Do’s and Don’ts for Using Custom Business Magnets

Custom business magnets are a powerful, cost-effective way to promote your brand.

Whether they’re magnetic signs for vehicles, fridge magnets, or promotional giveaways, these versatile tools keep your business visible in the daily lives of customers.

However, to ensure they remain effective and maintain their professional appearance, proper care and usage are essential. Mishandling can lead to faded designs, damaged surfaces, or magnets that fall off at the worst moment. This guide provides a comprehensive list of do’s and don’ts for using custom business magnets.

Why Proper Magnet Care Matters

Custom magnets are more than just advertisements—they’re an extension of your brand’s identity.

A faded, peeling, or improperly placed magnet can send the wrong message about your business, undermining the trust and professionalism you’re working to build.

That’s why we have come up with some important magnet care and use tips to help you extend the lifespan of your magnets, protect the surfaces they’re applied to, and ensure your brand always looks its best.

Do: Best Practices for Using Custom Business Magnets

Invest in High-Quality, Durable Magnets

Not all magnets are created equal. For magnetic sign maintenance and longevity, choose high-quality magnets designed for their specific purpose. For magnets for landscaping trucks or other vehicle use, opt for thick, weather-resistant materials (at least 30 mil thickness) with UV-protective coatings to prevent fading.

Quality magnets withstand rain, sun, and wind, ensuring your brand looks professional for years. Avoid cheap options that may peel, fade, or lose their grip, as they can harm your brand’s image.

Prepare Surfaces Thoroughly Before Application

Before applying your magnet:

• For vehicles: Wash the area with mild soap and water to remove dirt, dust, wax, or road grime. Dry completely to ensure a strong bond.
• For appliances or other surfaces: Wipe down with a clean, dry cloth to remove grease or debris.

A clean, dry surface prevents trapped particles from scratching paint or weakening adhesion, helping your custom car magnets for businesses stay secure.

Apply Magnets Carefully and Evenly

To ensure a strong hold and professional appearance, apply your magnet smoothly:

• Align the magnet carefully on a flat, magnetic surface.
• Press from the center outward to eliminate air bubbles.
• Check that all edges are flush with no curling or lifting.

Proper application prevents the magnet from detaching during driving or collecting debris, which could damage both the magnet and the surface.

Clean Magnets and Surfaces Regularly

• Remove the magnet weekly and clean both the magnet and the vehicle surface with mild soap and water. Dry thoroughly before reapplying.
• For indoor magnets (e.g., fridge or office magnets), wipe them down every few weeks with a damp cloth to remove dust or fingerprints.

Consistent cleaning prevents grime buildup, protects underlying surfaces, and keeps your branding vibrant.

Store Magnets Properly When Not in Use

Proper magnet storage is essential to prevent damage when magnets aren’t in use:

• Store them flat on a magnetic surface (like a filing cabinet) or a smooth, clean table.
• Avoid stacking heavy objects on top, which can cause warping.
• Keep them in a cool, dry place away from extreme heat or humidity to preserve the magnetic backing and printed design.

Following these magnet care and use tips ensures your magnets remain in top condition for future use.

Remove Magnets Periodically

For magnets for landscaping trucks or other vehicles, don’t leave them on indefinitely. Remove them:

• Weekly for cleaning and inspection.
• When using the vehicle for personal purposes, maintain a professional image.
• Overnight, if parked in public areas, to reduce theft or vandalism risks.

Periodic removal also allows you to check for trapped moisture or debris, protecting both the magnet and your vehicle’s paint.

Don’t: Common Mistakes to Avoid with Custom Business Magnets

Don’t Apply Magnets to Dirty or Wet Surfaces

Applying a magnet to a dirty, wet, or waxed surface is a recipe for trouble. It can lead to:

• Weak adhesion, causing the magnet to slip or fall off.
• Trapped debris that scratches the vehicle’s paint.
• Moisture build-up that promotes rust or paint damage.

Always follow magnet care instructions by ensuring the surface is clean, dry, and free of wax or polish before application.

Don’t Place Magnets on Non-Magnetic or Damaged Surfaces

Magnets only work on ferromagnetic surfaces like steel. Avoid:

• Non-metallic areas: Plastic, fiberglass, or aluminum (common in modern vehicles) won’t hold magnets.
• Rusty or damaged surfaces: Rust reduces magnetic grip and can damage the magnet.
• Body filler areas: Materials like Bondo are non-magnetic and won’t support adhesion.

Test a small corner of the surface first to confirm compatibility, ensuring your magnets for branding stay secure.

Don’t Leave Magnets on Vehicles Indefinitely

Leaving custom car magnets on for weeks or months without removal can cause:

• Trapped moisture, leading to rust or paint damage.
• Uneven paint fading, leaving a visible outline when the magnet is removed.
• Dirt or salt buildup, especially in harsh weather, that harms both the magnet and the vehicle.

Follow magnetic sign maintenance practices by removing and cleaning magnets regularly to avoid these issues.

Don’t Apply Magnets to Freshly Painted Surfaces

Fresh paint needs time to cure—typically 30–90 days, depending on the paint type. Applying a magnet too soon can:

• Cause the magnet to stick too tightly, making removal difficult.
• Damage the uncured paint, leaving marks or peeling.

Don’t Remove Magnets Harshly

Improper removal can damage the magnet or the surface. Avoid:

• Yanking or pulling the magnet straight off, which can stretch or tear it.
• Using tools like screwdrivers to pry it off, risking scratches.

For safe magnet removal tips, start at one corner, lift gently, and peel slowly at a 45-degree angle to preserve the magnet’s shape and print quality.

Don’t Use Harsh Cleaners or Abrasive Tools

When cleaning custom magnets, avoid:

• Harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia, or alcohol, which can fade the design or weaken the magnetic backing.
• Abrasive sponges or brushes that scratch the surface.

Stick to mild soap, water, and a soft microfiber cloth to keep your magnets looking pristine and extend their lifespan.

Additional Tips for Specific Use Cases

For Vehicle Magnets

• Check Weather Conditions: Avoid applying magnets in extreme heat or cold, as temperature can affect adhesion. Aim for moderate conditions (50–80°F) for best results.
• Inspect Regularly: Check for edge lifting or debris after driving in rain, snow, or dusty conditions.
• Use Multiple Magnets: For larger vehicles, place magnets on both sides and the rear for maximum visibility.

For Promotional or Indoor Magnets

• Design for Utility: For fridge magnets or giveaways, include useful features like calendars or notepads to increase retention.
• Distribute Strategically: Hand out magnets at local events, in customer welcome kits, or as referral incentives to boost brand exposure.

These tailored magnet care and use tips ensure your magnets perform optimally in any context.

Measuring the Effectiveness of Your Magnets

• Lead Sources: Ask new clients if they saw your magnets, especially for lawn care marketing tools.
• Website or Call Spikes: Monitor increases in inquiries after distributing or displaying magnets.
• Customer Feedback: Survey clients to learn if your magnets influenced their decision to contact you.

These insights help refine your magnet design and distribution strategy for better results.

Conclusion: Make Your Magnets Last and Your Brand Shine

Custom business magnets are a versatile, affordable way to keep your brand visible, whether on the road or in a customer’s home. By following these vehicle magnet do’s and don’ts, you can ensure your magnets remain vibrant, functional, and professional, maximizing their marketing impact. From car magnet care instructions to proper magnet storage, a little attention goes a long way in making magnets last longer.

Ready to make your brand stick? Invest in quality magnets, follow these magnetic sign maintenance tips, and watch your business thrive with every impression.