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So you're thinking about making photo magnets, or buying them, but not sure what kind of magnet to use?

Totally fair question. Because honestly? The magnet material for photo magnets is what makes or breaks the final product. Use the wrong one and you’ll end up with peeling edges, weak grip, or magnets that curl like old pizza crust. (Yeah... not cute.)

If you want photo magnets that look good and last long, the magnet backing needs to be spot on. Let's break it all down.

Why Magnet Material Matters (More Than You Think)

Not all magnets are created equal. Some stick strong for years. Others fall off with a breeze. The material, thickness (mil), and type of backing all affect:

• How long your magnet lasts
• How well it sticks
• If it plays nice with your fridge or locker
• And how professional (or DIY-ish) it looks

By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly what to look for when choosing the right magnet material for photo magnets, whether you’re making them yourself or buying from a pro.

Need someone to handle all this material stuff for you? We are here!

Types of Magnet Materials Used for Photo Magnets

Alright, let’s talk options.

Flexible Magnetic Sheets

These are the most popular. Soft, bendable, and easy to cut, flexible magnets are made from rubber and iron oxide blends.

• Common thicknesses: 12 mil, 20 mil, 30 mil
• Thinner = lighter, more flexible. Thicker = stronger hold
• Perfect for fridge magnets, small decor, and save-the-dates
  For indoor use? These are the MVPs.

Printable Magnetic Sheets

These come with a printable surface, so you can run them straight through your inkjet printer.

Pros:

• Easy DIY option 
• No need for separate photo paper or adhesive backing

Cons:

• Limited thickness (usually 12–15 mil)
• Color quality may not match premium photo paper
• Ink can fade faster without coating or lamination
  Still, not bad for quick crafts or one-off gifts.

Adhesive-Backed Magnet Sheets

These have a sticky layer where you attach a printed photo or laminated image. Popular for semi-pro makers and small businesses.

• Great if you're printing photos separately on high-quality photo paper
• Stick, press, trim, done
  Tips:
• Clean photo backing before sticking
• Apply even pressure to avoid bubbling
• Avoid super-thin adhesives, they peel

We use high-tack adhesive with the right flexibility at Photo Magnets by Adam so they hold up better than most store-bought DIY kits.

Hard Magnets (Ceramic or Neodymium)

These aren’t used for typical photo magnets, but worth a mention. They’re hard magnets, super strong but heavy and brittle.

Think more industrial or hardware-level strength. Not ideal for a flat image or flexible mounting. But hey, they’ll hold your car together if needed.

Key Factors for Choosing the Right Material

Choosing the right magnet is kinda like picking the right shoe. It needs to fit the job.

Durability and Lifespan

Look for magnets that won’t warp, curl, or fade. Good ones resist magnet fatigue, especially the thicker kinds (20 mil+).

Lower-end materials? They’ll look great for a month, then start lifting at the edges. Not worth it.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Use

For fridges and indoor boards, you don’t need much weather protection.

But if you're thinking outdoors, like car magnets or outdoor signage, you’ll need:

• UV coating
• Water-resistant layers
• Weatherproof magnetic sheets

DIY tip: Lamination can help for indoor/outdoor crossover.

Magnet Strength & Holding Power

Stronger isn’t always better, but it matters. Magnet strength is often measured in gauss or weight-holding capacity.

• 12 mil = light hold (good for giveaways)
• 20 mil = ideal balance (great for photos)
• 30 mil = heavy duty (can hold thicker prints or larger formats)

Thicker = stronger. Just make sure your printer can handle the load if you're printing directly.

Surface Compatibility

Here’s something most people miss, not all magnets work on all fridges.

• Some newer stainless steel fridges are magnet-resistant
• Painted metal surfaces might have reduced hold
• Magnetic glass boards? Forget it

Flexible magnets usually do the trick, but test if you're unsure.

Best Magnet Material for Different Use Cases

Here’s a cheat sheet:

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Magnet Material

So you’re all set to make your own photo magnets or order some in bulk, but hold up. Picking the wrong magnet material for photo magnets can totally wreck your final product.

Here’s what folks often mess up:

• Too-thick photo paper: It might look nice on screen, but if your paper’s too bulky, especially when combined with adhesive backing, it won’t stick right, or worse, it curls over time.
• Going too thin on the magnet: We get it, you want to save a few bucks. But super-thin magnetic sheets (like under 12 mil) may not even hold up a single photo on a fridge. Not worth it.
• Skipping surface compatibility checks: Not all fridges are created equal. Some newer ones (especially stainless steel) can reject weak magnets altogether. Always check what surface you’re sticking to.

• Assuming all adhesives are equal: Cheap glue fails. Look for strong, heat-resistant adhesive magnets if you're doing DIY.

  Avoid these, and you're already ahead of the game.

  Skip the Confusion, Let Us Handle the Magnet Game

  At Photo Magnets by Adam, we don’t mess around with cheap magnet backings. We use the best magnet material for photo magnets, premium strength, proper thickness, and full surface compatibility for fridges, lockers, and more.

  No warping. No peeling. Just beautiful, long-lasting photo magnets you’ll love sticking everywhere.

  Upload your pics, we’ll do the rest.

  Order yours now: https://photomagnetsbyadam.com/
   We make memories stick, with quality that actually sticks.

  FAQs

  What’s the ideal thickness for photo magnets?
   20 mil is the sweet spot, strong enough for daily use, flexible enough to cut or trim. Heavier magnets (30 mil) are great for outdoor or heavy-duty stuff.

  Can I print directly on magnet material?
   Yes, but only on printable magnetic sheets made for inkjet printers. Be sure to check compatibility before feeding it in.

  Are all magnets safe for fridges?
   Most are. But some stainless steel fridges reject magnets altogether. If yours does, try adhesive strips or display your magnets elsewhere.