Vehicle Magnetic Signs: Installation, Care and Storage Guide
Review vehicle magnetic-sign installation, cleaning, care, and storage practices, including checking suitable panels and avoiding conditions that can damage the sign or vehicle finish.
Magnetic vehicle signs provide removable advertising when they are manufactured, installed and maintained correctly. Improper installation or neglected cleaning can damage the sign, affect the vehicle’s finish or allow the sign to detach while driving.
Follow these instructions whenever magnetic sheeting is used on a vehicle.
Confirm That the Vehicle Panel Is Magnetic
Magnetic signs only adhere to magnetically receptive metal. Many modern vehicles contain aluminum, plastic, fiberglass, carbon-fiber or body-filler sections that will not hold a magnet properly.
Test the exact installation area with a small magnet before making or applying the sign. Do not assume that every door or body panel is steel.
Prepare the Vehicle and Magnetic Sign
Both the vehicle and the magnetic side of the sign must be completely clean, smooth and dry before installation.
• Remove dirt, road film, dust, wax residue and other debris.
• Clean both surfaces with mild detergent and water.
• Dry both surfaces completely with a soft cloth.
• Allow newly applied wax or polish to cure for at least 48 hours.
• Allow new vehicle paint to cure for approximately 90 days or for the period specified by the paint manufacturer.
• Avoid repainted surfaces, body filler, rust, damaged paint and simulated wood-grain finishes.
• Bring the magnetic sign close to room temperature before installing it.
Choose the Correct Installation Area
Install the sign on a smooth, flat steel panel where its entire magnetic surface can contact the vehicle.
• Do not install over molding, trim, handles, body lines or seams.
• Do not place the sign over dents, ridges, rust or deeply curved areas.
• Do not bridge two separate body panels.
• Avoid horizontal surfaces such as the hood, roof or trunk.
• Use rounded corners to help reduce wind lift.
How to Install a Magnetic Vehicle Sign
- Position one edge of the sign against the vehicle.
- Allow the magnetic attraction to pull the remainder of the sign smoothly onto the panel.
- Make sure the entire sign lies flat against the vehicle.
- Check every edge and corner for gaps, wrinkles or air pockets.
- If the position is incorrect, remove the sign completely and start again.
- Never drag or slide the sign across the paint to reposition it.
- Inspect the sign before driving to confirm that every edge is secure.
Remove and Clean the Sign Regularly
Dirt and moisture trapped between a magnetic sign and the vehicle can scratch, stain or damage the finish. Regular removal and cleaning also allow you to inspect the sign for curling, cracks or loss of holding strength.
For the best protection, remove and clean vehicle magnets daily. At an absolute minimum, inspect and clean both surfaces weekly and after exposure to heavy rain, snow, road salt or excessive dirt.
• Lift the sign from the center of two opposite sides.
• Avoid pulling from the corners.
• Do not slide the sign across the paint.
• Wash the sign with mild soap or detergent and water.
• Clean the vehicle panel beneath the sign.
• Dry the sign and vehicle completely before reinstallation.
• Remove all magnetic signs before using an automatic or high-pressure car wash.
Inspect the Sign Before Driving
Never drive with a magnetic sign that is curled, cracked, creased or unable to lie completely flat. A lifted edge can catch moving air and cause the sign to detach.
Extreme cold can make flexible magnetic material stiff or brittle. Excessive heat can soften or distort it. Allow the sign to reach a suitable temperature and lie flat before attaching it to the vehicle.
How to Store Magnetic Signs
Store magnetic signs in a clean, dry area at room temperature. Flat storage on a smooth surface is preferred.
• Never fold or crease a magnetic sign.
• Do not place heavy objects on top of it.
• Do not stack magnetic sides directly against each other.
• Keep the magnetic surface away from dirt and metal particles.
• If the sign must be rolled, roll it loosely with the printed side facing outward.
• Stand a rolled sign on end to prevent flat spots.
• Allow a stored sign to flatten completely before reinstalling it.
• Never leave an unattached magnetic sign inside a hot vehicle.
Watch for Paint and Finish Changes
A magnetic sign shields the covered paint from sunlight while the surrounding paint remains exposed. Long-term use in one position can eventually produce uneven fading.
Move or remove the sign periodically and inspect the vehicle finish. Stop using the sign if you notice clouding, discoloration, softening or any other change in the paint.
Magnetic Sheeting from Great Lakes Graphic Supply
Great Lakes Graphic Supply stocks magnetic sheeting for vehicle signs, displays, removable graphics and other sign applications. We can help you select an appropriate material thickness for the intended use.
Call 1-800-477-6275 with questions about magnetic sheeting, sign fabrication or vehicle applications.
Written by Fred DeLuca, Great Lakes Graphic Supply