Anything that interrupts the contact between magnets or magnetic tape and the ferrous surface they attach to, will weaken the magnetic bond. When two magnetic surfaces are not in complete contact, a space or “air gap” is created and the strength of the bond is less effective. In some applications, a cloth or plastic material can be intentionally inserted between surfaces to protect painted metal or to weaken the bond slightly so the magnet is easier to remove and relocate. In other circumstances, magnetic tape may be used to suspend a temporary sign or artwork magnetically, as the flexible nature of magnetic tape makes it easy to remove or replace.