Digital Printing on Magnetic Film

Unlike vinyl or board substrates, magnetic materials adhere directly to ferrous or steel surfaces without adhesives, making them perfect for short-term graphics that need to be replaced frequently and effortlessly.

Explore magnetic films and ferrous receptive materials in the Film category on Substrate Bank.

What Is Printable Magnetic Media?

Printable magnetic media is a flexible magnetic sheet or a printable ferrous film that adheres to steel or magnetic surfaces. Available in white matte, gloss, or coated finishes, these materials support printing with UV, latex, and solvent/eco-solvent inks.

There are two main formats:

Printable magnet: The magnetic base is printed directly (white top-coated)
Printable ferrous film: Used in combination with a magnetic backer, allowing layering or modular graphics

See magnetic and ferrous media options under Film substrates.

Advantages of Magnetic Media

Repositionable: No adhesive, no residue — change graphics in seconds
Perfect for campaigns: Easily update messages, promotions, or visuals
Long-lasting base, swappable surface: Print once, change often
Clean, professional look: No need for tape or fixings
PVC-free options available: For more sustainable in-store systems
Available in rolls or sheets: For wide-format or cut graphics

Challenges and Considerations

Challenge	Notes
Magnetism strength varies	Thicker materials offer better hold, especially for vertical or heavy applications
Surface must be steel or receptive	Requires ferrous panel or primered base — doesn’t adhere to aluminum, glass, or wood
Not suitable for outdoor use	Weather, heat, and moisture reduce performance over time
Weight can be a factor	Magnetic rolls are heavier than vinyl or fabric
Not ideal for high-resolution photography	Texture and thickness may affect ultra-fine detail compared to flat rigid media

Where Magnetic Media Works Best

1. Retail Promotions and Seasonal Campaigns

Install once, change frequently — magnetic signage is ideal for in-store price updates, feature products, and rotating visuals.

2. Point-of-Sale and Merchandising Systems

Create layered graphics where base panels remain in place while promotional layers can be added, removed, or reordered.

3. Hospitality and Events

Hotels, event organizers, and exhibition teams use magnetic panels for branded pop-ups, schedules, or directional signage.

4. Education and Industrial Labeling

In classrooms, warehouses, and logistics, magnetic media offers a clean, tool-free way to move visuals and information.

Best Practices for Printing on Magnetic Media

Use UV or latex printers for flexible, scuff-resistant output
Flatten rolls before printing to prevent head strikes or skew
Allow inks to cure fully before rolling or stacking
Cut with rotary blade, CNC, or scissors — avoid stretching
Clean magnetic surfaces regularly to maintain adhesion strength

Explore Printable Magnetic Films on Substrate Bank

With Substrate Bank, you can:

Filter for printable magnetic sheets and ferrous receptive films
Compare magnetic hold strength, roll widths, and surface types
Discover PVC-free magnetic materials for greener display systems
Match products with print method and application environment
Access tips for installation, reuse, and modular signage planning

Final Thought: Change Graphics, Not Your Hardware

Magnetic media gives you the freedom to refresh visuals quickly, cleanly, and without tools. It’s signage that works with you — perfect for agile brands and environments where flexibility is key.

Substrate Bank helps you choose the right magnetic solution — whether you’re rolling out a retail campaign or building a modular visual system that changes with the seasons.