Hey everyone, I’m Jake, and if you’ve been hanging around the epoxy resin craft community for more than five minutes, you know I’ve spent the last eight years as the go-to epoxy resin refrigerator magnets supplier for small businesses and DIY hobbyists alike. Let me tell you: when I started out, every magnet I made had that shiny, almost sticky gloss finish that scratched if you so much as brushed a piece of paper over it. It wasn’t until a regular customer— a boutique café owner who used custom magnets for their loyalty program— sent me a note saying her guests hated the fingerprints that smudged all over our gloss magnets that I decided to dig into matte finish epoxy resin. Fast forward, and matte finish magnets make up 60% of our wholesale orders now, and I’ve had so many followers DMing me asking for the exact process I use to get a smooth, non-glossy finish that still cures hard, doesn’t yellow over time, and works perfectly as a fridge magnet. Today, I’m breaking down every single step— including the tricks I’ve learned from hundreds of bulk production runs— so you can make matte epoxy resin fridge magnets that stand out. Epoxy Resin Refrigerator Magnets
First, let’s talk about why matte finish is such a game-changer, especially for magnets meant for everyday use like on a fridge. A glossy finish might look sleek on a shelf, but on a fridge, it’s a magnet for fingerprints (pun very intended), it shows every tiny dust speck from your kitchen, and if you have kids or roommates sticking magnets on the fridge, that gloss scratches easily when someone drags a pen or a grocery list across it. Matte finish, on the other hand, has a subtle, non-reflective texture that hides small imperfections, resists fingerprints, feels softer to the touch, and still keeps all the durability of a high-quality epoxy resin. But here’s the thing: not all matte epoxy products are created equal. When I first tried making matte magnets back in 2018, I used a generic matte epoxy additive that ended up making my resin cloudy and tacky instead of smooth. I learned quickly that you have to pick the right materials from the start.
Let’s start with the basics of material selection, because this is where most people go wrong. For fridge magnets, you need an epoxy resin that’s specifically formulated for small crafts and has a self-leveling formula— self-leveling means it spreads evenly without leaving brush strokes, which is key for a smooth matte finish. I’ve tested over 12 different epoxy resin brands for my business, and the ones that work best for matte magnets are two-part, low-VOC, crystal clear epoxy (yellowing is a huge issue with cheap epoxy over time, especially on a fridge that’s near a heat vent) with a matching matte hardener or a dedicated matte additive. Here’s a pro tip from our production team: if you use a separate matte additive, make sure it’s designed to mix evenly with the resin hardener— we used to pre-mix the additive in a small cup with the hardener first to avoid clumps, and that cut down on failed batches by 30%. You’ll also need to pick your magnet blanks: the actual magnet part is a small, round or square neodymium disc magnet (they’re strong enough to hold a grocery list, even with a thick epoxy topcoat) that’s usually 10-30mm in size, depending on the design. For the front layer, I recommend using a thin, flexible material to transfer your design onto— we often use 1mm thick MDF (medium-density fiberboard) tiles, or for a more eco-friendly option, we use thin bamboo veneer tiles. They’re lightweight, adhere well to epoxy, and give the magnets a sturdy base without adding too much bulk.
Next, prepping your workspace and your materials— this is non-negotiable, even for small batch projects, and it’s something I drill into every new hire when they join our team. Epoxy resin cures best in a clean, temperature-controlled space, and for matte finish, even a tiny dust speck can leave a bump that ruins the smooth look. First, clear your entire work area and wipe it down with a lint-free microfiber cloth— no paper towels, those leave fuzz. Set up a fan (on low speed, so it doesn’t blow dust around) near the window for air circulation, and make sure the temperature in your workspace is between 70-75°F (21-24°C) and humidity is below 50%. If it’s too cold, your epoxy will cure slow and get sticky; too hot, and it will bubble. For materials, make sure your resin and hardener are at room temperature— if they’re cold from the storage shelf, set them out for 24 hours before you mix, because cold resin doesn’t mix evenly with matte additives. Also, if you’re using printed designs (like photos, logos, or art for custom magnets), cut them to fit the size of your MDF or bamboo blanks and seal them first with a clear acrylic sealer spray. Unsealed paper will bleed into the epoxy, turning it cloudy, and we’ve had bulk orders rejected because of that— trust me, sealing your design is worth the extra 10 minutes.
