January 06, 2009

How Can I Print My Own Refrigerator Magnets?

By Kara Hiltz

PrinTip: Repeat After Me: No More Tacky Magnets

Most consumers don't realize how much their inkjet printer can do. Sure, you want to print photos and documents, but anything beyond that requires a professional, right? Wrong.

Take refrigerator magnets for example. Why overpay for some tacky magnet at a gift store when you can create your own magnets with your inkjet printer?

You can use custom magnets made with your inkjet printer for either business or personal reasons. As a business, giving out magnets with your contact information and logo to customers can really give your company an edge. (I have a magnet for a local pizza shop on my fridge — and who do you think I call for delivery? With the number in plain sight, it's a no-brainer.)

You can create magnets with your inkjet printer in one of two ways: printing directly onto inkjet-compatible magnet sheets or printing your magnet onto paper that you affix to your magnet. Either way, you'll need some specialty paper.

Shop for Magnet Sheets

To print magnets, you need magnet sheets. You're probably thinking they'll cost an arm and a leg, but their low prices will surprise you.

Most companies sell magnet sheets in letter size (8.5 x 11-inch), but you can also find some sheets already scored for business card sizes. Most of the time, though, you'll need to cut the sheet depending on your needs.

Expect to pay between $8 and $10 for a package of 3 to 5 sheets. You can also find bigger packs with 25 sheets or 50 sheets. A 25-sheet pack will run you about $30, so creating business card magnets won't cost as much as you might imagine. In many cases, you can also choose between magnet sheets with either a glossy or matte surface.

Avery and other companies known for labels also sell magnet sheets. If you plan to print a large amount of magnets, you can save some money by purchasing sheets from a wholesale magnet supplier like Rochester Magnet.

Design, Print, and Cut Your Custom Magnets

Creating custom magnets doesn't require much effort. For the most part, creating your own magnets with your inkjet printer consists of these three basic steps:

1. Design the photo, clip art, or text you want to include on your magnet. You can use a variety of software from Microsoft Word to Adobe Photoshop.
   
   
2. Print your design(s) on an inkjet-compatible magnet sheet.
   
   
3. Cut your magnet sheet if your sheet includes more than one design.

You may want to create a full 8.5 x 11-inch magnet, especially for calendars or team schedules. But in most cases, you'll create several magnets on one sheet and cut the sheet. If you buy scored magnet sheets, you won't have to cut.

On the Web you'll find a lot of resources with step-by-step instructions and fun ideas for how to put your magnets to use, including Instructables' Picture Fridge Magnets and Budget101.com's Make Your Own Magnet Fun.

Say No to Glue and Paper

If you don't want to print directly onto your magnet sheet, you can always print your design on paper and glue it to a magnet. You'll want to use a sealant that will prevent the paper from peeling away. But we think magnet sheets are the way to go for the best result.

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