Removable panels that work on shared vehicles
Magnetic signs are flat printed panels with a magnetic backing that grips to clean steel bodywork. They are a good option when one vehicle is used for different jobs, or when a company needs temporary campaign branding that can be removed before after-hours parking, a site visit or a trip into a controlled area. For many Boksburg, Benoni and Germiston businesses, that flexibility saves time and avoids permanent changes to the vehicle.
These signs suit light commercial vehicles, bakkies, panel vans and some service vehicles with enough smooth metal area. They are best on side doors, rear doors and tailgates where the panel sits flat. Curved body sections, plastic trims and heavily contoured panels usually need another solution. We can advise after a site survey or vehicle check, because the body shape matters more than people expect.
- Temporary branding for shared vehicles
- Campaign and seasonal promotions
- Vehicles that may be sold or reallocated later
- Short-term site, event or project work
Typical sizes, thickness and print options
Most magnetic signs are made to suit the specific vehicle panel, with common sizes ranging from small door magnets to full side panels. The finished size often falls between 300 x 200 mm for compact utility use and 1200 x 600 mm or larger for bakkies and vans. We cut to the measured area so the edges sit neatly and do not catch at the corners.
The magnetic sheet is usually supplied in a 0,85 mm to 1,0 mm thickness for good hold on suitable steel panels. The face is printed with your logo, service list, contact details and any required wording such as temporary campaign information. We can also add reflective elements for better low-light visibility, though standard day-to-day fleet marking is usually enough for most local routes.
- Matte or gloss finish depending on artwork and use
- Rounded corners to help reduce lifting in wind
- Single-panel or pair set for both sides of a vehicle
- Optional numbering, job codes or seasonal messages
Where magnetic signs suit best in Gauteng conditions
Magnetic signs are widely used across Ekurhuleni for trades, sales teams, courier vehicles, estate agents and contractors who work between Boksburg, Kempton Park, Springs and Midrand. They are useful where a vehicle is shared by several drivers, or where it is parked in a visible public place during business hours and then needs a plain look at night. They also work well for short project branding at shopping centres, factories and municipal-related work, subject to the site rules in force.
They are less suitable for vehicles with fibre-glass body panels, aluminium skins or weakly magnetic areas. If the panel has fillers, body repairs or a textured surface, the hold may be reduced. Coastal humidity is not the main issue in Gauteng, but dust, rain and road film still affect adhesion, so the surface must be kept clean. If the vehicle is regularly washed with high-pressure water, that can also shorten the life of the panel if it is not checked afterwards.
- Shared fleets and pooled company vehicles
- Temporary branding for launches and promotions
- Mobile service teams and seasonal contractors
- Vehicles that must remain changeable for resale or hire
Installation, fitment and what the vehicle needs
Magnetic signs do not need power or gas connections. They are fitted by hand onto a dry, clean steel surface and pressed firmly into place. There is no drilling and no adhesive residue, which makes them quick to move or remove. For best results, the panel should be applied to a flat section that is free of rust, old wax build-up and heavy panel damage.
Before fitment, the vehicle should be washed and dried fully. Dirt under the magnet can rub the paintwork, so we always recommend a clean surface and regular lift-off for checking. We can fit on site in Boksburg or arrange delivery service across Gauteng. If needed, our installation team can also mark the placement points so the panels sit straight on both sides. A crooked panel stands out more than people think, especially on white vans.
- No electrical supply needed
- No gas, heat or drilling required
- Best fitted to steel bodywork only
- Can be moved between vehicles of similar shape if the panel size suits
Care, cleaning and maintenance visits
Magnetic signs need routine care if you want them to last. Remove the panels from time to time, wipe both the magnet and the bodywork, and dry them fully before refitting. Water trapped behind the sheet can mark the paint over time, particularly if the vehicle works in stop-start traffic, dusty industrial areas or wet conditions. For long parking periods, the signs should be lifted and stored flat indoors.
As part of ongoing maintenance, we can check the edges, print condition and magnet strength, then replace worn panels before they start curling or marking the vehicle. If a panel begins to lose grip, it is usually due to dirt, bent edges or poor surface contact. A simple service visit can sort that out quickly, and it avoids the sign lifting on the N12 or during a busy delivery run.
- Remove and clean at regular intervals
- Store flat, not rolled or folded
- Do not leave on a wet panel for long periods
- Check after car wash, rain or long highway trips
What to confirm before you order
To make the right magnetic sign, we need the vehicle make and model, the exact panel measurements and the wording you want displayed. If you want the sign to sit on both doors or only one side, say so from the start. It also helps to know whether the vehicle is shared, whether it has side mouldings, and whether it will be used in a clean city environment or on rough site work with more dust and grime.
Good artwork matters too. Keep contact details readable at a distance and avoid overloading the panel with too many lines of text. If the message is for estate-agent use, site identification or a temporary promotion, we can set it up to suit the viewing distance and the vehicle speed. We will also check whether the panel area is suitable for magnetic use before production starts, so there are no surprises later on.
- Vehicle make, model and year if possible
- Exact fit area on the door, side or tailgate
- Single-use campaign or longer-term branding
- Any need for reflective detail or special wording
Key facts
| Product type | Removable magnetic vehicle panel |
|---|---|
| Common thickness | 0,85 mm to 1,0 mm magnetic sheet |
| Typical sizes | From 300 x 200 mm up to 1200 x 600 mm plus |
| Best surfaces | Clean steel body panels only |
| Installation needs | No power or gas required |
| Use cases | Shared vehicles, temporary branding, campaign signage, short-term fleet marking |
