Magnetic Signs Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers about custom magnetic signs, vehicle magnets, blank magnetic sheeting, artwork, installation, care, production times, shipping, warranties, and ordering from Wholesale Magnetic Signs.

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Magnetic Sign Basics

What are magnetic signs?

Magnetic signs are removable signs made from flexible magnetic sheeting. They are commonly used on cars, trucks, vans, trailers, steel doors, equipment, and other compatible steel surfaces. They are a popular choice for small businesses because they can advertise your company without permanent decals or vinyl lettering.

Do magnetic signs stick to all vehicles?

No. Magnetic signs only stick to clean, flat steel surfaces. They will not stick to aluminum, fiberglass, plastic, carbon fiber, composite panels, glass, or body filler. Many newer vehicles have aluminum or non-steel panels, so it is always best to test the vehicle surface with a household magnet before ordering.

Will magnetic signs stick to aluminum trucks?

No. Magnetic signs will not stick to aluminum truck panels. If your vehicle has aluminum doors or non-steel body panels, choose adhesive vinyl decals instead of magnets.

Do magnetic signs damage vehicle paint?

Magnetic signs should not damage properly cured factory paint when they are installed, removed, cleaned, and stored correctly. Problems usually happen when dirt, moisture, wax, or road debris gets trapped between the magnet and the vehicle. Remove and clean both the magnet and the vehicle surface regularly.

Can magnetic signs be used on wrapped vehicles?

We do not recommend placing magnetic signs over vehicle wraps. Magnets are designed for smooth, flat, clean steel panels. Wrap material, texture, trapped moisture, and heat can affect performance and may damage the wrap.

Are magnetic signs good for small business advertising?

Yes. Magnetic vehicle signs are one of the easiest ways to turn a car, truck, or van into removable advertising. They are especially useful for contractors, delivery drivers, real estate agents, landscapers, cleaning companies, mobile services, schools, security patrols, and small businesses that use personal or shared vehicles.

Materials, Quality, and Durability

What thickness are your magnetic signs?

Our vehicle magnets are made from heavy-duty 30 mil magnetic sheeting. This thickness is commonly used for vehicle door magnets because it provides a strong hold while remaining flexible enough for normal use on flat steel vehicle panels.

Are your magnetic signs made from one solid sheet?

Yes. Our magnetic vehicle signs are produced from one solid sheet of magnetic material. We do not piece together smaller sections for standard vehicle magnets.

Are your materials made in the USA?

Yes. Our magnetic sheeting is USA-made, and our signs are produced in Indiana.

How long do magnetic car door signs last?

With proper installation, cleaning, and storage, magnetic car door signs can last several years. Outdoor life depends on weather exposure, road conditions, sun exposure, cleaning habits, and how often the signs are removed and maintained.

Do you round the corners of magnetic signs?

Yes. Rounded corners help reduce wind lift and edge curling. They also give the sign a cleaner, more finished look.

Do you offer reflective magnetic signs?

Yes. Reflective magnetic signs are available on many products and are a good choice for vehicles used at night, in low light, or near traffic. You can learn more on our reflective signs page.

Vehicle Fit and Installation

How do I know if my vehicle can use magnetic signs?

Test the exact area where the sign will be placed with a household magnet. If the magnet sticks firmly to the vehicle panel, a vehicle magnet may work. The surface must also be flat, clean, smooth, and free of trim, molding, deep curves, dents, rust, and body filler.

Where should magnetic signs be placed on a vehicle?

Place magnetic signs on a flat steel panel, such as a steel car door or truck door. Do not place magnets over body lines, trim, molding, handles, decals, rust, dents, deep curves, or gaps between doors and panels.

How do I install magnetic signs?

Clean and dry both the vehicle surface and the back of the magnet before installation. Place the magnet flat against the steel panel and make sure the entire magnet is in full contact with the surface. Do not slide the magnet across the paint. For more details, visit our magnetic sign installation guide.

Why would a magnetic sign fly off?

Fly-offs are usually caused by poor surface contact, dirt behind the magnet, improper placement, curved panels, aluminum or non-steel doors, installation over molding or trim, high wind, or failing to remove and clean the magnet regularly. The magnet must sit completely flat on clean steel.

Can I leave magnetic signs on in the rain?

Magnetic signs can be used in normal outdoor conditions, but they should be removed and cleaned regularly. Do not allow moisture, dirt, or road grime to remain trapped behind the magnet for long periods.