Now, the step-by-step mixing process— this is where the matte finish happens, so don’t rush it. First, calculate how much resin you need: for a standard 20mm magnet, you’ll need about 15ml of mixed resin total, which is enough to cover the blank, the design, and leave a slight dome (not too much, we don’t want it to run off the edges). Never guess, because too much or too little resin will throw off the matte effect. Pour the hardener first into a clean, plastic mixing cup (we use disposable cups to avoid cross-contamination between batches) then add the resin. For matte finish, the ratio is important: follow the manufacturer’s exact ratio (most high-quality epoxy is 1:1 resin to hardener), but add the matte additive at a rate of 5-8% of the total mixed volume. Our supplier recommends 7% for the smoothest matte finish— too little, and you’ll get a semi-gloss that still shows reflections; too much, and your resin will cure cloudy. Now, mix thoroughly: I use a wooden stir stick (disposable, for each batch) and stir in a slow, figure-8 motion for 2 full minutes, scraping the sides and bottom of the cup every 30 seconds. Stop mixing as soon as the additive is fully combined— over-mixing creates air bubbles, which will leave tiny holes in your finish.
Once mixed, pour the resin slowly over your prepared blank, and immediately spread it evenly with a plastic spreader or the edge of your mixing stick, making sure to cover the entire blank and go 1mm over the edges to seal them (sealed edges prevent moisture from getting in and making the magnet peel over time). Now, here’s the trick I use to get a smooth matte finish without bubbles: after spreading the resin, let it sit for 2 minutes, then gently wave a small torch (like a culinary butane torch, held 6-8 inches away) over the surface. The flame will pop any tiny air bubbles that formed during mixing. If you have a lot of bubbles, you mixed too fast— we’ve fixed that in production by letting the cups sit for 5 minutes before pouring. After de-bubbling, don’t move the magnet for at least 24 hours. Wait, I know you’re excited to see the finish, but moving it too early can cause the resin to shift, leaving uneven texture. Our team once learned this the hard way: a new intern moved a batch of 100 matte magnets after 12 hours, and half had lopsided edges, so we had to re-do the entire batch, wasting $400 in materials and pushing a customer’s order back a week. Never again— 24 hours is the minimum cure time for the first layer.
Wait, but what if you want a thicker magnet, or a raised design? That’s where the second layer comes in, and it’s the same process, but with a tiny difference. Once the first layer is fully cured (check the manufacturer’s cure time— most are 72 hours for a full hard cure), attach the neodymium magnet blank to the back of your MDF or bamboo base using a small dot of strong craft adhesive (we use E6000 for bulk, it holds up to 10 lbs, which is more than enough for a fridge magnet). Wait another 4 hours for the adhesive to dry, then flip the magnet over so the front is facing up. Now, mix another batch of matte epoxy resin, pour it over the back edge to fill in any gaps where the magnet attaches, and spread it evenly. This back layer not only secures the magnet so it doesn’t fall off, but it also gives the entire magnet a smooth, uniform look— no one wants to see the raw edge of the magnet peeking out from behind. For the final cure, let the magnet sit for 72 hours at room temperature before putting it on the fridge. This full cure ensures the resin is hard, scratch-resistant, and the matte finish stays consistent for years.
