Magnetic Sheeting

Magnetic Sheeting for Removable Signs and Graphics

Flexible magnetic sheeting is used for removable vehicle graphics, menu systems, retail signs, labels, temporary identification, and changeable display pieces. Printable grades combine a white graphic face with a flexible magnetic backing that attaches to compatible ferrous metal surfaces.

Material

Flexible Magnetic Sheet

Common Printable Gauges

15 · 30 mil

Environment

Indoor & Selected Outdoor

Graphics

Direct Print · Applied Print

Overview

What Is Magnetic Sheeting?

Flexible magnetic sheeting is a thin magnetic material supplied in rolls or sheets for graphics that need to be removable and repositionable.

Some grades are manufactured with a printable white face so graphics can be produced directly on the magnet. Other jobs use plain magnetic sheet with a separately printed graphic applied to the face.

Vehicle Door Signs Removable company identification and promotional graphics on suitable steel body panels.

Menu Systems Changeable panels for restaurants, retail counters, and pricing displays.

Retail Graphics Temporary product messages, shelf graphics, and signs attached to magnetic receptive surfaces.

Labels & Identification Reusable labels for storage, shelving, equipment, and changeable information.

Thickness

15 Mil vs 30 Mil Magnetic Sheeting

Printable magnetic media is available in different thicknesses and magnetic strengths. Thin high-energy products can provide useful holding power without the bulk of traditional vehicle magnet stock.

15 mil

Thin Printable Magnet
Useful for compatible digital printing, displays, labels, and selected vehicle products when the grade is designed for it.

Lower profile and easier feeding through some printers; magnetic strength depends on the specific product.

30 mil

Heavier Printable Magnet
A familiar thickness for vehicle magnets and outdoor magnetic graphics.

More material thickness and commonly used when a substantial vehicle magnet is preferred.

Product Specific

Magnetic Strength
Holding power depends on magnet formulation, thickness, magnetization, and contact area.

Do not assume two sheets with the same thickness will have the same pull strength.

Vehicle Use

Magnetic Signs Need the Right Vehicle Surface

Test the actual vehicle panel before producing the sign.

The surface should be clean, smooth, flat, and strongly magnetic across the full area. Magnets should not bridge trim, body lines, seams, or large curves.

Both the vehicle surface and the back of the magnet should be kept clean. Dirt trapped between them can affect contact and can mark the finish during movement.

Printing & Cutting

How Magnetic Graphics Are Produced

Printable magnetic sheeting is available for wide-format inkjet and other digital print systems. Printer compatibility, heat, curing settings, and cutting method depend on the exact magnetic media.

Direct Printing Printable grades can receive graphics directly when matched to a compatible printer and ink system.

Print-and-Apply A separately printed graphic can be mounted to plain magnetic material.

Cutting Flexible magnet can be trimmed into rectangles, rounded shapes, labels, and selected custom profiles.

Protective Finish Outdoor graphics may use a compatible laminate or coating when extra print protection is needed.

Will It Stick?

Vehicles Magnetic Signs Will Not Stick To

A magnet only holds to steel. More vehicles than people expect have body panels made of something else, and the time to find out is before the sign is printed, not in the parking lot.

Aluminum Bodies The Ford F-150 has used aluminum body panels since the 2015 model year, and other trucks and vans use aluminum doors or hoods.

Fiberglass and Plastic Box truck bodies, RV panels and many bumpers and trim pieces are not magnetic.

Curves and Body Lines A steel door with deep creases or trim leaves gaps under the magnet, and wind gets in at highway speed.

Fresh Paint A newly painted panel needs time to cure before a magnet sits on it. Ask the body shop how long.

A fridge magnet test on each door takes ten seconds. If it slides or falls, lettering in vinyl is the better route.

Care

Caring for Vehicle Magnets

Most problems with car magnets come from leaving them on too long. Moisture and grit trapped underneath can mark the paint, and a magnet that is never moved can leave an outline where the rest of the panel has faded around it.

Take the magnet off once a week.

Wipe the door and the back of the magnet dry, then put it back. Remove it before an automatic car wash, and store it flat, never rolled tight or folded.

Magnet or Vinyl

Door Magnets vs Vinyl Lettering

Both put a company name on a van door. The right one depends on whether the vehicle is also a family car.

Door Magnets

Vinyl Lettering

Best For
Personal vehicles used for work during the week, and short promotions.

Best For
Company vehicles that carry the brand full time.

Look
A rectangle or shape on the door with a visible edge.

Look
Letters and logos applied straight to the paint, with no panel around them.

Upkeep
Weekly removal and cleaning.

Upkeep
None beyond washing. Removable when the vehicle is sold.

See our truck lettering page for vinyl options, or request a quote with the vehicle model and a photo of the door.

Choosing the Material

When Magnetic Sheeting Is the Right Choice

Consider another material when

FAQs

Magnetic Sign Questions

What size are standard car door magnets?

12 by 18 inches and 12 by 24 inches are common for car and SUV doors. Larger vans and trucks often take 18 by 24 inches. The flat area of the door decides the size.

Will a magnetic sign fly off on the highway?

A full contact magnet on a flat steel panel holds well. Magnets fly off when they bridge a body line, sit on trim or have dirt and water underneath.

Can magnetic signs damage car paint?

They can if left on for weeks, because moisture and grit trapped under the magnet mark the finish. Removing and cleaning them weekly prevents it.

Do magnetic signs work on aluminum trucks?

No. Magnets only stick to steel. Aluminum, fiberglass and plastic panels need vinyl lettering or a wrap instead.

How long do vehicle magnets last?

Usually a few years with regular cleaning and flat storage. Sun fades the print over time, especially on a vehicle parked outside every day.

On This Guide

Quick Facts

Material

Flexible Magnet Media

Common Gauges

15 · 30 mil

Environment

Clean Ferrous Metal

Common Uses

Vehicles · Menus · Labels

Related Materials

Not Sure Which Material Fits?

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