . The issue isnt the magnetic paint -- its poor quality magnets. I've used magnetic paint and it worked just fine
This link shows how to make a magnetic bulleting board covered in fabric - it seems pretty straightforward at first glance. http://savingthefamilymoney.com/homemade-magnetic-fabric-bulletin-board-this-was-so-easy/
I haven't tried it myself but it looks easy to do.
If you are using fabric I would not use anything too heavy - calico, quilting cotton, etc. And you do need to use the "super magnets" as regular ones won't hold through fabric.
If you are concerned about cleaning it, there is a product you can buy that irons on any fabric that makes it a laminated fabric - comes in both gloss and matte finishes - at amazon.com or your local fabric store (http://www.amazon.com/Thermoweb-Heatn-Iron--Vinyl-Yards/dp/B0011E0R84/ref=sr_1_1?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1310729348&sr=1-1)
Magnetic paint works, under fabric, I used two coats of the magnetic paint + a light/medium weight linen (it won't work through heavy fabric) + strong magnets (key).
With curious cat around I can't use pushpins or ribbons and the magnets have to be large enough for them not to swallow.
I saw somethign very similar at the parade of homes tour near our home town. It looked really neat.
Try this how-to.
http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2009/03/diy-chic-fabric-covered-magnetic-board/