Once upon a time I purchased the Spontan Magnetic Board from IKEA. Why? I don’t know other than that when I step into IKEA, I suddenly feel the urge to purchase lots of things that I have no need for.
I ultimately decided to incorporate it into my son’s “vintage aviation bedroom.” To add to the theme, I customized the magnetic board, and am happy to share this Painted IKEA Spontan Magnetic Board with you! (2021 UPDATE: IKEA magnetic boards are now sold as Svensas Memo Boards).
Supplies Needed to Customize an IKEA Magnet Board
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- Electronic cutting machine (I LOVE my Cricut Joy) *See the tutorial below if you don’t have or don’t want a cutting machine! You can still do this!
- Chalk paint in color(s) of your choice
- Varnish
- Paint Brush
How to Paint an IKEA Spontan or IKEA Svensas
To get this look, I cut airplane stencils on my cutting machine. (At the time I had a Silhouette Portrait – now I use a Cricut Joy).
If you don’t have an electronic cutting machine, you could easily print clip art from your computer and trace the design onto contact paper to make a sticky stencil, or use stickers in the size and shape you desire.
Once my stencils were ready, I placed them onto the IKEA Spontan board.
Next, I used a small foam roller to apply two coats of chalk paint over the entire board – including over the contact paper stencils.
I used DecoArt’s Americana Decor Chalky Finish paint in white. Again, you can pick any color you like! (Don’t you think the washing machine is the PERFECT work surface?)
Once the paint was totally dry, I removed my contact paper stencils to reveal the vintage airplane design! I was SO happy to see that they turned out well!
I then painted a coat of varnish over the entire magnet board just to make sure the finish stayed on well.
Since I will be using magnets on there and rotating my son’s artwork, I wanted to make sure the finish is durable.
This was a fun project because I had no idea if it would actually turn out well. I love that I finally used my random IKEA purchase, and my son is pumped to have a place to display his artwork from school!
Next up in the room is painting the bookshelf to match the gray chalk painted dresser that I finished late last year. I can’t wait to get the room finished!
– Bre
Seana Turner says
Very cute, Bre. This could be perfect in so many spaces.. kids room, kitchen, entryway. I love IKEA hacks!! And I never would have thought of the stencils, but they really add a personal touch. You could also stencil a border to match a room’s decor. Another terrific project:)
Bre says
Hi, Seana! THANK you! Yes these magnet boards could go ANYWHERE and you could really do anything with them!! I love all of your ideas! Thanks for the sweet note. 🙂
Chloe Crabtree says
This is so adorable and I love how you also found magnets that look like the paint jobs on vintage airplanes! I am sure your son will enjoy displaying his favorite things up there! I am the same as you, once I get into an IKEA, I can never seem to leave without buying something, unfortunately, usually more than ONE something!
Bre says
Hi, Chloe! Thank you!! I actually made those magnets – they’re just cardstock cut out and glued together to look like a WWII plane decal – super EASY! I think us IKEA fanatics should start a support group, what do you think? Thanks for your nice note!! 🙂
Laurie says
You did an amazing job on this and it is such a great idea!
Bre says
Laurie, you are too kind. 🙂 Thanks for being so sweet!
Theresa Davis says
Love this, I️ was looking for a solution to handing toddler art and art supplies. This was from a couple out years ago, and I’m curios how the paint has held up? I’m wanting my toddler to have access to it for hanging pic and alphabet letters, but looking for an opinion if it will hold up to higher traffic 🙂
Theresa
Sorry for the weird question marks- my phone’s operating system needs an update.
Bre says
Hi, Theresa – HAHAH those question marks – they’re everywhere! Anyway, to answer your question, the paint has held up amazingly well! Not a single scratch – seriously. The magnet board gets much more use now that my son is a little older and has more “treasures” and artwork to display, so I can honestly say that the chalk paint + varnish combo worked great! Good luck with your project!
JustCurious says
I just came across your post, 7 years later! I was wondering how well the varnish and paint held up? I have been wanting to buy the svensas board for my girl’s bedrooms but the white will not blend in with the decor, so I want to paint them. Any insight is appreciated!
Thanks 😊
Bre says
Hello! It held up AWESOME! Seriously, no scratching or chipping at all. I tossed the board when we moved last year and my son had outgrown the theme of the room, but it was in perfect condition. I think the varnish is key – other sealers probably won’t protect it as well. Good luck with your project!