What Metals are Magnetic

Many people think that they know the answer to the question "What do magnets stick to?" or “Do magnets stick to stainless steel?” and more often than not, their response will be "metals" or “magnets stick to all metals.” However, that is only partly true because magnets stick to some types of metals, and discovering which metals are magnetic is a learning process. For example, imagine you have two metal cabinets right in front of you, one is aluminum, and one is steel. When you try to stick your magnets on the cabinets, the magnet will slide off the aluminum cabinet and stick firmly to the steel cabinet.

Understanding the Basics

The most accurate answer to the question(s), “what do magnets stick to?” or "What metals are magnetic?" is "ferromagnetic materials." Ferromagnetism is the basis on which custom refrigerator magnets work. Any ferromagnetic material can make magnets stick to them firmly. Here are the most common ferromagnetic materials:

• Iron
• Cobalt
• Nickel
• Steel
• Manganese
• Gadolinium
• Lodestone

The Issue about Strong and Weak Metals

In their natural states, metals such as brass, copper, gold, and silver will not attract magnets. This is because they are weak metals to start with. Magnets only attach themselves to strong metals such as iron and cobalt, and that is why not all types of metals can make magnets stick to them, which answers the question “why are some metals not magnetic?” However, you can actually add properties such as iron or steel into the weak metals to make them stronger. Even adding a very small amount of iron into a metal like gold can make it become magnetic.

Stainless Steels and Magnets

Steel is a metal that magnets stick to because iron can be found inside steel. However, stainless steels comprise a large group of steel alloys that are made of different metal compositions. While some have more chromium, some might have more iron in them. That is why you will find that while some types of stainless steels are magnetic, other stainless steel types will not make magnets stick to them, providing answers to age-old questions “will a magnet stick to stainless steel?” and “why are some metals not magnetic?” Stainless steel is often used in a wide range of home appliances, so if you experiment, you might find that your fridge magnet sticks to your oven but does not stick to your rice cooker.

Magnets Do Not Stick to Non-Metal Materials

Most people know from experience that magnets do not stick to non-metal materials such as wood, plastic, fiberglass, textile. The academic term for materials that do not attract magnets is diamagnetic. That is why you won't see a magnetic business card sticking to a wooden desk, for example!

A Wide Range of Surfaces that Attract Magnets

There are many surfaces that magnets are attracted to, and that is why magnets have a wide audience as a marketing tool. If you’re looking for magnet ideas to advertise your business, you’re in the right place! Many tourists choose magnets as souvenirs, and many businesses choose custom printed magnets for their advertising needs.   These types of magnets are very affordable and have long-lasting appeal. For example, magnets can stick on whiteboards, school and work lockers, cars and trucks, most refrigerators and dishwashers, office filing cabinets, metal shelving and industrial equipment, metal toolboxes, and many more items found in the home or office. Magnets are a great tool to spread the word about your local business or to support a cause that you care about. So, the next time someone asks you, “does a magnet stick to stainless steel?” or “do magnets stick to aluminum?” answer them with confidence and scientifically-backed reasoning.