DIY Life

Got no tools? Need somewhere to hang your photos, notes, calendar, etc.? Not allowed or unwilling to put holes in your wall with push pins? Don't fret because I've got a fast, slick way to make your own magnetic, wall-mounted bulletin board using no tools!

Ingredients:

- Thin sheet steel purchased from the local home center's duct work aisle (for larger pieces) or roofing aisle (Ask for tin shingles- they are not actually tin nor are they shingles, but then a monkey wrench has nothing to do with fixing simians either).

- Spray adhesive- Choose wisely here. 3M makes 3 commonly stocked strengths 45, 77, and 90. 45 is the lightest strength and the best chance of being able to be pulled off the wall with little to no damage. Use 90 and removal will require a wrecking ball.

-Spray paint- Get a primer for metal and a top coat. I recommend using product labeled as "appliance" enamel. This stuff can take a beating without showing it, but the colors are limited. Choose which ever color you need/ want, but make sure it is a semi gloss or hi gloss as the finish on these is more durable than matte finishes.

- Molding- This is an optional extra, but can really put a polish to the project.

The first thing to do is CLEAN the steel. Most likely it will have some residue from shipping or manufacturing. You can use a thinner or any product that specifies removal of oily residues.

After cleaning and drying you MUST prime it on both sides. If you don't prime it you will regret it later when the paint pops or peels off. Follow the direction on the can. (yes I actually recommended reading the instructions... I blame bad parenting) Don't forget to prime your moldings as well.

Dry primer means that you are ready to paint it!! The primer is designed to grab onto whatever is applied to it, and you will get better results from the spray adhesive if you don't paint the back side; so only paint one side plus any moldings you will be using, but paint it with two coats for durability's sake! Go crazy with color! Tap into that whole right brain thing! Release your inner Vincent van Gough! (Just keep all sharp objects away from your ears!)

After the paint dries, mask off the area of the wall/ door/ ceiling that will receive the board. Apply spray adhesive to ALL PIECES including the back of the board, the area where it will be hung, and any moldings you will be using. Beware of over-spray!!! No one wants a sticky wall or floor!

After the adhesive starts to set (Again , read the back of the can to find out how many minutes to wait) stick the board and the optional molding to the wall and tape in place. This is essential to make sure there is no slippage.

Wait for it to set overnight, and then congratulate yourself on a job well done and tool free. Now feel free to stick stuff to it with abandon!