Whiteboard Magnets: Which Ones Should You Choose?

Do you need to keep work tasks constantly in sight, create a photo noticeboard or clearly label warehouse shelving? Board magnets allow documents to be quickly attached, moved and reused without damaging the surface with pins or adhesive.

However, not every magnet is suitable for every purpose. A lightweight coloured ferrite magnet may reliably hold one sheet of paper but may not be enough for a laminated document or several A4 sheets. Magnetic glass boards also require considerably stronger magnets than ordinary steel boards.

What are board magnets?

Board magnets are permanent magnets or products with a magnetic layer designed to attach to a ferromagnetic surface.

They may take the form of:

• round office magnets,
• neodymium magnets in a metal casing,
• coloured magnets in a plastic or silicone casing,
• magnetic clips and pegs,
• magnetic letters and numbers,
• symbols, arrows and smileys made from magnetic foil,
• magnetic document pockets,
• decorative magnets.

Which surfaces will magnets stick to?

A magnet requires a surface containing enough ferromagnetic material, most commonly steel.

Magnets usually stick to:

• steel magnetic boards,
• magnetic whiteboards,
• steel shelving,
• metal filing cabinets,
• painted steel sheet,
• the side panels of some refrigerators,
• steel doors and cabinets,
• ferromagnetic adhesive strips.

Magnets will not stick by themselves to:

• wood,
• plastic,
• ordinary glass,
• aluminium,
• copper and brass,
• plasterboard,
• ordinary plaster,
• non-magnetic grades of stainless steel.

Is every whiteboard magnetic?

No. A white surface that can be written on with markers does not necessarily contain a steel backing.

For example, there are:

• magnetic whiteboards with a steel surface,
• non-magnetic whiteboards made from laminate or plastic,
• magnetic glass boards with a steel layer behind the glass,
• non-magnetic glass boards without a metal backing.

How can you test the board?

1. Take an ordinary office magnet.
2. Place it against several areas of the board.
3. Check whether it holds without any paper.
4. Add one sheet of paper.
5. If the magnet slides or does not hold, you will need a stronger type or the board may not be magnetic.

Will magnets stick to a stainless-steel refrigerator?

It depends on the material used for the front panel. Some stainless-steel surfaces are ferromagnetic, while others do not attract magnets or attract them only very weakly.

A modern refrigerator may also have a front panel made from glass, plastic or a non-magnetic stainless-steel alloy. Magnets may still stick to the steel side panels.

Before purchasing a larger set, always carry out a simple test with an ordinary magnet.

What affects a magnet's holding force?

The value stated by the manufacturer is generally measured on a clean, flat and sufficiently thick steel plate. Under normal conditions, the actual holding force is usually lower.

A magnet holds more weakly when:

• there are several sheets of paper between the magnet and board,
• the document is laminated,
• the board has a thick painted or glass layer,
• the steel sheet is very thin,
• the magnet does not make full contact,
• the surface is curved or uneven,
• there is dirt between the magnet and board,
• the load pulls downwards along the board,
• the board or door moves frequently.

Pull-off force and shear force

Pull-off force describes the force required to pull the magnet away from the steel surface at a right angle.

In normal use on a vertical board, however, papers pull the magnet downwards. This is a shear load, where the magnet will generally support less weight than during perpendicular pull-off.

How strong should a board magnet be?

For one lightweight sheet of paper

A smaller ferrite office magnet or magnetic foil is usually sufficient.

For a photograph or postcard

A decorative magnet, neodymium magnet in a casing or smaller magnetic clip is suitable.

For several A4 sheets

Choose a neodymium magnet in a metal, plastic or silicone casing. A practical casing makes it easier to grip and remove.

For cardboard, newspapers or thicker material

A magnetic peg or clip that mechanically grips the document and attaches magnetically to the board may be more suitable.

For a document inside a protective sleeve

A magnetic pocket is more practical because it covers the entire sheet and protects it against dust, grease and damage.

Ferrite and neodymium board magnets

Ferrite magnets

Ferrite office magnets are affordable, durable and suitable for attaching lightweight papers.

Advantages

• affordable purchase price,
• good resistance to corrosion,
• wide choice of colours and sizes,
• suitable for ordinary office use,
• lower risk of pinching than with powerful neodymium magnets.

Disadvantages

• lower strength at the same size,
• larger dimensions required for higher holding force,
• unsuitable for magnetic glass boards,
• lower performance through several sheets of paper.

Neodymium magnets

Neodymium magnets provide high strength in a small size. They are often enclosed in a metal, plastic or silicone casing.

Advantages

• very high strength at a small size,
• ability to hold several sheets of paper,
• suitable for more demanding office use,
• compact and elegant design,
• selected models are suitable for glass boards.

Disadvantages

• higher purchase price,
• risk of pinching fingers,
• brittleness of the magnetic material itself,
• surface coating can be damaged by impact,
• greater safety precautions required in households with children.

Magnets in a metal casing

A metal casing protects the neodymium magnet, concentrates its magnetic field and makes it easier to handle.

