Install Your Own Magnetic Metallic Backsplash a #LowesCreator Idea
Last week I shared with you some of the changes I made when Woman’s Day announced they were sending a photographer to shoot my garage. The back wall of my workbench was rough plywood, which results in sawdust particles attaching to it like velcro. I needed a sleeker and more industrial solution. But, I didn’t want to spend a lot of money (because this is the garage after all!)
I liked the idea of being able to pin things onto the back wall, so I thought a magnetic board would be the perfect backsplash.Let me tell you my frugal secret source for sheet metal: You can buy sheets of thin magnetic metal in the duct work aisle at Lowe’s!
These flat metal sheets are only $9.34 and are easy to cut with tin snips. Just bring a magnet with you to double check that they are magnetic because I’ve heard that some sources are not.
Here are the materials you will need to install a magnetic sheet metal backsplash:
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- Ductwork flat metal sheet
- Tin snips
- Gloves
- Drill
- Drill bits (that can go through metal)
- Pencil
- Ruler
- Sheet metal screws (self-drilling)
- Hammer
- Painter’s tape
- Optional: Prime & Chrome spray paint for outlet covers
Instructions:
Measure the height and width of the backsplash area.
Transfer the measurements onto the flat metal sheets and cut with tin snips. Be sure to wear your gloves to protect your hands from the sharp metal edges.
Test fit the cut panel. Make any adjustments to the sheet as needed.
Measure the location of any outlets or light switches and transfer the location onto the cut sheet metal.
Alternatively, you could rub a little paint or lipstick onto the outlet and press your sheet onto the outlet (more details on marking an outlet location can be found in this post.)
Use a drill and large drill bit to cut holes in the sheet metal where the outlet box will peek through. (Sidenote: I tried to use my larger spade bits, but the metal rendered them useless. If anyone has a better solution, I’m all ears.)
Insert the tin snips into the holes and cut from hole to hole.
This was definitely not the easiest task. As you can tell, the edges of the metal got bent. I hammered them flat again with a hammer.
Hold the sheet metal up against the wall. If you don’t have a helper around, use some painter’s tape as an extra hand.
Take a good look at the sheet metal and the wires in the outlet. There should be some space between the sheet metal and the wiring. If you need to make some adjustments, trim a little more off the metal. Or turn the power off, and tuck any exposed wires back into the box so there is no way it can touch the sheet metal and create an electrocution hazard.
Drive the sheet metal screws (I used self-drilling hex washer screws) into the sheet metal at all four corners.
Add a few more screws at the top and bottom of the sheet metal.
Butt additional panels up to each other to complete the backsplash.
To make matching outlet covers, prime and spray them with chrome paint.
Add the outlet covers back onto the outlets.
Tack up some fun things on your magnetic backsplash using strong magnets. Are you in love with the industrial sheet metal look?
The new backsplash is so much easier to keep clean! And I like being able to tack things on the wall.
Extra paint chips and color palettes add some much needed color to the otherwise all white cabinets.
I also added some small conduit hooks and threaded a roll of white paper onto a rod. This is now a backdrop when I’m photographing projects in the garage.
I hope this tutorial helps you add your own metal backsplash somewhere. I think it would be equally fun in a craft room or a shed.
Have a great week! I’m headed to Haven on Wednesday and hope to see some of you other home bloggers there.
Disclosure: I have partnered with Lowe’s as a Lowe’s Creative Influencer. I was provided with a Lowe’s gift card to complete my project. The tutorial, photos and opinions expressed in this post are my own. I was not told what to write. #LowesCreator
This is what I was Googling today; I should have known to just go straight to prettyhandygirl’s website in the first place!
Using a jigsaw with a metal cutting blade can make cutting the outlets a breeze. If you wanted a more finished look you could use construction adhesive to eliminate the need for screws in the edges, and it will help prevent the metal from bending as well. Sometimes if you contact a local sheet metal shop, they will cut the metal to your desired configuration and roll the edges for safety; in this you can get a custom piece of metal for little price difference and no tool investment. I put galvanized inside my kitchen cabinets to hold magnetic spice tins, and will be doing the same when the craft room gets built.
Thanks for the tips Chris!
roll of paper not role (this role is like the role of a parent or teacher)
LOL! Oh goodness, you are so right. I must have been sleepy when I wrote the words on that photo. Oh well. Thanks for pointing it out though.
Thus poat has opened up aome interesting possibilities for my kitchen backsplash! It’s currently wallpapered, which is insane, but I havw delayed fixing it because it would cost a fortune to realize my Grand Vision. Glass mosaic tiles are expensive!
I suspect a jigsaw with an appropriate blade and/or a hole saw from a steel door installation kit would work for the outlet holes. I haven’t worked with sheet metal, but it seems like you could use a jigsaw for straight cuts as well.
Bits called step drill bits are great for making those holes. They start small and the further you drill down, the the bigger the hole gets. For cutting the rectangle, a Dremel tool or a sabre saw with a blade for metal will make a cleaner edge.
Well that is neat-o if I do say so myself! And I like how you have a roll of white paper for photo back drops. Looking good! 🙂
OMG that work room is getting better and better. I loved it before when you put the paint brushes on but now that back splash is killing me! I love that room! I have a little corner in my basement, a door for a workbench and shower curtains to divide my space… I’m looking at your space and thinking I need an upgrade!
Great, great job!
Susan
Homeroad
Very Clever! Love the paint brush cabinet handles too!
this is such a fun idea! how long did the whole project take to complete?
Not too long. Maybe only slightly over an hour for both sides of the window.
Great idea and what a nice workshop you have. Haven sounds fun wish I was going. Enjoy.
Awesome Idea for a workshop – totally in love with this!!!