Who do people use for custom magnets (numbers on doors?)

[Pat]

I'd like to have a magnet made to my specs. Do you have someone around here that does this sort of thing? Or maybe reusable vinyl?

[MHISSTC]

I cut a set of 84 individual "digital LED elements" out of about a 2 square foot piece of colored vinyl covered magnetic sheet that I ordered online through an artist supply place. The beauty of this is the elements can then be arranged into virtually any combination of numbers and letters...as long as the surface you want to put them on is made of steel. In ten years of using them, I've never had a problem with them coming off...rain...shine...snow...heat...or cold.

Here I am applying them to a car in need of numbers as shown in the collection of photos at the Iron-Horse Motorsports' photo site
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8207022@N07/

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4056/4519923384_e4e56f683c.jpg

[Pat]

I cut a set of 84 individual "digital LED elements" out of about a 2 square foot piece of colored vinyl covered magnetic sheet that I ordered online through an artist supply place. The beauty of this is the elements can then be arranged into virtually any combination of numbers and letters...as long as the surface you want to put them on is made of steel. In ten years of using them, I've never had a problem with them coming off...rain...shine...snow...heat...or cold.

Here I am applying them to a car in need of numbers as shown in the collection of photos at the Iron-Horse Motorsports' photo site
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8207022@N07/

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4056/4519923384_e4e56f683c.jpg

Thanks, Scott. I'm actually looking too use the magnet or reusable vinyl as a stencil , though. Found some temporary paint I think might work well.

[MHISSTC]

The magnet as a stencil probably isn't the best choice since you may not be able to get very intricate with the detail and paint would likely bleed under the edges unless you used very very fine mist coats. It would probably also be cost prohibitive. I know somewhere there is vinyl specifically designed to be used as stencils, but I've never looked into it to find out exactly what is available.

Best of luck on your project.

[bluefox280]

I've found cutting out magnetic sheets from Hobby Lobby works wonders.
Printout your favorite font of your numbers / size on your printer, and trace / transfer and cut them out on the magnetic sheet.

We've done that for several show-stickers so that they last and don't ruin the paint surface.

- Erik

[Pat]

Thanks, Erik. You just cut 'em with regular scissors? Looks professional? I'm hesitant to do this, but it is an option.

[bluefox280]

Thanks, Erik. You just cut 'em with regular scissors?
No worries!
Correct; or an exacto-knife works great too.

Looks professional?
I think it does; just apply your favorite vinyl color before cutting.

- Erik

[Pat]

Something like this, maybe? I wonder if it's strong enough to stick to a car door. It says magnet strength is a one on a scale of ten.
http://shop.hobbylobby.com/products/magnetic-sheet-paintable-387944/

[JScheier]

Home Depot / Lowes has magnetic vent covers. Usually 3-4 in a package. Works great for numbers, or other decals which are required to be displayed.

Find them in the air-duct / air filter aisle. usually hanging on one of the posts. They are matte white and can be painted pretty easily.

[Bottoz]

I agree with the Home Depot Magnetic Vent Covers. Durable, and nice-ish looking. Just remember to tape the leading edge a bit.

[jgray]

Making your own numbers from hobby store mag sheets will work in a pinch, but they do fly off if you don't tape down the leading edge. After I lost a few I decided to have one made and the magnetism in the sheet is much stronger than what you can get at the stores. I don't even tape the leading edge any more - it has passed the 120mph test several times. Mine was done by Annie at Sign Edge. She is great to work with and her prices are more than reasonable. I highly recommend calling her for a quote.

Annie Bonvouloir
P.O. Box 162
Nederland, CO 80466
annie@signedge.com
303-258-1707

[Pat]

Making your own numbers from hobby store mag sheets will work in a pinch, but they do fly off if you don't tape down the leading edge. After I lost a few I decided to have one made and the magnetism in the sheet is much stronger than what you can get at the stores. I don't even tape the leading edge any more - it has passed the 120mph test several times. Mine was done by Annie at Sign Edge. She is great to work with and her prices are more than reasonable. I highly recommend calling her for a quote.

Annie Bonvouloir
P.O. Box 162
Nederland, CO 80466
annie@signedge.com
303-258-1707

Great, thanks Joel. I'll give her a call.

[jgray]

no problem...

Here's a photo of mine for reference. The 'TTC' in the back is a magnet too.

916

[Pat]

Just got off the phone with Annie. Super nice lady. She's sending me a proof later today, and thanks you for pointing me in her direction.

[jgray]

Good deal! Glad I could help.

[JScheier]

Annie is actually working on my vinyl right now ;)

[docwyte]

Annie did the vinyl for my M3 last year Pat.

I'm going to get vinyl from her for the 951 too. Plan is to just leave it on the car all the time as it'll be driven only here and there on the street.