How to Use Your Magnetic Thin Ribbons

Magnets work like a puzzle. Opposite colors attract, and the same colors push away. To ensure your ribbons align correctly and stay securely in place, follow the steps below based on your ribbon rack layout.

On the back side of each ribbon, you will notice either red or blue colored tape. These markings are essential for proper placement on your ribbon bar or ribbon rack.

• Red Tape: Indicates the North Pole of the magnetic polarity.
• Blue Tape: Indicates the South Pole of the magnetic polarity.

How to Arrange Your Magnetic Thin Ribbons Using Red and Blue Tape

Follow these steps to properly align your centered ribbon rack and ensure the correct placement of red and blue taped ribbons.

If Your Top Row Has 2 Ribbons

For this layout, it is best to start from the second row from the top and work outward from the center.

1. Begin with the second row from the top, which has 3 ribbons.
2. Place the center ribbon first. Check the back of the ribbon for tape color. If it has blue tape, place it in the middle of the second row.
3. Move to the top row and place the two ribbons directly above it with the opposite color, which would be red and red in this example.
4. Return to the second row from the top and add the remaining two ribbons on either side of the center ribbon. These should match the center ribbon's color, such as blue and blue.
5. Continue this pattern all the way down. Each row will be either all red or all blue until your ribbon rack is fully assembled.

Helpful Tips

• Always check the back of each ribbon before placing it to ensure the colors are correct.
• If ribbons are repelling each other, double-check the color order and swap them if necessary.
• Follow a red blue alternating pattern for racks with 1 or 3 ribbons on top.
• Follow a red red, blue blue pattern for racks with 2 ribbons on top.
• Be patient and take your time. It gets easier once you set the first few ribbons.

How to Arrange Magnetic Thin Ribbons for a Staggered Ribbon Rack

Staggered Ribbon Rack, Right Aligned

Follow these steps to properly align your staggered right ribbon rack, ensuring the correct placement of red and blue taped ribbons.

How to Arrange Magnetic Thin Ribbons for a Staggered Right Rack with a Centered Ribbon on the Top Row

Use the same red and blue polarity logic shown above, while paying close attention to the top row and how the ribbons flow into the lower rows. Correct polarity is what keeps the rack aligned and helps the ribbons stay seated properly.

For 3 Ribbon Bars

With smaller ribbon racks like the 3 ribbon bar, it can sometimes be more challenging for the magnets to attract and stay aligned due to the magnetization of both the ribbons and the ribbon bar.

When three alternating magnets are placed on a ferromagnetic surface, repulsion can occur due to induced magnetization and the interaction of magnetic fields. The metal bar itself becomes magnetized by the nearby magnets, and in some cases, the repelling forces may become stronger than the attraction to the surface, causing some ribbons to shift or lift.

To help with this, the ribbon bar has a rubber coating to reduce sliding and help the ribbons stay in place better during use.

Helpful How-To Videos

Here are some helpful videos to guide you through ribbon placement and alignment.

Need more help? Visit the Pin-iT YouTube Channel.

Special Care Instructions for Your Magnetic Thin Ribbons

To keep your magnetic thin ribbons in the best condition, follow these steps:

1. Upon receiving your order, remove the spare ribbons from the shipping bag and lay them flat with the presentation side up.
2. Store the ribbons flat rather than keeping them in the bag to prevent the magnets from repelling each other and the ribbon material from shifting.
3. Use a material that attracts magnets to keep the ribbons flat and secure.
4. Consider purchasing a second ribbon bar for additional storage.

Quick Questions