The Best Magnetic Signs Material

Car magnet material is a thin layer of ferrite (iron) combined with synthetic rubber, which makes strong car magnets flexible. They may or may not be laminated, but they are durable and, when the right thickness, can last for several years. You can customize them with graphic designs and lettering and easily place them on your vehicle, making you a traveling billboard.

Thickness is a crucial topic. We recommend no less than 30mil (.030") thickness because sign magnets on your vehicle are subjected to many external forces that could leave your branding in the ditch or left behind at the car wash. It all comes down to something called breakaway force.

Breakaway force, also called pounds of pull, measures the force needed to pull a magnet off a ferrous (iron) surface — in pounds. But car sign magnets are usually on doors, so a second factor comes into play called shear force. Shear force is gravity working to pull your magnet down. Combined, you need strong car magnets.

What can you do to ensure you have the best magnets? A car driven daily will encounter many irritants that can and will affect the magnet's ability to stay put. You want to feel secure knowing your ad will be there waiting when you get back to the car.

Here are a few tips to ensure your car sign magnets remain in top shape.

• Store your sign magnets on a flat steel surface; if this isn't possible, roll them up to face outward.
• Clean your magnet regularly; dust and other debris from regular vehicle use may get lodged underneath it.
• Keep your vehicle clean and free of rust, which can introduce air gaps and pry your car sign magnets loose.

How Large Should You Make Your Car Sign Magnets?

You can choose from several sizes to make sure your magnets, car or truck-sized, are visible to your future customers. And there are a few considerations to take into account when choosing the right size for your vehicle:

• Match the magnet with your vehicle. From a 10" round to a 24" X 36" truck magnet or a 6" X 18" landscape magnet, pick the one that suits your vehicle best.
• Get a 12" X 24" size for a standard passenger car.
• Make the lettering large enough to be read from a distance. For example, 9" letters can be read up to 300 feet — that's the length of a football field!

How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Sign Magnets

With proper care, your car sign magnets will last for years. Here are a few tips for prepping and placing customized magnets on your car:

• First, wash and dry your car or truck to remove any grit or road grime that could affect the magnet's breakaway force.
• Wax the spot or spots where the car sign magnets are to be placed.
• Use water and a mild detergent to clean the magnet.
• Place the magnet where people will see it most.

Car Sign Magnets and Design Tips

Once you've chosen the size you want and the magnet or magnets' shape, it's time to design for maximum effect. A drive around town and a stop or two to check out what others have done can help you decide what works and what doesn't. But there are several things to consider:

• You'll want to add your business logo or a picture, as both are great ways to get noticed.
• Be sure to add contact information: phone number, website, email and social media handles. If your customers are interested but can't quickly see how to contact you, they'll go somewhere else.
• That said, don't overwhelm potential customers with information that isn't necessary. Too much is too much for the potential customer to focus on.
• Choose easy to read fonts; it can be frustrating to decipher a cute or fancy font and detract from otherwise great car sign magnets.

Laws Governing Advertising Magnets for Your Car

There are differing laws for different states, but some basic principles apply to vehicle decal advertising. First, many states ban their use on the front or back windshield and the lower driver's side of the front windshield. After all, you're driving a motor vehicle and safety is important. But you're using a magnet. Are cars magnetic? Yes, on many surfaces. Is glass? Of course not. But here are a few potential legal issues you may encounter.

• Some states have no problem with this advertisement type as long as your vehicle is registered as a commercial vehicle. But if you are using your personal car, you have to be sure you're OK doing so. You may have to register your vehicle as commercial to be on the right side of the law.
• If you live in a home with a homeowner's association, they may have rules about advertising even when in your driveway.
• Be sure your insurance company is aware of your status to avoid another common pitfall. You don't want a problem with your insurer popping up after an accident and find you're not covered.

Other Considerations for Car Sign Magnets

As you can see, there are many things to consider regarding advertising with magnets on your car. But let's look at one more item that you may not have thought much about — the psychology of color. Color plays such a vital part in our emotions, yet we usually don't pay it much attention. The following tips on color will help you make informed decisions about your car sign magnets.

• Red = Promotes excitement, buying and sales, but may turn people away if overused.
• Orange = Brings a call to action but could be irritating if used too much.
• Yellow = Grabs and focuses attention.
• Green = Displays relaxation and hints at money and luck.
• Blue = Brings to mind loyalty, power and honesty.
• Purple = Signifies luxury and beauty.
• Black = Markets elegance and sophistication.
• White = Identifies with cleanliness and healthcare.
• Gray = Calms with feelings of simplicity.