Stickers are a fun and creative way to personalize your belongings, promote your brand, or decorate your space.
But if you want your stickers to last long and withstand water, moisture, and weather, you need to make them waterproof.
In this article, we’ll show you how to make waterproof custom vinyl stickers with different materials, methods, and tips.
Whether you want to use them for your water bottles, laptops, cars, or products, you’ll find the best solution for your needs.
What are waterproof stickers?
Waterproof stickers are stickers that can resist water damage and maintain their quality and appearance.
They are made from durable materials that prevent the ink from smearing, fading, or running when exposed to water or moisture.
They also have strong adhesives that keep them attached to various surfaces without peeling or curling.
Waterproof stickers are ideal for applications that require durability and longevity. For example, you can use them for:
- Water bottles, mugs, tumblers, and other drinkware
- Laptops, phones, tablets, and other electronic devices
- Cars, bikes, helmets, and other outdoor equipment
- Products, packages, containers, and labels
- Crafts, gifts, scrapbooks, and journals
What materials do you need to make waterproof stickers?
To make waterproof stickers, you need two main components: a printable material and a printer.
The printable material is the sticker paper or vinyl that you print your design on. The printer is the device that transfers the ink or toner onto the material.
There are different types of printable materials and printers that you can use to make waterproof stickers. Here are some of the most common ones:
Printable vinyl
Printable vinyl is a thin and flexible material that has a glossy or matte finish.
It is one of the most popular choices for making waterproof stickers because it is durable, tear-resistant, and easy to cut.
Printable vinyl can be used with both inkjet and laser printers, depending on the coating of the material.
To use printable vinyl with an inkjet printer, you need vinyl that has a special coating that prevents the ink from smearing or running when wet.
This coating also enhances the color and vibrancy of your design.
To use printable vinyl with a laser printer, you need vinyl that can withstand the high heat of the toner.
This type of vinyl does not need a coating because the toner is already waterproof.
Printable paper
Printable paper is a thicker and stiffer material that has a smooth or textured finish.
It is usually cheaper and more accessible than printable vinyl, but it is not as durable or flexible.
Printable paper can also be used with both inkjet and laser printers, depending on the type of paper.
To use printable paper with an inkjet printer, you need a paper that has a water-resistant or waterproof coating that protects the ink from smudging or bleeding when wet.
This coating also improves the quality and brightness of your design.
To use printable paper with a laser printer, you need a paper that can handle the high temperature of the toner without melting or curling.
How do you make waterproof stickers?
To make waterproof stickers, you need to follow these steps:
Choose your printable material and printer
Depending on your preference and budget, you can choose between printable vinyl or paper and inkjet or laser printer.
Make sure that the material and the printer are compatible with each other and that the material has a water-resistant or waterproof coating.
Create your design
You can use any software or app that allows you to create and edit images, such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Canva, or Cricut Design Space.
You can also use online templates or stickers that you can download or purchase from various sources.
Make sure that your design is high-resolution and has the correct size and shape for your material.
Print your design
Load your printable material into your printer and adjust the settings according to the instructions of the manufacturer.
For best results, use the highest quality and color mode available and align the print margins correctly.
Print a test page first to check the alignment and quality of your design before printing the whole batch.
Cut your stickers
Depending on the shape and size of your stickers, you can cut them by hand with scissors or a craft knife or use a cutting machine such as Cricut, Silhouette, or Scan-n-Cut.
If you use a cutting machine, you need to create a cut file that matches your design and follow the instructions of the machine.
Apply your stickers
Peel off the backing paper of your stickers and apply them to any smooth and clean surface that you want.
Press firmly and smooth out any air bubbles or wrinkles. Enjoy your waterproof stickers!
Tips for making waterproof stickers
Here are some tips to help you make waterproof stickers that look great and last long:
- Use high-quality materials and printers. The quality of your stickers depends largely on the quality of your materials and printers. Choose materials that have a water-resistant or waterproof coating and printers that have a high print resolution and color mode.
- Use clear spray or laminate for extra protection. If you want to make your stickers more durable and resistant to water, moisture, weather, UV rays, or abrasion, you can apply a clear spray or laminate over them after printing and cutting. This will create an extra layer of protection that will seal in the ink or toner and prevent it from fading or peeling.
Store your stickers properly. If you have leftover stickers that you want to save for later use, store them in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources. This will prevent them from curling, discoloring, or losing their adhesive.
