You’re ready to start a creative project. Maybe a cute wedding favor. Or a save-the-date. Or maybe just something personal, your dog in a Santa hat slapped on the fridge. You’ve got the design part in your head… but then comes the question:

What kind of blank do I print this on?

Welcome to the world of photo magnet blanks and sheets, something most people don’t think about until they’re standing in a craft store, staring at ten different magnet sheets that all kinda look the same.

Let’s not let it get to that point.

If you’re planning to make your own photo magnets, sell them, or even just dabble in DIY, understanding the magnet sheet types, adhesive backing, printable surfaces, and what makes a quality blank is key. Otherwise, your photo might fade, fall, or just not look the way you imagined.

This guide walks you through all of it, without the boring tech jargon. Straight talk, from someone who’s actually made a few hundred thousand magnets.

Let’s go.

First Things First: What Are Photo Magnet Blanks?

Photo magnet blanks are basically what they sound like, blank magnets you can add your own design to.

They come in two main forms:

• Die-cut blanks (pre-cut shapes like circles, squares, ovals, etc.)
• Full magnet sheets you cut yourself into whatever shape or size you need

They have a printable side (usually glossy or matte) and a magnetic backing. Some are adhesive photo magnet blanks, you print on regular paper or photo paper and stick it on. Others are printable magnet paper, which you can run directly through your printer (usually inkjet).

Some are paper-thin. Others feel sturdy and professional. There’s a big difference, and we’ll explain.

Types of Magnet Sheets You’ll Run Into

Here’s a breakdown of what’s out there.

1. Adhesive Magnet Sheets

These are popular with crafters. One side is magnetic, and the other is sticky. You print your photo separately, then peel and stick.

Pros:

• Super easy to use
• Works with any photo paper
• Good for handmade projects

Cons:

• If the adhesive is low-quality, it peels over time
• The photo is exposed, fades easily, not great long-term

You can use these for short-term use or casual gifting. But don’t expect them to last a decade on someone’s fridge.

2. Printable Magnet Paper

This one skips the adhesive. You print directly on the magnet surface using an inkjet printer. Perfect for DIYers and small-batch creators.

Pros:

• Simple: design, print, cut, done
• Nice for testing designs before mass production

Cons:

• Inkjet prints fade faster without protection
• Not waterproof
• Can jam in some printers if the magnet is thick

If you go this route, make sure to laminate or seal it somehow. Otherwise, your design may smudge, and the colors will fade within months.

3. Professional-Grade Magnet Blanks

This is where things get serious, and better.

At Photo Magnets by Adam, we only use professional blanks with:

• 20–30 mil thickness (not flimsy)
• UV-resistant coating
• Edge-to-edge lamination
• No cheap adhesive stuff

This combo makes for a photo magnet that lasts 5–10+ years. Won’t curl, won’t fade, won’t fall off. That’s the goal, right?

So yeah, it’s worth spending a bit more on real quality.

How to Choose the Right Magnet Material

Choosing the right photo magnet sheets or blanks depends on what you're doing.

Here’s a little cheat sheet:

A big mistake we see? People using office supplies for gifts or commercial stuff. That cheap stuff just doesn’t hold up. The photo durability won’t last, the adhesive peels, and magnets fall off the fridge within months.

You worked hard on that design, it should last longer than a birthday balloon.

Common Problems with Cheap Magnet Blanks

Alright, let’s be real for a second.

You can buy magnet blanks online for dirt cheap. But those cut corners, big time.

Here’s what goes wrong:

• Peeling edges – Low-end adhesive sheets use cheap glue. After a while, air gets under the photo, and it starts bubbling or curling.
• Faded images – No UV coating means your beautiful design fades into a washed-out mess within a year or less.
• Weak magnets – Some blanks just… don’t stick well. They slide or fall. Especially on newer fridges.
• Poor print quality – Printable surface is sometimes too absorbent or too slick. Colors bleed or never cure properly.

And here’s the part people don’t think about: if you’re giving someone a magnet gift, and it starts failing in 6 months, it reflects on you. Not cool.

That’s why we built Photo Magnets by Adam. We’re all about longevity, quality, and photo magnets that feel special and last long enough to become memories.

See what we offer: photomagnetsbyadam.com

Lamination: The Secret Ingredient

Want to know what separates a one-year magnet from a 10-year one?

It’s not just the thickness, it’s the lamination.

A laminated magnet protects your image from:

• Sunlight
• Moisture
• Scratches
• Air exposure

Lamination seals in the ink and gives your design that crisp, professional look.

If you’re making your own magnets, you can buy self-laminating sheets or use a laminator machine. But if you’re ordering online, just make sure the magnets are pre-laminated. Like ours.

Should You Go With Die-Cut or Full Sheets?

Good question. Let’s compare:

Die-Cut Magnet Blanks:

• Great for logos, mini designs, fridge sets
• Ready to go, no cutting required
• Clean, sharp edges

Magnet Sheets:

• More flexible
• Good for larger designs
• Can cut custom shapes

At Photo Magnets by Adam, we use a bit of both. For bulk or custom shapes, we work with full sheets. But for standard gift sizes? Die-cut is clean, consistent, and always looks polished.

If you’re unsure, just think about what your final magnet should look like. If precision matters, go pre-cut.

How to Make DIY Magnets at Home (The Right Way)

Want to try making a few at home? Here’s a quick step-by-step to do it right:

1. Pick a high-quality printable magnet sheet (don’t skimp)
2. Design your artwork in Canva or Photoshop
3. Use a high-resolution image, blurry designs look even worse when printed on magnets
4. Print with an inkjet printer (and test first)
5. Laminate it if the sheet isn't pre-coated
6. Cut carefully with a sharp blade or cutter
7. Stick to a clean, dry fridge, not a dusty old garage one

One thing we’ll say: it’s fun for small batches, but time-consuming if you need more than 10–20.

For larger runs, check out our custom bulk options: photomagnetsbyadam.com

Final Tips for Buying Photo Magnet Blanks and Sheets

Let’s wrap this up with some real talk.

DO:

• Buy from a trusted source (like… yeah, us)
• Choose thickness 20–30 mil for durability
• Laminate when possible
• Store flat and cool
• Test your printer settings on one sheet first

DON’T:

• Use cheap dollar-store adhesive sheets for gifts
• Skip lamination and expect it to last
• Overload your ink (can smear or stay wet)
• Forget that magnet fatigue happens over time

And hey, if all this sounds like too much? That’s okay. We get it. Making magnets seems simple until you try it and end up with curled corners and weird color issues.

That’s why Photo Magnets by Adam exists. We’ve already done the trial and error. We’ve figured out what works (and what peels). You bring the photo, we handle the rest.

Your Photos Deserve Better

When someone holds a magnet you made, they’re not just seeing a picture. They’re holding a moment. A piece of your story.

Photo magnet blanks and sheets are just the beginning. But how you use them, what quality you choose, and how much love goes into it? That’s what makes the difference.

If you want your magnets to last, not months, but years, choose materials that match your memories.

We’d love to help. Browse our collection, or send us your design. We’ll make sure it sticks.

Visit photomagnetsbyadam.com – and let your photos live on, magnet-style.