Why Won't My Magnet Sign Stick?
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Gripper Mats™ by Proper Design let you keep using your existing magnetic vehicle signs
Many modern vehicles use aluminium, plastic or composite body panels, which means traditional magnetic signs simply will not stick properly.
Before you spend money replacing your signage, there’s a simpler solution.
Gripper Mats™ by Proper Design let you keep using your existing magnetic vehicle signs on non-magnetic vehicles — without adhesive, residue or permanent changes to your vehicle.
Shop Gripper Mats for Magnetic Signs
Modern vehicles are increasingly non-magnetic
If you’ve ever tried to stick a magnetic sign onto a vehicle only to find that it simply won’t hold, you’re not alone. Many modern cars, vans and pickups now use non-magnetic materials in their body panels to reduce weight, improve fuel efficiency and increase corrosion resistance. That’s great for manufacturers — but not so great for anyone using magnetic vehicle signs.
Traditional magnets only stick to ferrous steel. They won’t stick to:
- Aluminium
- Fibreglass
- Plastic / composite panels
- Carbon-fibre parts
Below, we’ll cover which vehicles use these materials, why magnets fail on them, and how Gripper Mats provide the perfect solution.
Materials magnets won’t stick to (and why)
Aluminium:
Increasingly used in doors, bonnets, boot lids and even entire vehicle bodies. Aluminium has no iron content, so a magnet simply cannot create a magnetic bond.
Fibreglass / composite (SMC):
Sports cars and performance vehicles often use fibreglass or structural composites for weight reduction and strength — again, not magnetic.
Plastic & carbon fibre:
Many modern bumpers, tailgates, rear quarter panels and trims are plastic or carbon-fibre reinforced. Magnets won’t adhere to these surfaces at all.
Vehicle brands and models where magnetic signs commonly fail
Because of their construction, the following vehicles (and many others) often cannot hold magnetic signs on certain panels:
- Ford F-150 (2015–present) – aluminium body panels
- Jaguar XJ (2010–2019) – all-aluminium body
- Audi A8 – high-aluminium content body structure
- Tesla Model S and Model X – extensive use of aluminium body panels
- Chevrolet Corvette (all generations) – fibreglass/composite exterior panels
Many other modern vehicles use mixed materials, meaning even if most of the car is steel, the specific panel you want to attach a magnet to might not be.
Why magnets fail on these vehicles
Magnets need iron to complete their magnetic circuit. Aluminium, fibreglass, composites, plastics and carbon fibre contain no iron at all. So your magnetic sign acts like it’s being placed on glass — it simply won’t grip.
The solution: Gripper Mats
Gripper Mats are specially designed, reusable, adhesive-free pads that allow your magnetic sign to cling securely to non-magnetic vehicle surfaces. Instead of magnetism, they use a high-friction, paint-safe material that holds your sign firmly in place.
Benefits of using Gripper Mats
- Keep using your existing magnet signs
- Work on any non-magnetic panel — aluminium, fibreglass, plastic and even glass
- Paint-safe and residue-free — no adhesives, no glue, no marks
- Reusable and washable — rinse with water to refresh the grip
- Customisable — easily trimmed to match the size of your magnetic sign
- Reliable grip — tested by tradespeople, fleet users and sign installers on modern vehicles where magnets won’t stick
How to use them
- Clean and dry the panel and the back of your magnetic sign.
- Apply several Gripper Mats evenly across the back of the sign — especially at corners and edges.
- Press the sign firmly onto a flat, smooth panel (avoid deep curves or panel gaps).
- To remove, peel slowly from a corner.
- Rinse the mats and let them air-dry so they’re ready for next time.
When Gripper Mats are especially useful
- Aluminium-body pickups, vans and EVs
- Vehicles where adhesive vinyl graphics are not allowed (e.g., rental or lease vehicles)
- Sports cars with fibreglass or carbon-composite panels
- Businesses needing temporary or removable branding
Why replace perfectly good signage?
Many businesses discover their magnetic signs stop working after changing vehicles — especially newer aluminium-bodied vans, trucks and cars.
Instead of paying for completely new signage, Gripper Mats™ allow you to continue using the magnetic signs you already own.
- No adhesive
- No residue
- No repainting
- No permanent changes
- Reusable again and again
Why Gripper Mats™ are the best way to fix a magnetic sign that won’t stick
| Solution | Common Problems | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Adhesive Tape | Leaves sticky residue, can damage paint, difficult to remove cleanly, often looks untidy. | Short-term temporary fixes. |
| Static Cling Signs | Can peel away at speed, weaker hold in wet or cold weather, may not stay flat on curved panels. | Smooth glass surfaces only. |
| Suction Cups | Bulky appearance, can detach unexpectedly, may vibrate or make noise while driving. | Temporary indoor or low-speed use. |
| Replacing Your Magnetic Signs | Expensive, time-consuming, unnecessary if your current signs are still in good condition. | Businesses wanting a completely new signage setup. |
| Gripper Mats™ by Proper Design | Reusable, removable, paint-safe solution that helps you keep using your existing magnetic signs on aluminium and non-magnetic vehicle panels. | Modern aluminium and plastic-bodied vehicles, business signage, taxi signs, learner driver signs and temporary vehicle graphics. |
Shop Gripper Mats for Magnetic Signs
Final thoughts
If your magnetic signs aren’t sticking, the problem isn’t the magnets — it’s the vehicle. With so many modern models made from aluminium, fibreglass and plastic, magnetic signs simply can’t grip like they used to. Gripper Mats provide a simple, safe and effective solution, letting you keep using your existing magnetic signs on any vehicle, regardless of what the panels are made of.