Can magnetic signs go through a car wash?

No. Remove magnetic signs before using automatic or high-pressure car washes. Wash the vehicle and the magnet separately, then reinstall only after both surfaces are completely dry.

Care, Cleaning, and Storage

How do I care for magnetic vehicle signs?

Remove the signs regularly and clean both sides of the magnet and the vehicle surface with mild soap and water. Dry everything completely before reinstalling. Avoid harsh cleaners, solvents, wax buildup, and abrasive cloths.

How often should I remove and clean my magnets?

For daily vehicle use, remove and clean magnetic signs at least twice a week. In wet, dusty, salty, or high-heat conditions, clean them more often.

How should I store magnetic signs?

Store magnetic signs flat in a clean, dry place. Do not fold or crease them. If you need to roll them temporarily, roll them with the printed side facing out and avoid tight rolls.

Where can I find full care instructions?

Visit our care and cleaning guide for magnetic signs for complete instructions.

Sizes, Visibility, and Design

What size magnetic sign should I order?

The best size depends on the vehicle and how much information you need to display. A 24" x 12" magnet is one of the most popular sizes for car and truck doors. Larger trucks, vans, and service vehicles may need 24" x 18", 36" x 18", 48" x 12", or larger sizes for better visibility.

What information should be on a vehicle magnet?

Most business vehicle magnets should include your company name, logo, phone number, website, and a short service description. Keep the design simple and readable. Large text, strong contrast, and fewer words usually work better than crowded designs.

Can you help design my magnetic signs?

Yes. You can upload your own artwork, design online, or request design help. If you are not sure what will work best, contact us before ordering and we can help guide you.

Can I order custom sizes?

Yes. We offer many standard sizes and custom size options. You can use our custom size price calculator to price and upload your layout.

Artwork and File Uploads

What file types do you accept?

We accept most common artwork file types, including AI, EPS, PDF, PSD, JPEG, PNG, TIFF, GIF, CDR, and DOCX files.

What is the preferred file format?

Vector files are preferred when available. AI, EPS, and high-quality PDF files usually produce the cleanest print results, especially for logos, lettering, and simple graphics.

What resolution is needed for printed magnetic signs?

Raster artwork should be high resolution at the final print size. As a general guideline, 150 dpi at full size or 300 dpi at half size is preferred. Vector artwork is best for logos and text.

Do you accept AI-generated artwork?

Yes. We accept AI-generated artwork, but many AI images are too low resolution for large-format printing. If the file is blurry, pixelated, distorted, or not print-ready, we will contact you before production. Artwork cleanup or rebuilding may require an additional design fee.

What file size can I upload?

Files up to 100MB can be uploaded through the website. If you have a larger file, contact us for help.

Shipping and Production

Where do you ship?

We ship within the continental United States.

Do you offer free shipping?

Yes. We offer free shipping on eligible orders over $25. Orders under $25 may have flat rate or calculated shipping options shown at checkout.

How long does it take to produce my order?

Many stock products ship within 1 business day. Custom magnetic signs typically ship in 1 to 3 business days after artwork is ready and approved. During peak seasons or for large orders, production may take longer.

What shipping options do you offer?

Available shipping options are shown at checkout and may include standard shipping, USPS, UPS, and expedited services. Expedited shipping speeds up the carrier transit time, but custom production time may still apply.

Are delivery dates guaranteed?

Most delivery dates are estimates provided by the carrier. Guaranteed delivery only applies when a guaranteed service, such as UPS Next Day Air or UPS 2nd Day Air, is selected and accepted by the carrier under that service’s terms.

Can you blind drop ship?

Yes. We offer blind drop shipping for resellers, print brokers, and businesses that ship directly to their customers.

Returns, Warranty, and Reorders

Do you offer a warranty?

Yes. Our magnetic signs are warrantied against fading, peeling, and cracking for 1 year under normal use and proper care.

Are fly-offs, theft, or loss covered by warranty?

No. Theft, loss, and fly-offs caused by improper installation, poor placement, dirty surfaces, non-steel panels, weather, or failure to follow care instructions are not covered by warranty.

Can I reorder the same signs later?

Yes. If you have ordered from us before, we can often use your previous artwork for a reorder. Visit our reorders and account login page for more information.

What is your return policy?

Custom products are made specifically for each order and may not be returnable unless there is a production defect or error on our part. Please review your artwork carefully before approval. See our return policy for details.