There are all different types of stickers available from
helmet stickers to
scratch and sniff stickers. Certain stickers and decals are made in a way that they can withstand the elements as well as above-normal wear and tear. But how are these made and what gives them the ability to withstand more than other stickers.
Waterproof stickers are a necessity when it comes to things like helmet decals, vehicle stickers, and other types of stickers that may be placed outside in the elements. These stickers need to be able to look good and remain stuck to a surface regardless of what sort of weather rains down upon them.
So how are stickers made to be waterproof? Is there as special adhesive that must be used? Is there a special paper or material that is used to create the stickers? Let’s find out!
Are All Stickers Waterproof?
No.
Not all stickers are waterproof. Certain types of stickers are more likely to be able to stand up to getting wet, but just because a sticker is made of a certain material doesn’t automatically make it waterproof or water resistant.
Coatings can be added to non-waterproof stickers to help them gain a level of water resistance, but in order to be fully waterproof, the sticker must be able to be fully functional when submerged in water, and just coating a sticker with a water-resistant material isn’t going to allow that to happen.
What’s the Difference Between Waterproof and Water-Resistant Stickers?
As we mentioned above, for a sticker to be fully waterproof it must be able to be functional after being submerged in water. This would allow the sticker to be completely exposed to water and still function as intended.
The most common types of materials used when creating waterproof stickers are vinyl and bi-axially oriented polypropylene (BOPP). These materials, when combined with waterproof inks will create a truly waterproof sticker that can repel damage from the elements.
For example, these types of stickers are great for helmets, boats, outsides of cars, and even food packaging. We use vinyl in all our helmet decals to help ensure durability and protection against the elements.
In addition to waterproof stickers there are also stickers that are water-resistant. These stickers will degrade overtime when exposed to water but should maintain their integrity for longer periods of time when compared to stickers that are not water-resistant.
Most stickers that you find these days are water-resistant to some degree. They will survive some water getting splashed on them, they will survive in the rain for a while, and they won’t disintegrate like a paper sticker might when it get wet. Water-resistant stickers are great stickers to use for everyday projects and decorations, but you wouldn’t want to use them on your boat.
Some water-resistant stickers can survive for years before they show major signs of wear, or need to be replaced or removed.
Can You Make Any Sticker Waterproof at Home?
If you’re not sure whether a sticker is waterproof or not, or you have a sticker in your collection that you absolutely love and want to make sure that it stands up to the elements, you can add a laminate cover over your sticker to help protect it from water.
This will help prevent water from ruining the sticker, but since this laminate is not built into the sticker material itself you run the risk of it coming apart or of moisture getting under the laminate after longer periods of time.
Waterproof Sticker Recommendations
We recommend that if you know your sticker or decal is going to be near water or exposed to the elements for a longer period of time, that you research the company making the stickers and ensure that they are using waterproof materials and processes.
Vinyl stickers are a great place to start as they are durable and most of the time they are already considered waterproof.
Helmet decals, car wraps, construction warnings, and more, are all usually made from vinyl materials and can withstand any amount of water they would encounter.
It’s always best to enquire about the stickers if you know you need them waterproof, as the printer of the stickers will be able to tell you, with certainty, if their stickers are waterproof or water-resistant.
