Glossy vs Matte: the difference between these different paint types

Not all walls are created the same and when it comes to getting the best out of your Mag Playwall, the type of paint on your walls can make a difference. One of the most common questions we get is: Will it stick to my walls?

Here’s the truth: most smooth, matte painted walls work well. But glossy, slippery paint can cause issues with the adhesive backing. 

Let’s unpack the difference between paint finishes and what to do if your wall isn't playing nicely.

Glossy vs Matte: A Quick Guide

Paint comes in different finishes, from shiny to totally flat. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Gloss or High Gloss: Very shiny and often labelled as “washable” or “non-marking.” You’ll find it in bathrooms, laundries, or newer homes. It looks really good but it’s difficult for decals to grip. (These useful features also mean we sometimes use them in our lounges and kids rooms once we have a house full of sticky fingers.)
• Satin, Low Sheen, or Eggshell: Light sheen. Most common in modern homes and can go either way, sometimes fine, sometimes tricky.
• Matte or Flat: No shine, soft finish, and usually great for decals. Common in older homes or rooms designed to feel cosy.
  

Why It Matters for the Mag Playwall

The Mag Playwall uses an adhesive that works best on matte or low-sheen walls. If your paint is glossy, there’s just not enough texture for the decal to grip onto. Which means it might peel, slide, or fall off over time. All is not lost though! There are options! 

How to Check What You’re Working With

Before you install, try one or two of these simple checks:

1. Shine Test: Look at the wall from an angle in natural light. If it reflects light or looks glossy, that’s your answer.
2. Touch Test: Glossy walls feel cool, smooth, and a bit glassy. Matte walls are more rough than smooth. Kinda like paper.
3. Smudge Test: Lightly mark the wall with a finger or pencil. If it wipes off very easily, chances are it’s a gloss finish.
4. Paint Tin: If you have leftover paint tins in the garage, they’ll tell you exactly what you’ve got.
   

What to Do if Your Wall Isn’t Suitable

If your wall is glossy (or just won’t cooperate), don’t worry! There are fixes, which renters also love:

Use 3M Picture Hanging Strips 

We recommend 3M style strips to help hold the Mag Playwall in place. They’re widely available, easy to remove, and leave no damage. Just attach them to the edges of the mag playwall for extra support and install very carefully. This is often the quickest and most reliable solution for glossy walls.

Mount It on MDF or Plywood

Grab a thin lightweight sheet of primed MDF or ply (just a few mm thick is fine). Stick the Mag Playwall to that instead, then lean it against the wall, slide it behind a shelf, or even screw it up for a more permanent feature. Bonus: it’s moveable!

Try a Different Spot

Some walls in your home might have different paint. Bedrooms, hallways, or older rooms are more likely to have a matte finish. Even smooth interior doors can be an option. Just double check that they’re not glossy too. The Mag Playwall can also be installed on glass!

TL;DR: Glossy Walls = Tricky, But There are Options!

Paint finish plays a big role in how well the Mag Playwall sticks and glossy walls can be tricky. But with a few simple workarounds, your child can still enjoy the full magic of magnetic play.

One Last Thing Before You Stick

Before installing, make sure to check our Installation Guide. It walks you through every step to get the best stick possible. And don't skip the prep! Your wall should be clean, dry, and dust-free. Even invisible dust can act like a barrier and stop the adhesive from bonding properly. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth (then fully dry) can make all the difference.

The Mag Playwall on an MDF board!