What are the magnets covered with?

	The magnets must be covered or they will quickly erode if left open to the elements. All magnets, except weld clamp magnets, magnetic brushes, hand magnets and magnetic mounting pads, can be coated with a wide range of different materials. The most common coatings are listed below:
Nickel-copper-nickel
	Nickel-copper-nickel plating (known as nickel plating) consists of three different layers: nickel, a copper layer, and a second nickel layer.
	This type of coating can be painted over, which makes the nickel-copper-nickel coating visually more attractive than other available magnetic coatings.
	This coating coloring method is used on bar magnets where different magnetic poles need to be painted different colors for educational purposes.
epoxy resin
	Epoxy is a type of plastic coating that improves the corrosion resistance of a magnet. This type of coating will last a long time if left undamaged, however it scratches easily making it one of the least durable magnet coatings.
Zinc
	Magnetic disks, bar magnets, and horseshoe magnets can be coated with zinc, which makes the magnets corrosion resistant and also relatively cheap to use.
	The zinc coating works as a sacrificial coating for the magnet, meaning that the zinc layer wears off before the magnet corrodes. Zinc is a natural barrier to water, so if water does not get on the magnet, there will be no corrosion.
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
	Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), also known as Teflon coating, is another form of magnet protection. PTFE coatings are used to improve impact resistance and allow the two magnets to slide apart easily when attached.
	The PTFE coating is especially useful for demonstrating how magnets work in the classroom, as the coating protects the magnets from breakage, which is especially dangerous when children play with them.
Gold
	Magnetic disks can be plated with 22 carat gold. Coated magnets are used in magnetic therapy, where magnets are believed to help cure many different ailments.
	The gold plating is used to protect the wearer's skin from the materials (such as neodymium) that make up the magnet. The materials in the magnet can cause skin irritation if they are in contact with it for a long period of time.
What coverage to choose?
	Which coating you choose will largely depend on the level of corrosion resistance required, as this is the primary role of the coating. The coating providing the highest level of corrosion resistance is zinc. It is also relatively affordable compared to other coatings, making it an economical choice.