Magnetic Car Signs: Sheet Selection, Printing and Paint Care
Magnetic car signs: advertising without permanent graphics
Magnetic sheet lets you create removable advertising, signs or decorations for a car’s steel bodywork. It can be printed, fitted with graphics and cut to the required shape.
- A special sheet approximately 0.7 mm thick is used for cars.
- It holds only on ferromagnetic steel body panels.
- Both the sheet and the paintwork must be perfectly clean before installation.
- It is not suitable for being left on a vehicle long term.
How does magnetic sheet work?
Magnetic sheet contains ferrite powder bound in a flexible plastic material. Its entire underside acts as a weak permanent magnet.
The top surface may have:
- a white PVC surface for printing,
- a coloured layer,
- a self-adhesive layer,
- a write-on surface,
- protective lamination.
The sheet is easy to cut with scissors or a sharp knife. Its large contact area allows it to hold on suitable steel without adhesive.
Magnetic, self-adhesive and ferrous sheet
Magnetic car sheet
This is itself a permanent magnet. The magnetic face is placed directly against clean steel bodywork. The white side is used for printing or applying graphics.
Self-adhesive magnetic sheet
One side is bonded to a sign, photograph or another lightweight object. The magnetic face then attaches to a steel surface.
Ferrous sheet
Ferrous sheet is not itself conventional magnetic sheet. It contains a metal layer to which magnets can attach. A self-adhesive version can create a magnetic noticeboard on an ordinary wall or piece of furniture.
Quick comparison
- Car advertising: white magnetic car sheet.
- Making your own magnet: self-adhesive magnetic sheet.
- A board for magnets: self-adhesive ferrous sheet.
- Reusable board markings: coloured magnetic sheet cut-outs.
Which cars will magnetic sheet stick to?
The sheet holds only on sufficiently flat steel body panels. Test the chosen area with an ordinary magnet before producing the graphics.
It will not hold on:
- an aluminium body panel,
- a plastic bumper,
- glass,
- carbon fibre,
- an area with thick body filler,
- a strongly curved or contoured surface.
How do you prepare the sheet?
- Create the graphics in the required size.
- Have them printed directly onto the PVC surface or apply them as a separate print.
- Cut the sheet to its final shape.
- Round the corners slightly so they are less likely to lift while driving.
- Check that the magnetic face is clean before installation.
Very small, narrow or intricately cut pieces may have a smaller contact area and hold less securely on a car.
How do you safely apply the sheet to a car?
- Wash and thoroughly dry the car’s paintwork.
- Clean the entire magnetic side of the sheet too.
- Apply it gradually from one edge.
- Smooth it down across its whole area without air gaps.
- Check that no part is lifting away.
- After driving, remove the sheet, clean it and store it flat.
How do you protect the car’s paintwork?
- No dust, sand or metal swarf should remain between the sheet and the paint.
- Do not slide the sheet across the paintwork.
- Do not leave it on the vehicle long term.
- Clean its underside regularly.
- Do not use it on freshly painted or damaged surfaces.
- Always remove it before washing the car.
What can you make from magnetic sheet?
- advertising signs for a car,
- a temporary company logo,
- signage for a service or courtesy vehicle,
- magnetic direction signs,
- shelf labels,
- planning symbols,
- photo magnets and decorations,
- temporary safety or information signs.
Recommended sheets and magnetic symbols
Black ferrous sheet for a magnetic board
A self-adhesive metal-based surface for creating a black magnetic noticeboard that can be written on with chalk.
- Width 120 cm
- Thickness 0.5 mm
- Supplied by the metre
- Weight 1,750 g per metre
- Matt black surface
- For school chalk and chalk markers
- Self-adhesive layer for smooth surfaces
- Product code 10015
Important: this is not automotive magnetic sheet. It is bonded to a surface, after which magnets can be attached to it.
View product
Large magnetic arrows – blue
Reusable direction symbols for planning boards, warehouses, schools and project management.
- 8 arrows on one A4 sheet
- One arrow measures 70 × 100 mm
- Thickness 1 mm
- Ferrite magnetic sheet
- Sheet weight 240 g
- Blue finish
- Product code 10548
Magnetic car sheet, white, 0.7 mm
A thicker white sheet with a PVC surface for printing or applying advertising graphics to steel bodywork.
- Thickness 0.7 mm
- Width 0.62 m
- Standard length 1 m
- Weight 1.6 kg per metre
- Magnetic holding force 64 g/cm²
- Anisotropic magnetisation
- Glossy white PVC surface
- Product code 10011
Important: remove the sheet after driving and do not leave it on the car long term.
View productFrequently asked questions
Does magnetic sheet stick to every car?
No. It needs a steel body panel. It will not hold on aluminium, plastic, glass or carbon fibre.
What thickness is suitable for a car?
The specified 0.7 mm thick automotive sheet is designed for this purpose.
Can the sheet be printed directly?
The white PVC surface is designed for printing with a suitable process or applying separately printed graphics.
Can magnetic sheet scratch the paintwork?
Yes, if dust, sand or other dirt remains between the sheet and the paint. Both surfaces must be perfectly clean.
Is ferrous sheet the same as magnetic sheet?
No. Ferrous sheet acts as a surface to which magnets attach. Magnetic sheet is itself a flexible permanent magnet.
Summary
Magnetic car sheet is an easily removable advertising medium for steel bodywork. It can be printed, cut and reused.
Before every installation, clean the paintwork and magnetic face. Remove the sheet after driving, do not leave it on the vehicle long term, and store it clean and flat.
Create removable advertising or signage
Choose automotive magnetic sheet, a self-adhesive base or ready-made magnetic symbols according to the application.