How to Choose the
Custom Photo Magnets.
Not all custom photo magnets are the same. The difference between a good one and a cheap one comes down to substrate thickness, printing method, coating type, and whether the company stands behind their work.
This guide covers what to look for, what red flags to avoid, and the questions to ask any company before you order.
Quick checklist
What separates a good magnet
from a cheap one.
Substrate thickness
The magnetic sheet the photo is printed on should be at least 30 mil (0.030 inches) thick. Thinner substrates (15-20 mil) bend easily, curl at the corners after a few months, and don't hold as firmly on a fridge door. A 30-mil magnet feels rigid and holds flat against any surface.
If a company doesn't publish their substrate thickness, that's a sign it's on the lower end.
Printing method
Dye-sublimation is the gold standard for photo magnets. The dye bonds into the surface at the molecular level, producing continuous-tone color with no visible dot pattern. Inkjet printing on magnetic paper is cheaper to produce but the ink sits on top of the surface, fades faster, and doesn't achieve the same color accuracy.
Watch for vague language like 'high-quality printing' without specifying the method.
Surface coating
A soft-touch laminate coating protects the image from scratching, fingerprints, and light moisture. Without a coating, the image surface is exposed and will show wear with normal handling. A laminated magnet can be wiped clean with a damp cloth and will survive years on a fridge without visible degradation.
Some companies skip the laminate to reduce cost. Ask whether a coating is included.
Crop preview accuracy
The preview tool on the ordering page matters more than most people realize. A good tool shows you the exact crop at the exact size you've chosen, before you place the order. If the preview is approximate or small, you might receive a magnet with your subject's face cut in half. A precise, full-size preview is a sign the company invests in order accuracy.
If you can't see exactly how your photo will be cropped before checkout, that's a problem.
Warning signs
before you order.
No substrate thickness listed
Quality companies publish their specs. If you can't find the mil thickness, the substrate is probably thin.
"High-res printing" without naming the method
Dye-sublimation is the specific term that matters. Vague language often means inkjet.
No coating mentioned
A laminate or coating is a feature worth advertising. If it's not mentioned, it may not be included.
Unclear support or reprint policy
Before ordering, check how the company handles production issues, shipping damage, and photo-quality concerns.
Vague or no shipping timeline
A company that doesn't commit to a shipping timeline may have long production queues, especially around holidays.
Cheapest is not
the whole story.
The cheapest custom photo magnets on the market use inkjet printing on 15-mil magnetic paper with no coating. They cost less to produce and they look it: dull colors, visible dot pattern, and corners that curl after a few months on the fridge.
Mid-range options (including Remiee Magnets) use dye-sublimation on 30-mil stock with a laminate coating. The per-magnet cost is higher, but the product looks noticeably better, lasts longer, and holds its appearance.
When comparing prices, verify that you're comparing the same spec. A cheaper price for a thinner, uncoated inkjet magnet is not a deal, it's a different product.
Questions to ask before you order
- ·What is the substrate thickness in mils?
- ·Is the printing dye-sublimation or inkjet?
- ·Is a laminate or coating included?
- ·Can I see an exact crop preview before checkout?
- ·What is the shipping timeline?
- ·What does the support or reprint policy cover?
- ·Where is the product made?
How we answer
every question on the list.
Substrate
30-mil magnetic sheet
Thick, rigid, holds flat
Printing
Dye-sublimation
Archival-grade color accuracy
Coating
Soft-touch laminate
Scratch-resistant, matte finish
Preview
Exact crop preview
See the final crop before checkout
Shipping
Shown at checkout
Review options before ordering
Support
Contact available
Email and phone are published
Origin
Florida studio
Remiee Magnets positioning
Proof
In progress
Customer reviews will be added when verified
Buyer's guide
questions answered.
How do I tell the difference between dye-sublimation and inkjet photo magnets?
Dye-sublimation prints have continuous-tone color with no visible dot pattern and feel smooth to the touch. Inkjet prints on magnetic paper often show a fine dot grid under magnification and may have a slightly textured surface. Dye-sub colors are also more saturated and accurate.
What resolution does my photo need to be for a good-looking magnet?
For a 3x3 inch magnet at 300 DPI, you need at least 900x900 pixels. For a 2x2 inch magnet, 600x600 pixels is the minimum. Most smartphone photos taken in the last several years will exceed these requirements. The issue is usually heavy cropping that reduces effective resolution.
How do I compare prices fairly between different custom magnet companies?
Compare cost per magnet at the same quantity and size. A company showing a low headline price for a single magnet may have high per-unit cost when you order 25 or 50. Also factor in shipping: some companies charge separately, others include it. And consider whether the quote includes the same materials (30-mil substrate vs. thinner stock, laminate vs. no laminate).
What should I check in a return or reprint policy?
Look for clear language about production issues, shipping damage, photo quality expectations, and how to contact support. A policy should explain what information the company needs to review a problem.
What makes a magnet substrate thick enough to be durable?
30-mil (0.030 inch) is the industry standard for quality photo magnets. Thinner magnets (15-20 mil) bend easily, curl at the corners over time, and don't hold as strongly on a refrigerator door. You can test substrate thickness simply by bending a sample: a 30-mil magnet resists bending noticeably.
How important is the image preview tool when ordering?
Very important. A good preview tool shows you the exact crop at the exact size you've chosen, so there are no surprises when the magnet arrives. If the preview is vague or approximate, you risk receiving a magnet where important parts of the photo are cut off. A site that shows you the final crop before checkout is a sign they care about order accuracy.
Ready to order from
your magnets?
30-mil substrate, dye-sublimation printing, soft-touch laminate, and a Florida studio behind the order.