Advantages of a metal casing

• elegant appearance,
• easier handling,
• greater mechanical protection of the magnet,
• suitable for offices and meeting rooms,
• ability to hold more sheets than an ordinary ferrite magnet.

Before attaching the magnet, check that no steel shavings are stuck to its underside. A hard contaminant may scratch a painted board if the magnet is moved across the surface.

Magnets in a silicone casing

A silicone casing makes the magnet easier to grip, absorbs impact and helps protect the surface against direct contact with the hard magnet.

They are suitable, for example, for:

• planning boards,
• colour-coded priority marking,
• family organisers,
• school and office noticeboards,
• frequent repositioning.

However, the silicone layer also increases the distance from the steel backing. The manufacturer therefore needs to use a sufficiently powerful magnet so that the casing does not reduce the holding force too much.

Magnets in a plastic casing

A plastic casing offers good grip and a wide range of colour-coding options.

Stronger models can be used for:

• several sheets of paper,
• laminated instructions,
• planning cards,
• shift schedules,
• production documentation,
• marking important tasks.

Before using a powerful magnet on thin sheet metal, carry out a practical test. A thin surface may not allow the magnet to achieve its full strength.

Conical magnets

A magnet in a conical plastic casing is easy to grip and can be removed comfortably even when it has a high magnetic force.

Depending on its construction, it may function as:

• a strong document magnet,
• a holder for lightweight objects,
• a temporary hook on a suitable steel surface,
• a marking element on a board.

Magnetic smileys

Magnetic smileys are colourful symbols made from magnetic foil. They can be used to evaluate tasks, show project status or provide quick visual orientation on a planning board.

Possible meanings of the colours

• Green: completed, positive status or no problem.
• Yellow: in progress, neutral status or requires attention.
• Red: problem, incomplete or high priority.

Where can they be used?

• during meetings,
• for task evaluation,
• on production and quality boards,
• in a home planner,
• during project retrospectives,
• for quickly indicating mood or satisfaction.

The magnetic smileys in the recommended product card are decorative and organisational items, not children's toys.

Magnetic letters for shelf labelling

Magnetic letters and punctuation marks make it possible to repeatedly create labels on:

• steel warehouse shelving,
• filing cabinets,
• magnetic boards,
• planning boards,
• steel doors and cabinets,
• production information panels.

Advantages over adhesive labels

• they can be repositioned repeatedly,
• they leave no adhesive residue,
• the text can be changed quickly,
• missing characters can be added,
• they are suitable for frequently changing labels.

What should you watch out for?

• all letters must remain clearly visible,
• they may slide on dusty surfaces,
• thin magnetic foil is not intended to support heavy objects,
• small pieces must be kept out of reach of children,
• they are not children's educational toys unless explicitly stated by the manufacturer.

Magnetic letters and numbers for children

A magnetic letter or number can only be used as an educational aid if the specific product is designed as a toy and is suitable for the child's age.

When choosing, check:

• age recommendation,
• product classification as a toy,
• size of individual pieces,
• strength of the bond between the magnetic layer and the product,
• resistance to tearing or breaking,
• manufacturer's safety warnings.

Do not use loose small magnets, torn magnetic foil or decorative fridge magnets as a substitute for a certified educational set.

Magnetic numbers

Magnetic numbers and mathematical symbols can be used in offices, warehouses and homes.

Examples of use

• labelling shelf positions,
• numbering warehouse locations,
• displaying production values,
• marking task order,
• updating deadlines and dates,
• creating simple maths exercises with a suitable children's set.

Apply the same safety rules to small magnetic numbers as to letters.

Magnetic clips and pegs

A magnetic clip combines mechanical document gripping with magnetic attachment to a board or refrigerator.

Advantages of clips

• they can hold a thicker stack of papers,
• papers do not need to be punched,
• the clip can be opened repeatedly,
• the magnet does not need to contact the board through all layers of the document,
• suitable for newspapers, cardboard or larger photographs.

Examples of use

• work instructions,
• receipts and orders,
• drawings,
• newspapers and magazines,
• thicker cards,
• temporary information signs.

The number of sheets a clip can hold depends on both the mechanical grip of the clip and the magnetic force holding it to the board.

Magnetic pockets

A magnetic pocket protects the inserted document while also allowing it to be repositioned quickly.

It is suitable for:

• work procedures,
• safety instructions,
• guidelines,
• timetables and menus,
• price lists,
• charts and results,
• production documentation.

Pockets for magnetic surfaces

These have a magnetic back or magnetic strips and attach directly to a steel board, cabinet or shelf.

Pockets for non-magnetic surfaces

These may have an adhesive backing that allows them to be attached to glass, wood, doors or smooth walls.

Decorative board magnets

Felt, animal-shaped and other decorative magnets can hold lightweight photographs, postcards and notes.

Their main advantage is their appearance rather than maximum strength. Textile and plastic decorations increase the distance between the magnet and board.

They are suitable for:

• family photographs,
• postcards,
• lightweight children's drawings,
• personal notes,
• themed decoration.

A decorative magnet is not necessarily a children's toy even if it is shaped like an animal or colourful figure.

Coloured round magnets

Coloured ferrite magnets provide a simple and affordable solution for boards, flipcharts, refrigerators and other steel surfaces.

