Magnetic Marketing

Utilizing the valuable real estate on the outside of your vehicle to advertise your business just makes good sense (& cents)!  It is an effective and relatively inexpensive way to mass market your company name and logo and improve brand recognition.  One way to accomplish this without turning your vehicle into a permanent billboard on wheels is to use flexible magnetic signage.  Magnetic signs are widely used and have a number of advantages over traditional decals or vehicle wraps:

  • They are non-permanent and can very easily be removed and transferred from the door to the liftgate, or even to other vehicles in your fleet.
  • Magnetic signs are completely legal and 100% USDOT compliant to use for commercial vehicle regulation numbers (USDOT, MC, VIN, GVWR). 
  • Installation is a breeze and requires no special tools or skills. 
  • They are durable and should last for years with proper care and maintenance.
  • They can be printed with your company name and logo and other vibrant full-color graphics.
  • They are much less expensive than a vehicle wrap, and while they can cost a little more than adhesive decals, the versatility magnetic signs provide should definitely warrant your consideration.

To weigh the pros and cons, there are still a few things to consider when deciding if this option is right for you.  Here are the instructions for care and application of magnetic signs:

Magnetic Signs Care & Application:

Storing Flexible Magnet
  • When not using flexible magnetic sheet, keep it in a clean, dry place.
  • Store rolled sign material on end with the printed or vinyl side out.
  • Stack flat magnet on a level surface. Avoid placing objects (such as cartons) on top that could damage the face; do not stack with magnetic sides facing each other.
 
Preparing Magnetic-Receptive Surfaces
  • Before affixing magnetic sheet 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.
 
Applying Flexible Magnet
  • Before applying, test all inks and paints used on the magnet for adhesion and solvent compatibility.
  • Affix to smooth, flat or gently curved metallic surfaces.
  • Make sure the entire magnet is flat against the metal surface. Do not place over protrusions (molding, decals, pin striping, etc.) or concave areas. There must be NO air pockets.
  • The magnet itself should be at a room temperature of 60 deg F (16 deg C) or above when installed to achieve best results.
  • Do not apply magnet that has been curled with the magnet side out. The magnet may not attach properly to the metallic surface resulting in lifted corners or air gaps which will weaken its holding strength. Follow instructions for Storing Flexible Magnet.
  • If you place the magnet in the wrong position, completely remove the magnet from the surface and reaffix. Lift at sides and not at corners to remove. Do not pull the magnet across the surface, or it may stretch due to the resistance caused by the high magnetic strength.
  • Do NOT use on horizontal metal surfaces exposed to direct sunlight (such as automobile hoods), temperatures exceeding 160 deg F (71 deg C) or temperatures below -15 deg F (-26 deg C). Exposure to cold weather will make the magnet more brittle so use caution when handling.
  • 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.
  • Do NOT use on non-metallic body fillers, simulated wood grain siding and repainted surfaces.

NOTE: Doors and panels on some vehicles are not made of steel. This product will not work on aluminum and plastic surfaces.

  • Our magnetic sign corners are rounded to help prevent magnet from being wind-lifted.
 
Cleaning Flexible Magnet
  • To guard against moisture and dirt buildup between the magnet and the metal surface (particularly on outdoor applications), remove the magnet at regular intervals. Clean both the magnet and metal surface with mild detergent; wipe with a soft cloth or allow to air-dry. (For vehicle-mounted signs, remove and clean DAILY.)
  • After waxing and polishing, allow 2 days for wax to cure before applying magnets.  

    If you think flexible magnetic signs might be right for you, VM Fleet is excited and ready to help.  Please don't hesitate to contact us.

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