Magnets for signage and advertising boards
Mount indoor signs and wayfinding with thin disc or block magnets on the back of the sign and a steel strip or plate on the wall, or directly on steel doors and walls. Outdoors choose epoxy, plastic or rubber. On a vertical wall allow 5 to 10 times the weight.
Short answer: door signs, name plates, wayfinding and information panels are mounted with thin disc or block magnets on the back of the sign, and a steel strip or plate on the wall (or directly on a steel door or wall). That way you can swap signs in seconds. Indoors, NiCuNi magnets are sufficient; outdoors choose epoxy, plastic-coated or rubber. Because a sign is loaded sideways, allow 5 to 10 times the weight.
Which magnet for which sign?
| Sign | Advice |
|---|---|
| Door or name sign (light, up to approx. 300 g) | 2 – 4 thin disc magnets Ø15 x 1.5 mm or Ø20 x 2 mm, or self-adhesive magnets |
| Directional sign, information panel (0.5 – 2 kg) | 4 disc magnets Ø20 x 5 mm or block magnets, glued in |
| Large advertising board or panel | countersunk or pot magnets; see facade signs |
| On glass or a painted wall | magnet on both sides, or rubber magnets |
| Outdoors | epoxy or plastic-coated |
Tips
- Steel counter plate: a strip of galvanised steel of 1 – 2 mm on the wall is enough for light signs. See which metals are magnetic?
- Thin sign: with 3 mm acrylic or dibond, recess the magnet into the back, or glue it on with two-component adhesive.
- Alignment: a small ledge or lug at the bottom keeps the sign straight and stops it slipping.
- Theft: magnetic signs are easy to take away. Hang them where that is not a problem.
