Button magnets are rigid, hard-back magnets constructed using a metal button shell, professionally printed images or designs, a protective clear cover, and a strong magnetic backing. Unlike flexible vinyl magnets, button magnets offer a durable, premium feel with vibrant color reproduction and long-lasting durability.
At Ink and Magnets, our hard-back button magnets are primarily produced in 2.5" square and 2.5" × 3.5" rectangle formats chosen for their ability to showcase everything from family photographs to business branding and artwork.
We need a total of 5 layers to build our button magnets. Here’s what goes into every piece:
Every button magnet starts with our carefully selected print media chosen for exceptional detail, rich color reproduction, and long-term presentation quality. From photographs and logos to illustrations and typography, every paper we use makes your image or design look it's best.
For the finished surface, choose between a traditional crystal-clear high-gloss mylar cover for maximum brilliance or our UV low-reflective semi-gloss laminate for a modern finish with reduced glare and excellent durability.
Our button magnets are assembled using professional button manufacturing equipment — the same type of equipment used to produce traditional pinback buttons and promotional buttons.
Proudly made in the USA, these industrial presses are engineered for precision, durability, and consistent results. Each press is designed for a specific size and shape, helping ensure accurate alignment and reliable button assembly for products such as magnets, pinbacks, or keychains.
During production, the printed artwork, protective covering, button shell, backing, and magnet are carefully layered and mechanically pressed together to create one rigid piece. The result is the durable hard-back construction that gives button magnets their premium feel and long-lasting finish.
Unlike flexible vinyl magnets, button magnets are assembled from multiple components rather than printed directly onto flexible magnetic material. This process creates the sturdy, dimensional construction that makes button magnets instantly recognizable.
Why We Love Hard-Back Button Magnets
We work with button magnets every day, and over the years they've become our favorite way to turn photos, artwork, and ideas into something tangible. Here's why we keep coming back to them:
Durable rigid construction built for everyday use and long-term display
Full magnetic backing with reliable holding power
Vibrant color reproduction and exceptional print detail
Protective finish that resists moisture and wipes clean easily
Premium presentation ideal for gifts, keepsakes, and promotional products
What Are Button Magnets Used For?
Button magnets are designed for everyday indoor use and perform well on refrigerators, lockers, filing cabinets, toolboxes, and other magnetic surfaces at home or in the office. Some of our most common uses include:
Frequently Asked Questions
Button magnets use a full magnetic backing attached to a rigid hard-back construction, providing reliable holding power for photos, notes, and multiple sheets of paper. Compared to standard indoor flexible vinyl magnets, button magnets generally provide a stronger, more substantial feel with improved rigidity and durability for everyday indoor use.
Button magnets are water resistant, but not fully waterproof. Their protective surface holds up well to everyday handling and can be wiped clean with a damp microfiber cloth if needed. For best longevity, we recommend avoiding prolonged exposure to moisture or outdoor conditions.
We use a variety of premium print media selected for sharp detail, vibrant color reproduction, and long-term presentation quality. Different materials may be chosen depending on the application, artwork style, or finish selected to ensure the best possible result for your design.
Packaging varies depending on the type of magnet ordered, but presentation is always important to us.
Business, artwork, and novelty magnets include enough clear protective sleeves for every magnet in your order. They're great for gifting, events, and retail resale — it simply made sense to include them. While we may not individually sleeve every magnet before shipping, we're always happy to accommodate requests whenever possible.
Custom photo magnets are packaged in black kraft gift boxes or soft velvet-style bags, making them gift-ready from the moment they arrive.
Under normal use, button magnets are safe for refrigerators, lockers, filing cabinets, and other common magnetic surfaces. As with any magnet or hard object, keeping both the magnet and surface free of dirt or debris will help prevent accidental scratching during movement or repositioning. We always recommend pulling any magnet away from the surface rather than sliding them around.
The Ink and Magnets Quality Promise
Every button magnet we produce is assembled with the same attention to detail we would expect for our own photos, artwork, and memories.
As an independently owned family business, every order is assembled in-house, carefully inspected throughout production, and made with pride in the heart of New Bedford, Massachusetts. If something isn't quite right, reach out and we'll make it right without hesitation.
Our goal is simple: to create products that give you something to smile about. 🖤
Explore Our Custom Button Magnet Collection
Whether you're promoting a business, preserving memories, or showcasing original artwork, button magnets offer a durable and distinctive way to display what matters most.
Button magnets are a popular choice for boutiques, gift shops, bookstores, visitor centers, and point-of-sale displays.
