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Questions and answers about self-adhesive magnets

Table of Contents

What surfaces do self-adhesive products adhere to?

Tips for all self-adhesive products
The adhesive on the back of self-adhesive products requires certain surface qualities to reach its full bonding potential. For a larger project, we recommend prior tests since the surface condition has a big impact on the adhesive’s performance.
  • The surface must be free of dust, clean and dry. For best results, clean the surface prior to use with a suitable cleaning agent and wait until it is completely dry.
  • The adhesive will only fully adhere if it makes complete contact with the surface: The smoother, the better the result. Avoid uneven or rough surfaces.
  • Only remove the protective film immediately before use.
  • You should never touch the adhesive side after removing the protective film.
  • Certain synthetics, such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE) as well as powder-coated surfaces are not ideal surfaces since the adhesive may fail when stressed. Hence, careful testing is crucial before any actual large scale use to avoid disappointments.
  • You also have the option of improving the adhesion of self-adhesive products by applying UHU MAX REPAIR adhesive.
Tips for self-adhesive neodymium magnets
The following surfaces have proved to be especially suitable for self-adhesive neodymium magnets:
  • Uncoated cardboard (grey)
  • Coated cardboard (white)
  • Laser printing paper
  • Acrylic glass (PMMA)
  • Wood

What do you need to consider when attaching self-adhesive products?

After the products have been applied, the entire length of the adhesive side must be pressed onto the underlying surface so that the two surfaces bond well with each other.
The ideal temperature is between 21 °C and 38 °C. Temperatures above 80 °C destroy the magnetisation of neodymium magnets and magnetic tapes.
The following example illustrates the correct pressing and drying time for the tapes: The two strips of magnetic adhesive tape ferrite 20 mm at the top of the picture were applied at room temperature to clean and clear plastic, pressed and dried for 72 hours. As a result, these tapes adhered evenly and, above all, very firmly to the surface.
The two tapes at the bottom of the picture were only briefly pressed onto the plastic. Already 24 hours later, air bubbles were evident (light grey) which reduced the adhesion of these tapes. After a further 24 hours, one of the tapes had completely detached from the plastic by itself.

Are self-adhesive products suitable for outdoor use?

Even with correct application, humidity and UV radiation can affect the adhesive of self-adhesive products over time.
  • Magnetic tape, magnetic sheet: Has only limited use outdoors and in wet environments such as a bathroom or sauna, etc. because adhesive bonding will be compromised. If you still want to try it, you may have to replace the products from time to time.
  • Self-adhesive neodymium magnets are generally not suitable for outdoor use since they may rust.

What do you need to keep in mind for storage?

Store self-adhesive products at normal room temperature before use. Avoid locations that are too dry, too humid or sunny.

How long does the adhesive last?

Before starting work on your project, keep in mind that the adhesive on self-adhesive products has a limited lifespan. The durability of the adhesive is as follows:
The information provided above is intended as a guideline. The lifespan of adhesives depends on factors such as humidity, ambient temperature, surface type, sun exposure, etc. Under optimum conditions, the adhesive may last much longer.