13. Magnetic Wall Strip System for Metal Palettes and Tools

Introduction Heavy-duty magnetic knife strips mounted above your workspace keep metal tools, scissors, and palettes organized and accessible.

What This Idea Means Borrowing a smart kitchen storage technique, wooden magnetic bars provide instant snap-on storage for metal palette knives, stainless steel scissors, clips, and small metal watercolor pans.

Materials Needed

  • 2 walnut or oak magnetic knife tool strips (16 to 20 inches each)
  • Small neodymium disc magnets with adhesive backing
  • Drywall anchors and mounting screws
  • Spirit level

How to Make It

  1. Mount the wooden magnetic strips horizontally across the wall area right above your desk level.
  2. Place metal scissors, steel rulers, palette knives, and tweezers directly against the magnetic face.
  3. Stick small self-adhesive neodymium magnets to the bottoms of plastic half-pans and empty metal watercolor tins.
  4. Snap the magnet-backed tins directly onto the strip for a clean, floating display.

Tips and Variations

  • Use magnetic strips with natural wood veneers to soften the look compared to bare metal bars.
  • Hang small metal bulldog clips from the strip to suspend swatches and reference sketches.
  • Mount two strips parallel to separate cutting tools from painting tools.