What Neodymium Magnet Coatings Are Available?
Nickel-copper-nickel is the standard and works well indoors. For moisture and outdoor use, choose epoxy or plastic coated magnets; plastic is fully waterproof. Rubber protects surfaces from scratches. Specialty coatings like zinc, gold, silver, electroless nickel, PTFE (Teflon), parylene and Everlube are available on custom orders.
Coatings Compared
| Coating | Look | Moisture protection | Wear resistance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nickel (Ni-Cu-Ni) | Shiny silver | Indoor | High | Our standard. Also in black nickel |
| Electroless nickel | Silver | Good | High | Even thickness, chemical resistance |
| Epoxy | Black (other colors custom) | Good | Scratches Easily | Over Ni-Cu-Ni plating |
| Plastic (ABS) | Black or colors | Waterproof | High | About 1 mm thick; lowers pull force |
| Rubber | Black | Fair | High | Non-scratch grip; not for submersion |
| Zinc | Dull blue-gray | Fair | Medium | Economical |
| Gold | Gold | Indoor | Medium | Thin layer over nickel |
| Silver | Silver | Indoor | Medium | Used in some medical devices |
| PTFE / Teflon, Xylan | Colors | Good | High | Low friction; adhesives don’t bond well |
| Parylene | Clear | Very Good | High | Ultra-thin, pinhole-free; medical and electronics |
| Everlube | Gray | Very Good | High | Aluminized barrier coating |
Standard and Stocked Coatings
Nickel (Ni-Cu-Ni)
The most common coating on neodymium magnets, and the default on ours. Three layers seal the magnet and give it a bright, durable finish. Great indoors; keep it dry. Also available as black nickel, a dark gray, shiny finish.
Epoxy
Black epoxy applied over nickel plating (Ni-Cu-Ni-epoxy). Much better corrosion resistance for humid and outdoor use. It’s softer than metal plating, so avoid scratching it. Shop Epoxy Coated Magnets.
Plastic
An injection-molded ABS shell about 1 mm thick that makes the magnet waterproof and protects it from impact. The shell acts as an air gap, so a plastic coated magnet pulls less than a bare one of the same size. Shop Plastic Coated Magnets.
Rubber
A soft rubber skin that grips and won’t scratch painted or finished surfaces. Shop Rubber Coated Magnets.
Specialty Coatings (Custom Orders)
Electroless Nickel
Nickel deposited chemically instead of with electric current, for a more uniform layer with better chemical and corrosion resistance. See nickel vs electroless nickel.
Zinc
A single-layer, economical coating. As zinc oxidizes it forms a protective zinc oxide layer.
Gold and Silver
A thin gold or silver layer over nickel, chosen mostly for appearance. Silver is also used in some medical applications.
PTFE (Teflon), Xylan
Tough, low-friction and chemical resistant. Adhesives don’t stick well to it, so it’s a poor choice if you plan to glue the magnet.
Parylene
An ultra-thin, pinhole-free polymer film used in medical devices, electronics and aerospace parts.
Everlube
An aluminized barrier coating with excellent chemical and corrosion resistance.
Not Sure Which to Choose?
Tell us where the magnet will be used: indoors or out, wet or dry, glued or loose. Our team will recommend a coating.