Advantages

• simple regular shape,
• easy colour coding,
• low weight,
• suitable for individual sheets,
• affordable price for larger sets.

How can colours be used for planning?

• Green: completed tasks.
• Yellow: tasks in progress.
• Red: urgent tasks.
• Blue: personal or administrative tasks.
• White: general information.

How do you create an effective planning board?

1. Divide the board into logical sections.
2. Assign a consistent meaning to each colour.
3. Use short and clearly readable text.
4. Use cards of the same format for tasks.
5. Distinguish status using coloured magnets or smileys.
6. Regularly remove outdated information.
7. Do not overcrowd the board with too many decorations.

Example columns

• New tasks
• Planned
• In progress
• Waiting for review
• Completed

How do you label shelves with magnetic characters?

Magnetic letters and numbers are particularly suitable where labels change frequently.

Procedure

1. Clean the front surface of the shelf.
2. Check that it is made from magnetic steel.
3. Establish a consistent labelling system.
4. Position letters at the same height.
5. Keep consistent spacing between numbers and codes.
6. Check readability from the normal working distance.
7. Store unused characters in a closed box.

When should another labelling method be used?

For permanent labelling, barcodes, mandatory safety information or outdoor environments, printed labels, durable pockets or mechanically mounted signs may be more suitable.

How do you create a magnetic surface on a wall?

Magnetic paint

So-called magnetic paint contains ferromagnetic particles. It is not itself a permanent magnet but creates a surface to which sufficiently powerful magnets can attach.

The resulting performance depends on:

• number of coats,
• amount of ferromagnetic particles,
• flatness of the wall,
• top decorative coating,
• strength of the magnets used.

Ordinary weak ferrite magnets may not hold sufficiently on magnetic paint. Carry out a test section before finishing the entire wall.

Adhesive steel strip

A ferromagnetic steel strip can be attached to a wall, cabinet or another non-magnetic surface to create a counterpart for magnets.

Before purchasing, check that it is actually a steel strip intended as a magnetic counterpart. Magnetic tape itself may not always be ideal for attaching other magnets.

Steel sheet or magnetic board

For a larger surface that will be used regularly, a securely mounted steel board is the most reliable option.

How can you prevent scratches on the board?

Scratches are often caused not by the magnet itself but by a small metal shaving stuck to its underside.

How can you protect the surface?

• clean magnets regularly,
• do not slide them across the board,
• tilt them away before repositioning,
• do not use cracked or chipped magnets,
• use a silicone or plastic casing on sensitive surfaces,
• remove iron dust before use.

How do you clean board magnets?

Plastic and silicone magnets

• wipe them with a soft damp cloth,
• remove metal shavings from the underside,
• allow them to dry before use,
• do not use aggressive solvents.

Metal casings

• clean them with a dry or slightly damp cloth,
• avoid prolonged contact with water,
• check for corrosion and sharp edges,
• do not use abrasive sponges.

Magnetic foil

• wipe it gently,
• do not bend it over a sharp edge,
• do not store it rolled to an excessively small diameter,
• protect the printed surface against scratches.

How should magnets be stored?

• In a dry environment.
• Out of reach of small children.
• Separated according to type and strength.
• Away from magnetic cards and sensitive electronics.
• Powerful neodymium magnets with suitable spacing material.
• Magnetic letters and numbers in a closed box.
• Magnetic foil stored flat or in a wide roll.

Safety when using board magnets

Why are swallowed magnets dangerous?

Multiple swallowed magnets can attract each other through the intestinal wall from different parts of the digestive tract.

This can cause:

• compression of tissue,
• perforation of the intestinal wall,
• intestinal blockage,
• bleeding and infection,
• the need for emergency surgery.

If swallowing is suspected, do not wait for symptoms to appear and seek immediate medical assistance.

How do you choose board magnets?

For an ordinary office board

Choose coloured ferrite magnets or neodymium magnets in a casing according to the number of sheets.

For a glass board

Use special powerful neodymium magnets designed for glass.

For task planning

Coloured magnets, smileys, arrows and magnetic cards are practical.

For warehouse labelling

Choose magnetic letters, numbers, labels or pockets.

For photographs and decorations

Decorative magnets, felt magnets or smaller magnets in an elegant casing are suitable.

For a larger stack of papers

Use a powerful neodymium magnet, magnetic clip or peg.

Recommended board magnets

The selected products represent three different uses: visual evaluation using smileys, shelf labelling with letters and ordinary document attachment using coloured magnets.

Frequently asked questions about board magnets

Summary

Board magnets are used to attach documents, photographs, planning cards, shelf labels and other information materials to steel or another ferromagnetic surface.

For individual lightweight sheets, a coloured ferrite magnet is usually sufficient. For several sheets, laminated documents or a glass board, a powerful neodymium magnet is more suitable.

Magnetic smileys help with visual evaluation, letters and numbers with shelf labelling, while clips and pockets help secure thicker documentation.

Before purchasing, always check the type of board, number of sheets, direction of the load and safety requirements. Do not use magnetic symbols and letters as children's toys unless explicitly designated for this purpose by the manufacturer.