Magnetic Signs Proper Care and Maintenance

IMPORTANT: Proper use and care will extend the life of your magnetic sign and protect the metallic surface to which it is applied. Signs can come off and be damaged if not installed properly. There are some easy but important tricks to good installation. Failure to follow these instructions may result in damage or permanent bonding of the magnet to painted and other surfaces.

Storing Your Magnetic Sign

  • When not using your magnetic sign, keep it in a clean, dry place–room temperature is best.
  • Stack flat magnetic signs on a level surface.
  • To avoid cracking or breaking, do not fold or crease.
  • Avoid placing objects on top that could damage the face.
  • Do not stack signs back to back or face to face–they can lose their magnetic strength.

Preparing the Surface

  • Before affixing your magnetic sign to a metal surface, be sure all surface paints, clear coats, and waxes are cured (hardened). (Approximate curing times: paint - 90 days; clear coat - 60 days; wax - 2 days.)
  • Clean the metallic surface and the magnet with mild detergent.
  • Wipe with a soft cloth or allow to dry.
  • To protect fresh clear coat, base coat, and/or vinyl surfaces on new cars and trucks, remove magnetic signs WEEKLY, especially in hot weather, to avoid having the magnet bond to the painted vehicle surface.

Applying the Sign

  • Please make sure that magnets will stick to the surface you intend to use them on. Avoid use on non-metallic body fillers, simulated wood grain siding and repainted surfaces. Magnets will not stick to aluminum, plastic, fiberglass or many stainless steel alloys. The exterior of Saturn cars, for example, is plastic.
  • CAUTION: Magnetic vehicle signs will not adhere to areas on you car where plastic body fillers have been used. In order to avoid losing your signs, use caution in applying vehicle signs to areas of your car that have been damaged and repaired.
  • The vehicle surface and the brown, magnetic side of the sign should be clean and dry and vehicle should be well waxed prior to applying. The magnetic sheeting should be warmed to room temperature.
  • Affix to smooth, flat, or gently curved metallic surfaces. Do not apply over car trim.
  • Make sure the entire magnet is flat against the metal surface (no air pockets).
  • If you place the magnet in the wrong position, completely remove it from the surface and re-affix. Do not pull the magnet across the surface. It could mar the vehicle finish and stretch the sign due to the magnetic resistance.
  • Always remove your magnetic sign before going through a car wash.
  • Avoid use on horizontal surfaces exposed to direct sunlight (such as car hoods) or temperatures exceeding 150 degrees F
  • Cold Weather NOTICE: As temperatures fall near freezing and below, magnets become stiff and brittle–they risk being blown off the vehicle. Be careful when handling. Magnets should not be removed when cold or they may crack.
  • Improperly installed or maintained magnets are more susceptible to blowing off–ESPECIALLY IN COLD WEATHER!

Use and Maintenance

  • Be aware that long-term use on surfaces frequently exposed to sunlight (such as vehicles) can result in uneven fading of the surface because the magnet-covered area is shielded from ultraviolet rays.
  • Your signs should be periodically removed – once a week is recommended. Wipe dry both the vehicle and the back of the sign. Trapped moisture, dirt, or chemicals may harm your vehicle finish. Clean your sign and the surface beneath with plain water or warm water and a mild detergent. If, particularly in cold weather, the sheeting becomes bent or distorted, placing it on a warm flat surface (clothes dryer or water heater) or on a large metal surface such as a metal filing cabinet or washing machine and heating it with a blow dryer or heat gun will help bring it back to shape.

Proper Removal

  • Always remove the sign by lifting from the center of the two opposite sides. Never start at the corners. This precaution will avoid bent corners and reduced adhesion.