I know a lot of hobbyists ask if there’s a way to get a matte finish without a dedicated additive, like sanding glossy resin after it cures. Let me be honest: we tested this method in our early days, and it’s not worth it for two reasons. First, sanding creates a lot of micro-scratches that will dull over time— so your “matte” finish will start looking glossy after a few months on a fridge. Second, sanding is messy, and it’s almost impossible to get an even texture across dozens of magnets, which is why we switched to dedicated matte epoxy additives. For small, one-off magnets, sanding works, but if you want consistent, professional-looking matte finish magnets that last, stick to the additive method.
Now, quality control— this is what makes our magnets stand out from the hundreds of other epoxy magnet suppliers online. Every batch we make goes through three checks: first, after mixing, we look for clumps of matte additive; second, after the first layer cures, we check for bubbles or uneven texture; third, after the full cure, we run a scratch test with a plastic card (like a gift card) to make sure the matte finish doesn’t chip or scratch. We also check for yellowing by leaving a sample magnet on a sunny windowsill for a month— if it turns yellow, we adjust our resin and additive ratio. This is why our customer retention rate is 92%— people know our matte magnets don’t scratch, don’t yellow, and don’t have that tacky gloss that shows fingerprints.
Wait, what about common mistakes to avoid? Let me list the top five that I see new makers (and even some small suppliers) make all the time. First, using too much matte additive: like I said earlier, more isn’t better— too much will make resin cloudy and tacky. Second, not sealing your design: paper or photo designs will bleed into resin and turn it brown or cloudy within months. Third, mixing resin when it’s too cold: cold resin hardens unevenly, leading to a matte finish that’s patchy in some spots. Fourth, not de-bubbling: tiny air bubbles will ruin the smooth look of your matte finish, especially on small magnets. Fifth, using cheap neodymium magnets: weak magnets will fall off the fridge, and we’ve had customers come back saying their magnets stopped holding after two months— always use high-quality neodymium discs rated for indoor use.
As a supplier, I also know a lot of you are making magnets to sell, whether on Etsy, at local craft fairs, or to small businesses for promotional items. The great thing about matte finish epoxy magnets is that they have a higher perceived value than glossy ones— our customers tell us they can charge 20-30% more for matte finish magnets, because they look more premium. For bulk orders, we recommend testing our sample packs first, which let you try our specific matte epoxy formula and see the finish for yourself before placing a large order. We also offer custom printing services if you don’t want to handle the design part, which is perfect for businesses that want branded magnets for their employees or customers.
Now, if you’re ready to try making your own matte epoxy resin refrigerator magnets, or if you’re looking for a reliable supplier for bulk orders, we’re here to help. Every year, we supply over 50 small boutique brands and craft studios with our epoxy resin and finished magnets, and we pride ourselves on fast turnaround times and consistent quality. Whether you’re making magnets for personal use, selling at a market, or ordering 1000 custom magnets for a business promotion, we can work with you to find the right materials and process to fit your needs.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team to discuss your project, ask questions about our materials, or request a sample of our matte finish epoxy magnets. We’re always happy to help both new hobbyists and experienced makers get the best results possible.
Laser-cut Keychains REFERENCES
- Smith, L. (2020). Epoxy Resin Crafting: A Guide to Matte Finish Applications. Creative Crafts Press.
- Thompson, R. (2019). Durability Testing of Epoxy Resin Finishes for Domestic Use. Journal of Craft Materials Science, 12(3), 45-52.
- Global Epoxy Resin Market Report: 2023 Edition. Chemical Industry Analysts.
- Johnson, M. (2021). Best Practices for Bulk Production of Epoxy Resin Fridge Magnets. Small Business Craft Journal, 8(2), 112-118.
Wenzhou Qumange Craft Co., Ltd.
With abundant experience, we are one of the most professional epoxy resin refrigerator magnets manufacturers in China. Welcome to wholesale bulk customized epoxy resin refrigerator magnets at competitive price from our factory. If you have any enquiry about pricelist and free sample, please feel free to email us.
Address: Room 802, Building A1, Yuehu Light Industrial Park, Taishun County, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China
E-mail: 13806616181@139.com
WebSite: https://www.qmgcraft.com/
