When filling out your Apex custom magnet request form, you’ll come across a section to choose a magnet coating or finish: nickel, zinc, plastic, rubber, epoxy, chrome, gold, silver, or none. Magnet coatings and finishes could help your magnet perform better in your application. They can improve durability, which increases the magnet’s lifetime and reduces overall costs.  If you’re unsure of which magnet coating or finish you should get, or if you should get one at all, this guide can help you decide. 

Why Should I Get A Magnet Coating? 

Strong permanent magnets, such as neodymium magnets, have properties that make them susceptible to corrosion, chipping, and demagnetization, especially if they are not stored in the correct environment. Adding a coating or finish to a bare magnet helps prevent corrosion and is essential for NdFeB magnets.  Industrial magnets can be quite costly, and you want your investment to last. Adding a coating or finish to your magnet could make the investment worthwhile—They can help reduce chipping, corrosion, or other damages that impact a magnet's lifespan. 

Which Coating Should I Choose?

The type of coating or finish varies depending on your application, but there are some standard coatings and finishes, such as: 
  • Rubber for holding and saltwater applications
  • Chrome for high-pressure applications
  • Gold, silver, and chrome for jewelry and cosmetics 
  • Epoxy for adhesive or outdoor applications
  • Nickel for motors, sensors, automotives, generators, and pumps
  • Zinc for low temperature, low-cost environments 
  • Plastic for consumer products or educational or medical purposes 
For more details on magnet coatings and finishes, visit our YouTube channel.

Why Wouldn’t I Need A Magnet Coating or Finish?  

While a magnet coating or finish can increase durability, it has its costs too. Because coatings, such as rubber or plastic, create a distance between the magnets, it can decrease magnetic strength. However, some coatings, such as nickel, will actually help transfer the magnetic field.  To calculate how much strength is lost, you can use the inverse square law, which states that a magnet’s force drops rapidly even over small distances.

Contact Apex Magnets

When purchasing large industrial magnets, it’s important to note that these types of magnets may include multiple coatings—You may have a nickel layer inside, followed by a copper layer, and then another nickel layer on the outside. When multiple layers are added, it can reduce the magnetic field, which means you may have to purchase a stronger magnet than you normally would have.  If you’re still unsure, don’t hesitate to contact us. We can recommend a coating or finish for your application.