Magnetic Sheeting Care and Application Guide

This material is magnetic not magic and so does need some special care and attention to ensure you get the best from your sign.

Do the vehicles need special preparation before applying magnetic sheeting?

Both the vehicle surface and the brown magnetic side of the sign should be clean, dry and lightly waxed prior to application. Pay particular attention to the all edges of the sign and particularly the leading edge - even a slight lump or bump on the leading edge will allow air and or moisture under the sign and allow vehicle and sign to part company. Be careful where you lay the sign down, as it will naturally attract tramp particles, which may cause lumps etc.

What is the best way to apply a magnetic sign?

Let one edge of the sign contact the vehicle in the desired position and then let the magnet contact the vehicle positioning itself in the correct position from the original edge to the opposite. If the sign is not in the correct position, peel it off reposition the starting edge and repeat. Bear in mind the aerodynamics of the vehicle when positioning signs - avoid bonnets at all costs, too much air turbulence.

Make sure that the entire surface of the sign is smoothly against the vehicle with no air pockets, wrinkles or bumps, which might catch the wind, especially under the forward facing edge. In winter the temperature of the sign should be about 50 degrees F during application, generally the temperature of the vehicle is less important but avoid frozen or frosted vehicles.

Do any surfaces present problems?

Care should be taken with wood grain paneling and metallic finishes, such surfaces should be checked often for the first 90 days of use and thereafter. A generous waxing of both surfaces, both the back of the sign and where it will be placed will help to prevent any damage.

Re-painted vehicle surfaces and those of new cars should be avoided for a minimum three months and must be hand wax polished before the sign is to be fitted to seal the surface. Remove frequently to allow the natural ultra violet light of the sun to evenly bleach the vehicle panels.

Signs should ideally be positioned back on the sides of vehicles and not on the front where air turbulence is the worst - do not positioning over engine compartments as these naturally give off heat which may damage the sign and consequentially the vehicle.

What sign maintenance is recommended?

Remove the sign at least once a week and wipe dry both the magnetic side and the surface of the vehicle. This will keep the moisture from collecting, which can potentially damage a vehicle’s surface. Simply wash it with warm water and mild detergent. Avoid cleaning fluids, petrol, acetone, benzene and chlorinated solvents. Remove Road film and any dirt before applying or re-applying the sign to the vehicle. Make sure that the sign is removed after rain, sleet or snow and wiped dry, as moisture collecting behind the sign may damage the sign and possibly the vehicle if left unchecked.

What special precautions must be taken in storing signs?

Avoid wrinkling by storing in a 6ins diameter roll with the printed side of the sign pointed to the outside of the roll, or store the sign flat. Since the magnetic sheet is permanently magnetic, you do not need to protect it against magnetic destruction but beware that it will naturally attract tramp particles, so store in a clean environment. Don’t put heavy objects on it or leaning up against it while in storage. During cold weather allow the sign to uncurl in a warm atmosphere before use.

Any other tips or suggestions?

Avoid laminating the majority of the signs surface area with another vinyl when you have white bisiflex as often another layer/ substrate can cause problems with different shrinkage rates - if you need to laminate another vinyl then you should purchase plain magnetic material for the purpose.

Corner rounding prevents dog-eared corners. Custom shapes should try to utilise rounded corners rather than sharp angles for the best results. Try and avoid long narrow signs, as they are harder to care for and naturally have a larger proportion of edge to surface area. You may be able to use a cool iron to remove any accidental wrinkles you may put in the material.

THERE IS NO WARRANTY EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED AGAINST LOSS OF SIGN OR DAMAGE TO VEHICLE SURFACES, AS THE SUPPLIER HAS NO CONTROL OVER HOW SIGNS ARE CARED FOR, ALTERED, STORED, AND/OR USED, OR THE SURFACE TO WHICH THE SIGNS ARE APPLIED.

For more information or advice on magnetic vehicle signs call Tom on 0117 952 0105 or use the contact form to tell us your requirements, we can suggest the most appropriate solution for your display needs.

Download PDF version of this Magnetic Sheeting Care and Application Guide