What Magnets are Best for Outdoor Use?

A favorite among DIYers, marketers, crafters and anyone who’s had to hang a sign, magnets are a great way to attract attention. But not all magnets are built to withstand harsh outdoor conditions. With spring in the air, we thought it’d be the perfect time to go over some of our favorite magnets for use outdoors.

Weather Resistant Outdoor Magnets

These magnets are rust and corrosion resistant and will hold strong through rain, wind and extreme temperatures.

Coated Neodymium Magnets

Untreated neodymium magnets oxidize very quickly and break easily, which is why most come with a thin nickel copper coating. This is enough to keep them from corroding under normal use, but not enough to withstand long-term outdoor use.

If you want to use neodymium magnets outside, make sure you purchase ones that are designated for outdoor use and come with an appropriate coating. Plastic, rubber and epoxy coated neodymium magnets are great options as well as sew-in magnets that have been shrink-wrapped in PVC.

Ceramic Magnets

Ceramic or ferrite magnets are highly resistant to corrosion, heat and humidity, making them suitable for outdoor use even without a special coating. One downside is that they are not as strong as neodymium, but their performance can be enhanced. Magnetizing the ceramic magnet with a casing to create a potted or magnetic assembly can create a considerably stronger holding force. The surface may rust overtime, but that should not affect the performance of the magnet.

Magnetic Tape

Strong, flexible and self-adhesive, magnetic tape does not rust and can be used indoors as well as outdoors. The thing to watch for, however, is the adhesive. We have magnetic tape with indoor as well as outdoor adhesive. The outdoor adhesive will hold up against moister, extreme temperature and sunlight better and the magnet is only available in the stronger 60 mil, providing a better hold against wind gusts.

Magnetic Sheets

Sheet magnets are an extremely popular choice for outdoor magnetic signs. They can be attached to store fronts and billboards as well as straight to cars and trucks and they can be cut to any shape and printed in any color to meet your exact needs. Best yet, they are durable, long-lasting, fade resistant (with the right ink) and can withstand wind, rain and extreme temperatures, making them an excellent choice for use outdoors.

Create Your Custom Outdoor Magnet or Sign with US Magnetix

At US Magnetix, we specialize in creating unique magnetic products. Shop our magnets online now or reach out to us at 763-540-9497. We can help you create a custom outdoor magnet that fits your business brand and style or help you determine what industrial magnet will hold up outdoors for your specific application. Trust us when we say your imagination is the only limitation when it comes to designing and creating your custom US Magnetix magnetic solution.