How to Make Stickers Waterproof (and Which Ones Already Are)

by carmine caravaggio in Stickerbeat Blog: Tips, Ideas & Inspiration for Stickers and More
Person washing a white water bottle with a panda waterproof sticker under running water

Water can ruin a lot of stickers. They peel at the edges, fade after a few washes, or start to come off surfaces after being in the heat. Waterproof stickers are a different story, but not all stickers with that label are made the same.

The difference is in the materials, the lamination, and the quality of the glue. If you get those three things right, your stickers will work on water bottles, outdoor gear, cars, and anywhere else that gets a lot of use.

What Makes a Sticker Not Get Wet?

The material, lamination, and quality of the adhesive all work together to make a sticker truly waterproof. Paper stickers usually soak up water and break down quickly, but vinyl does not. Vinyl doesn't warp or peel like paper-based materials do when they get wet.

A gloss or matte lamination coating on top of the material protects the ink from water and UV rays. A waterproof glue keeps the bond strong even when the sticker gets wet. This helps keep the edges from lifting after washing or spending a lot of time outside.

Which stickers can already get wet?

Custom vinyl stickers made on 3M material are completely waterproof, safe to put in the dishwasher, and won't fade for 3 to 5 years, depending on where they are and how they are used. No more treatment needed. If you want a closer look at what makes waterproof stickers hold up in tough conditions, the material and lamination process are the biggest factors.

BOPP (Biaxially-Oriented Polypropylene) roll labels are also water-resistant. BOPP is a good choice for packaging, bottles, and containers that are handled a lot because it can handle water, oil, scratches, and UV rays.

However, not all types of stickers have the same rating. There are no static clings, holographic stickers, glitter stickers, or reflective stickers. If you need your order to be resistant to moisture, vinyl is the clear choice.

Does the finish make things less water-resistant?

Gloss and matte are two types of lamination that can help protect the print. The main differences between them are how they look. Gloss gives a shiny, reflective surface that makes colors look brighter, while matte gives a smooth, non-reflective look that cuts down on glare and fingerprints.

Stickerbeat says that gloss is best for holographic and glitter stickers. That said, matte is better for glitter stickers with fine lines, logos, or text, where being able to read them is more important than sparkle.

How long do waterproof stickers stay outside?

Colorful waterproof decal stickers covering the rear window of a van parked outdoors

Custom 3M vinyl stickers should last for 3 to 5 years without fading. The range of that depends on where the sticker is put, how well it is taken care of, the weather, and the strength of the UV rays. The results will be different.

Lamination that is resistant to UV rays usually helps performance when exposed to direct sunlight, but how long a sticker lasts depends on its specific environment.

How to Put Stickers on So They Don't Come Off

The material keeps water out, but how you put it on affects how long the sticker lasts. Here, surface prep is important. Cleaning the surface before applying is worth the extra step because oil, dust, and residue from old stickers can make it less sticky.

It's also important to keep air bubbles out. One method that usually works is to slowly press down on one edge instead of putting the whole sticker on at once. Air that is trapped can make weak spots where water can get in over time.

Cold weather can make glue take longer to set. If you can, wait for a new sticker to dry before getting it wet.

What to Look for When Ordering Waterproof Stickers

If you care about how long something lasts, make sure of these three things before you order:

Vinyl material: Stickers made of paper don't work well when they're wet. 3M vinyl is the standard that works.

Lamination that is resistant to UV rays: protects the print from fading in direct sunlight.

Waterproof glue: Stays strong even after being in water many times.

Stickerbeat makes custom stickers on 3M vinyl that are laminated to resist UV rays and have an adhesive that won't come off in water. They are made to be used outside, on water bottles, in cars, and anywhere else that gets wet a lot. There are no setup fees and free shipping on orders of 50 or more.
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