Choice of glue for magnets

Glue for neodymium magnets 

For neodymium magnets with a smooth coating, such as super magnets and power magnets, the surface must be scratched lightly with fine-grained sandpaper. Note: Only scratch the surface that will have direct contact with the glue. The goal is to lightly roughen up the surface with light scratches, DO NOT create holes on the coating. Never use excessive force when using sandpaper to prepare the coating surface before gluing.  

In addition, the other surface area on which the magnet is to be glued must also be clean and dry. Therefore, the usage of isopropyl alcohol will effectively remove all surface grime, grease residues, and other hindering factors that work against achieving ideal conditions for gluing.  

NOTE: Certain synthetic materials, such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), and powder-coated surfaces are not ideal contact surfaces to use for the gluing process. This is because the adhesive has the potential of dissolving under pressure. Therefore, conduct careful tests before determining if the glue you selected will help you achieve a desired bonding outcome. 

NB! Always test to avoid damaging your final project. And take proper precautions before you attach the magnet. Remember, once the glue has dried, it will be secured very well!  

2-Part Adhesive

When you need to glue magnets, without a doubt, a 2-part adhesive is the most durable solution. The load-bearing capacity of a 2-part glue exceeds 200 kg (about 440.92 lb.) for most brands. For example, UHU states their 2-part glue can be tested up to 300 kg (about 661.39 lb.). Keep in mind, to achieve maximum results from a 2-part glue you must ensure you correctly mix the two parts equally. 

Double sided tape 

It is important to select a type of glue that can bond to surfaces other than metal. Remember, the magnets are made of metal, and most types of glues will stick well to metal surfaces. The glue should not only bond to magnets, but the glue should also stick to various surfaces; such as wood or stone. Therefore, we recommend using 59-series glue when you want to use double-sided adhesive for magnets. Personally, we use 3M for our glue magnets. For our glue magnet orders we ensure to ship them out with 3M glue. But you also have the option to request Bonding Tape, which is one of the strongest types of double-adhesive tape for metal and various surfaces.  

Spray Glue 

Spray glue is one of the easier glue solutions, as you do not have to mix anything as you would with 2-par glues. Although spray glue can easily be applied, the same preparation process is required for preparing the magnet. It is vital to ensure your magnet and glue area are clean of any particles that may interfere with the bonding process. Regardless of the brand of your glue or the type you decide to use, we recommend using a glue designed to be used for metal. One specific glue we have tested and have had positive results with is the 3M 90 series. TIP: Instead of buying small tubes each time you are completing a project, simply purchase a large can. Initially, the cost will seem high, but the investment will pay off if you are someone that is constantly working on new projects.  

Self-adhesive magnets 

As an alternative to gluing yourself, you can look at our selection of self-adhesive magnets. If you do not want to spend time scratching the magnet’s coat and applying the glue, we recommend considering self-adhesive super magnets. These magnets are an easy and convenient solution. 

Self-adhesive neodymium magnets are popular and commonly used throughout the packaging industry, with builders, and exhibitors. Many have used self-adhesive magnets on projects ranging from magnetic closures on books to magnetic key holders, and even to hanging building materials where holes cannot be drilled. Often self-adhesive magnets are used in combination with magnetic metal surfaces.  

The self-adhesive super magnets have a layer of strong 3M glue on one side and a small piece of protective foil on the opposite side. They are intentionally designed so that the magnet can only stick once the foil has been removed. To correctly use self-adhesive super magnets, the protective foil must first be removed. The foil protects the glue, do not touch the glue or you risk contaminating the glue. We sell self-adhesive magnets in packs of 10. Keep in mind the self-adhesive magnets work in pairs. Therefore, the pack of 10 will consist of 5 north pole pieces and 5 south pole pieces. 

Self-adhesive neodymium magnets are not suitable for outdoor conditions because they will rust. To endure the outdoor elements, we suggest using rubber magnets instead.  

ATTENTION! Self-adhesive magnets can rarely be used on fabric/clothing, as the fibers destroy the adhesiveness. Therefore, we suggest a glue-it-yourself solution for fabric and clothing, where the glue is suitable for both magnets and fabric.  

Self-adhesive magnetic tape 

Another magnetic solution is our magnetic tape with self-adhesive. Magnetic tape has strong 3M adhesive on one side and a protective foil on the opposite side. The tape will not provide a magnetic field until the foil is removed. The advantage of magnetic tape is that they can be cut into small or larger pieces with aluminum scissors. The glue on magnetic tape is not as strong as the glue on the power magnets, but that is done to make it easier to rearrange the tape if you need to do reposition the tape later. 

It can be a challenge to use the self-adhesive magnetic tape on fabric with loose fibers. Unfortunately, it destroys the adhesiveness. So, consider attaching magnetic tape to the fabric instead of the loose fibers.  

ATTENTION! Magnetic tape does not have as strong a magnetic field as the power magnets, but it can still hold quite a bit. We recommend reading the specifications before attaching your magnets.