News

Magnetic Signs for Aluminium Vehicles: How Gripper Mats Make Them Stick December 02 2025, 0 Comments

Have you ever wondered why traditional magnetic signs won’t stick to aluminium vehicles? Magnetic signs for aluminium vehicles pose a unique challenge since aluminium is non-magnetic, preventing standard magnets from adhering. Fortunately, Gripper Mats offer an ingenious solution that lets you use magnetic signage easily and securely on your aluminium trucks, vans, or trailers. This article explains exactly how Gripper Mats enable magnetic signs to stick on aluminium vehicles without damage or complicated installation, giving your fleet versatile and professional branding options.

Gripper Mats hold magnetic signage to aluminum vehicles

Why Magnetic Signs Don’t Stick on Aluminium Vehicles

The Non-Magnetic Nature of Aluminium

Aluminium is widely used in vehicle manufacturing due to its lightweight strength and corrosion resistance. However, unlike steel, aluminium is not magnetic. This means that the iron-based magnets on traditional magnetic signs cannot generate the necessary magnetic force to cling onto aluminium body panels. As a result, signage that relies solely on magnets will simply slide off or never attach securely in the first place.

Limitations of Alternative Methods

Some businesses attempt to affix signs to aluminium panels using adhesives or tapes, but these typically cause damage to paint finishes or leave residues. Vinyl wraps or decals offer permanent solutions but lack the removability and flexibility of magnetic signs. That’s where magnetic sign grippers for aluminium vehicles come in, bridging the gap with a non-permanent, paint-safe, and reusable way to apply signs that behave like magnets.

How Gripper Mats Enable Magnetic Signs to Stick to Aluminium

What Are Gripper Mats?

Gripper Mats are specially designed rubberized mats that create a high-friction surface between the vehicle and magnetic signs. When placed behind a magnetic sign, these mats grip tightly to both the vehicle’s aluminium panel and the magnet, preventing slipping and movement. This clever design replaces magnetic attraction with mechanical grip and friction.

Mechanism of Action

Unlike traditional magnets, the mats do not magnetically bond. Instead, the fine texture and rubbery material of the Gripper Mats cling securely to smooth surfaces such as aluminium, plastic, or fibreglass. The magnetic sign adheres firmly to the mat’s rubber surface, which in turn holds fast to the vehicle panel. This creates a stable, damage-free mount that can be easily removed and repositioned.

The Benefits of Using Magnetic Sign Grippers for Aluminium Vehicles

Gripper Mats for aluminum signage

Advantages Over Other Methods

  • Non-permanent: No adhesives or glues required, leaving the vehicle’s paint intact.
  • Reusable: Gripper Mats can be washed and reused indefinitely, maintaining their gripping power.
  • Customizable: Easily cut to fit any size or shape of magnetic sign or vehicle panel.
  • Weather-resistant: Perform reliably in rain, snow, and wind, even at highway speeds.
  • Paint-safe: No risk of scratching or damaging vehicle surfaces.

Ideal Use Cases

Gripper Mats are perfect for businesses that need temporary or mobile signage on aluminium vehicles, such as rental fleets, contractors, and service companies with aluminium truck bodies or trailers. Their ease of use makes switching signage between vehicles or locations quick and hassle-free.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying Gripper Mats with Magnetic Signs

Preparing the Surface

Ensure the aluminium vehicle panel is clean, dry, and free of dirt or grease. This step maximizes the gripper mat’s friction and the magnetic sign’s contact area.

Applying the Gripper Mats and Magnetic Sign

  • Cut Gripper Mats to the desired shape if necessary.
  • Attach the Gripper Mats to the back of the magnetic sign.
  • Press the combined sign and mats firmly onto the aluminium vehicle panel.
  • Allow the grip to settle; the sign should now hold securely without slipping.
  • To remove, gently peel off the sign and mats without damaging the paint.

Note that this type of magnetic sign gripper for aluminium vehicles offers detailed instructions and sizing guidelines to help get the best hold.

