Benefits of Plastic & Rubber Coated Magnets

Discover the uses and functional benefits of plastic and rubber magnet coatings

Article Overview

Our plastic and rubber coated magnets are great for when you need a corrosion resistant or colorful option.

In this article we will discuss practical uses and cover the following topics:

Variety of colorful, strong neodymium magnetic thumbtacks

1. Plastic & Rubber Magnet Properties

Plastic and rubber magnets are renowned for their versatility and durability, making them suitable for a variety of applications. Whether you are seeking corrosion resistance for underwater environments, enhanced grip, or vibrant aesthetic appeal, our plastic and rubber coated magnets offer a myriad of solutions tailored to meet your needs. Explore the range of properties below to discover the perfect fit for your project:

Corrosion resistance - This property is useful for underwater environments or where moisture is a concern
Impact resistance - Plastic and rubber coated magnets are much more durable than a nickel plated magnet and can be slammed or dropped without breaking
Aesthetic appeal - Available in a variety of vibrant colors
Surface protection - Prevent scratching or marring of steel surfaces
Enhanced Grip - Rubber coated magnets provide high friction to prevent sliding
Reduced Friction - Plastic coated magnets have reduced friction to improve movement in certain applications
Chemical Resistance - Protection against certain chemicals or cleaning agents

2. Practical Uses of Plastic and Rubber Coated Magnets

Magnets coated in a plastic or rubber layer can be useful in many situations where the standard nickel coating is not. Below are real life examples with pictures on how plastic and rubber coated magnets are used.

Plastic Coated Magnets for Aquarium Use

Our plastic coated magnets are waterproof and aquarium and reef safe. They have a Polypropylene (PP) coating that prevents water or salt water from corroding the iron in the magnet and leaching into the water. They are popular for attaching coral, rocks and pumps to aquarium glass, for cleaning robots and more.

Learn more about using magnets in an aquarium setting

Aquarium Magnets

Plastic coated magnets holding reef up in aquarium #1

Plastic coated magnets holding reef up in aquarium #2

Plastic coated magnets on aquarium glass

Outdoor Magnetic Closures and Mounting

Plastic and rubber coated magnets are perfect for outdoor applications like magnetic gate closures, hanging signs and posters to steel surfaces, hanging wreaths or decor, and more.

Learn more about using magnets outdoors

License plate attached to vehicle with plastic coated magnets

Christmas decoration hung on glass door with rubber coated magnets

Outdoor large poster hung on wall with plastic and rubber coated magnets

Rubber Coated Magnets to Prevent Sliding

Rubber coated magnets increase the friction between a magnet and steel surface, which helps keep the magnet from sliding along the surface. This is important when hanging objects, mounting vehicle signs and other applications when the magnets shouldn't slide easily.

Learn more about friction and rubber coated magnets

Rubber coated magnets holding blinds to door

Rubber magnets holding a sign to a vehicle roof

Rubber hook magnet hanging decoration on metal cabinet

Use on Magnetic Dry Erase Boards

Plastic and rubber coated magnets are a great solution for both magnetic whiteboards and magnetic glass dry erase boards. They offer a strong hold and are aesthetically pleasing. Also see our dry erase board magnets for more options.

Learn more about magnetic dry erase boards

Magnetic Dry Erase Boards

Assorted plastic and rubber coated magnets on magnetic whiteboard

Assorted plastic and rubber coated magnets on magnetic glass

High Impact Applications

Plastic and rubber coatings are much more durable than their nickel plated counterparts. The extra layer of plastic or rubber adds a layer of protection and prevents the magnet from damage. These magnets can withstand much higher impacts and should be considered in any application where breakage is a concern.

Shop Plastic and Rubber Coated Magnets

Check out our great selection of plastic and rubber magnets.

Pack of plastic coated neodymium magnets in a variety of colors - D84PC-AST

Strong rubber coated neodymium disc magnets - RX054TP-N52

Yellow plastic coated neodymium disc magnet - D84PC-YEL

3. Plastic & Rubber Coating FAQ

Here is a collection of questions that people commonly ask about plastic and rubber coated magnets.

Variety packs of strong, colorful plastic coated neodymium magnets

What is a plastic or rubber coated magnet?

A plastic or rubber coated magnet is simply a nickel plated magnet with a an additional coating of plastic or rubber. This coating not only provides good weather and corrosion resistance, but also provides more shock resistance and is less likely to scratch the surface it is attracting to. Rubber coated magnets also make hanging with magnets easier with increased friction.

Are magnets safe for aquariums and reef safe?

Yes, plastic coated magnets are safe for aquarium and reef use. Plastic coated magnets are commonly used in both fresh and salt water aquariums, to hold up coral, pumps, frag rocks, for cleaning and more. Our Aquarium Magnets article talks about this in further detail and gives suggestions based on the glass thicknesses. We do not recommend using rubber coated magnets in aquariums.

Can I glue to plastic or rubber magnets?

Yes, you can glue to plastic or rubber coated magnets. Just be sure the adhesive is rated for plastics or rubber. See more in our Gluing Magnets article.

Are neodymium magnets waterproof?

Plastic coated neodymium magnets are completely waterproof, while a traditional nickel plated magnet is not.

Will neodymium magnets rust?

Nickel plated magnets will corrode in the presence of moisture. Plastic and rubber coated magnets will not corrode in wet or humid environments.

Does K&J Magnetics provide custom sizes of rubber or plastic coated magnets?

Yes, we can provide custom magnets for different sizes of plastic or rubber coated magnets. However, they can be very costly due to extra tooling charges etc. and the minimum order requirement is much higher than our standard $250 minimum for custom magnets. For small scale use, check out our How to Rubber Coat Your Magnets article for a step-by-step process of how you can make your own rubber coated magnet.

What type of plastic is used for a plastic coated magnet?

The plastic coating is Polypropylene (PP).

4. Testing Plastic & Rubber Coating Friction

We list the pull force for each of our plastic and rubber coated magnets, but how much can they hold on various surfaces? Below are test results of the approximate forces required to slide them on different surfaces. This is helpful information when hanging objects. Use the percentage listed multiplied by the listed pull force to estimate how much weight the magnet can hold before it starts to slide along the surface.

For example, our DC6PC-BLK has a listed pull force of 10.9lb to a steel plate. According to our testing, it would take approximately 13% of that force to slide the magnet along a painted steel door, or about 1.5lb. You will notice that the rubber coated magnets are much harder to slide!