Which coating or finish would you choose? NiCuNi, epoxy, plastic, rubber, and self-adhesive
A neodymium magnet is always provided with a protective coating, as the material itself rusts quickly. For most magnets, this is a NiCuNi (nickel-copper-nickel) coating. For some applications, a different finish is better. Below you can see which one to choose and when. If you want to know what holding power you need, use the Magnet Advisor.
Quick selection
| Finish | Choose this if | Collection |
|---|---|---|
| NiCuNi (standard) | the magnet is used indoors and in dry conditions | Neodymium magnets |
| Epoxy | you want extra protection against moisture, or the magnet is being built into something, such as a door | Epoxy magnets |
| Plastic-encased | you want a neat, colored or sturdy finish and want to be able to screw it in easily | Plastic-encased magnets |
| Rubber-coated | you want to protect the surface and need grip to prevent sliding | Rubber-coated magnets |
| Self-adhesive | you want to stick it to a flat surface without drilling or glue | Self-adhesive magnets |
NiCuNi
The standard coating for many neodymium magnets. The finish is metallic and shiny. Suitable for indoor use in dry areas. The layer contains nickel; therefore, do not use magnets against the skin.
Epoxy
An epoxy layer provides extra protection against moisture. Epoxy magnets are available as disc, block, rod, and ring magnets, among others. Also read Epoxy-coated magnets in steel doors.
Plastic-encased
A plastic casing provides a neat and sturdy finish and is available in colors, such as red or yellow. There are disc magnets and block magnets with a drill/countersunk hole for flush screwing.
Rubber-coated
Rubber-coated pot magnets have a rubber layer all around. This protects the surface against which the magnet is placed and provides grip, so it slides less easily. They are available with an internal thread or a threaded stud.
Self-adhesive
You stick self-adhesive magnets onto a clean, dry, and flat surface. They are thin, so the holding power is limited, making them primarily suitable for displays, cards, packaging, and light closures.
What to look out for
- Holding power: the stated values are measured under ideal conditions on a flat steel plate. Read how holding power is determined.
- Temperature: most neodymium magnets are specified up to 80 °C. Check this on the product page.
- Safety: strong magnets can snap together or against metal with force; keep your fingers away and keep magnets away from pacemakers, electronics, and bank cards.
