How strong are custom magnets?

Custom magnets hold firmly on steel, like fridges, filing cabinets, whiteboards, and car panels. The grip is strong enough to stay put through daily use and weather, but they still peel off and reposition easily. The more flat surface a magnet covers, the stronger the hold.

What affects how strongly a magnet holds

The more flat steel a magnet touches, the stronger the hold. A larger custom magnet on a smooth fridge or cabinet holds firmly. A small one on a curved or textured panel has less to grab, so it holds with less force. Dirt, rust, paint buildup, and uneven surfaces all reduce the hold.

Thickness helps too. Sturdier stock lies flatter and resists curling, which keeps full contact. See how thick custom magnets are.

Where the hold is strong, and where it is not

They hold on steel and iron: fridges, cabinets, whiteboards, metal doors, and car panels. They will not stick to wood, glass, plastic, or aluminum. If you are unsure, test the spot with a fridge magnet, or check what surfaces magnets stick to. For a job like car-door signage, pick a size with plenty of flat contact.

Related questions

More about how firmly custom magnets hold.

Use a larger magnet and apply it to a clean, flat steel surface. More flat contact area is the simplest way to increase hold. A textured or curved surface reduces grip.
Neodymium (rare-earth) magnets are the strongest type, but they are small hard pucks used in motors and tools, not printing. Custom printed magnets use a flexible magnetic sheet built to hold a printed design flat on steel while staying easy to remove.
Custom magnets are 1mm thick, about twice as thick as most budget magnets, so they lie flat and feel solid while still bending for curves. See why thickness affects hold.
Custom magnets stick to steel and iron, like fridges, cabinets, and most car panels, but not to wood, glass, plastic, or aluminum. See what surfaces magnets stick to.
Yes. Custom magnets stick to flat or gently curved steel car panels like doors and tailgates, but not to aluminum or fiberglass, so test the spot with a fridge magnet. See which car panels work.

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