Transforming vehicles and premises into eye-catching marketing assets delivers 24/7 visibility with zero ongoing promo spend. Magnetic Vehicle Signs are built to endure rigorous British weather while displaying high-resolution corporate branding, emergency contact details, and certifications with commercial clarity.
made on industrial UV flatbed presses with direct-to-substrate curing, these commercial substrates offer vibrant UV colour fastness, scratch resistance, and dependable durability across indoor and outdoor environments.
Material Engineering & Substrate Comparison
Selecting the right rigid or flexible display substrate ensures durability and safety for your specific use:
| Substrate Type | Composition & Lifespan | Primary UK Application |
|---|---|---|
| 900µm Vehicle Magnetic Sheeting | Heavy-duty strontium ferrite magnetic rubber with protective rear coating. Road-tested up to 70mph. | Commercial vans, fleet subcontractor branding, private vehicles used for weekend trade work. |
| Aluminium Composite (Dibond) 3mm | Twin 0.3mm aluminium skins encasing a polyethylene core. 5-7+ years outdoor life. Zero rust or warping. | Permanent shopfront fascias, corporate car park signage, industrial estate hoardings. |
| Correx Fluted Plastic (4mm) | Extruded twin-wall polypropylene. Ultra-lightweight, 100% waterproof, cost-effective. | Estate agent 'For Sale' boards, construction site health & safety signs, temporary event wayfinding. |
| Foamex Solid PVC Board (3mm / 5mm) | High-density compressed PVC sheet with a flat satin finish. Smooth, rigid, easily drilled. | Indoor retail POS displays, show shell scheme wall panels, event photo backdrops. |
UV Inks, Lamination & Environmental Durability
Outdoor signage in the UK faces relentless rain, road grime, salt, and UV exposure. Our industrial production processes guarantee longevity:
- Direct UV Flatbed Inks: Inks are cured instantaneously by high-powered UV LED lamps, polymerising into a hard, scratch-resistant film that will not run, peel, or fade in damp British winters.
- Rounded Corners on Vehicle Magnets: We machine-radius all 4 corners of magnetic vehicle signs. Rounded corners prevent high-speed wind turbulence from catching underneath the sign on dual carriageways or motorways.
- Anti-Graffiti & Gloss Overlaminates: Optional protective films allow paint, markers, and grease to be wiped away with standard solvent cleaners without damaging the underlying graphics.
Artwork Guidelines & Installation Tolerances
Ensure clean legibility from road distances and easy physical installation:
- Viewing Distance Hierarchy: At 30mph, drivers have only 2–3 seconds to read your sign. Limit vehicle text to 3 essential elements: Trade Service, Phone Number, and Website. Text should be at least 50mm–75mm tall.
- Bleed & Trim: Include 3mm–5mm bleed beyond the finished panel dimensions.
- Safe Zone: Keep all critical content at least 15mm away from sheet borders to avoid edge fittings or pre-drilled screw holes.
- Magnetic Surface Check: Verify that your vehicle panels are steel. Magnetic signs will not adhere to aluminium panels, fibreglass, plastic bumpers, or heavy body filler.
Order Custom Magnetic Vehicle Signs Online
Get live instant quotes, compare paper stocks, and enjoy free tracked UK mainland delivery with free prepress artwork checks.
Maintenance Protocols for Maximum Lifespan
Proper care protects both your signage and your vehicle's paintwork:
- Clean and Dry Weekly: Remove vehicle magnetic signs once a week. Wipe down the vehicle bodywork and the magnetic rear face with warm soapy water to clear road grime, grit, and condensation.
- Store Flat: When not in use, store magnetic signs flat on a steel filing cabinet or level surface. Never roll them tightly or fold them.
- Mounting Rigid Panels: Always use stainless steel or galvanised fixings with rubber washers on exterior walls to prevent rust streaks from tarnishing the sign face over time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Magnetic Vehicle Signs
Will magnetic vehicle signs damage my vehicle's paintwork?
No, magnetic signs will not damage factory-original automotive paint provided both the vehicle body and the magnetic backing are kept clean, dry, and free of road grit. Regularly removing and wiping the signs weekly prevents moisture and fine dirt accumulation.
Are your magnetic signs safe at UK motorway speeds?
Yes. Our 900µm commercial-grade magnetic sheets with rounded aerodynamic corners are tested and road-rated for motorway speeds up to 70mph when mounted on flat, clean steel panels.
What is the difference between Correx and Foamex?
Correx has a ribbed, corrugated plastic fluted interior—making it ultra-lightweight, low-cost, and ideal for short-to-medium-term outdoor use (like estate agent boards). Foamex is solid, dense PVC with a smooth, satin surface. It gives a premium finish for indoor shows and long-term retail signage.
Can Dibond signs be drilled for wall installation?
Yes, Dibond (Aluminium Composite) is easily drilled using standard HSS metal drill bits without cracking or splitting. This makes wall mounting simple and secure.
Ready to Order Your Prints?
Get premium commercial-grade printing, instant online custom options, and fast free UK delivery direct to your door.
Marcus Hayes
Verified Print Expert UK Commercial Print SpecialistSenior Prepress & Commercial Print Specialist • Printways UK
Commercial print and prepress technical specialist with over 14 years of industrial litho, digital print, and finishing experience. Marcus oversees technical print specifications, file pre-flight inspection, and colour management standards at Printways.