Maintaining and Storing Gripper Mats for Longevity

Cleaning the Mats

Over time, Gripper Mats can accumulate dust and grime, which reduces their effectiveness. Simply wash them with warm water and mild soap, then air dry completely before reuse. This restores their sticky surface without the need for adhesives.

Storage Recommendations

Store Gripper Mats flat or laid on their packaging to avoid folds or creases that could affect grip. Avoid leaving them exposed to direct sunlight or extreme heat for prolonged periods, which can degrade the material over many cycles.

Conclusion: Secure and Versatile Signage with Magnetic Signs for Aluminium Vehicles

Magnetic signs for aluminium vehicles no longer have to be a frustrating challenge thanks to Gripper Mats, which perfectly solve the issue of aluminium’s non-magnetic nature. By creating a reusable, paint-safe grip between your magnetic signs and aluminium panels, Gripper Mats provide a flexible and reliable way to display professional signage without damage or permanent adhesives. Whether you manage a fleet of trucks, trailers, or RVs, exploring magnetic sign grippers for aluminium vehicles will streamline your branding efforts. To learn more about how this solution can work for your business, check out our trusted range of grippers designed specifically for this purpose.


Why Won't My Magnet Sign Stick? November 06 2025, 0 Comments

Magnetic signs won’t stick to many modern vehicles because more and more body panels are made from aluminium, fibreglass, plastic and other non-magnetic materials.

Models like the Ford F-150, Jaguar XJ, Audi A8, Tesla Model S/X and the Chevrolet Corvette are well-known examples where magnets simply fail. 

Gripper Mats solve the problem by creating a strong, paint-safe, adhesive-free grip between your sign and the vehicle surface — allowing you to use your existing magnetic signs on any panel, even when it isn’t magnetic.


Gripper Mats by Proper Design: A Safer Way to Display Blind Spot and “Angles Morts” Signs on Campervans, Long Vehicles, Lorries, and Horse Boxes October 17 2024, 0 Comments

Gripper Mats by Proper Design offer a non-adhesive, damage-free solution to securely display blind spot or "Angles Morts" signs on campervans, lorries, and horse boxes. Ideal for non-magnetic surfaces, they are reusable, weather-resistant, and easy to apply, protecting both your vehicle and other road users.


How to Stick Magnet Signs to New Ford F-350 Pick Up Truck October 15 2024, 0 Comments

If you've just purchased a new Ford F350 Pickup truck and are having trouble applying magnetic signs because it's made of Aluminum and non-magnetic, don't worry. Our Gripper Mats™ can assist in keeping your magnet signs secure.

Gripper Mats by Proper Design: Trusted by the U.S. Coast Guard for Extreme Conditions October 09 2024, 0 Comments

When operating in extreme weather conditions, safety and stability are paramount. That’s why the U.S. Coast Guard trusts Gripper Mats by Proper Design to ensure items and signage is secure on their vessels. Engineered for superior adhesion, Gripper Mats withstand harsh environments like high winds, heavy rain, ice, and rough seas. With their ability to maintain grip in all weather conditions, Gripper Mats provide crucial safety for Coast Guard personnel, offering reliable performance in the most demanding maritime situations. Durable, weather-resistant, and built to last, they have become an essential part of the Coast Guard’s operational gear.

How to Stick Magnet Signs to New Ford F150 Pick Up Truck February 29 2020, 1 Comment

How to hold magnet signs to the amazing, new Ford F150 Pickup truck. Gripper Mats.

Gripper Mats™ Help Tesla Taxi Signs Stick On! September 04 2017, 0 Comments

Use Gripper Mats to hold your decals, uber sign to your car / taxi / cab / truck / Tesla / Audi / BMW

How to Stick Magnetic Signs to Aluminium Cars and Trucks January 26 2016, 6 Comments

Gripper Mats can hold your magnetic sign to your aluminum / plastic vehicle. Fast, free shipping.