Are Vinyl Stickers Waterproof? Let's Take a Look!
Ah, vinyl stickers! The beloved little collectables of the crafting world, perfect for adding a splash of personality to just about anything! But if you’re like us, you’ve probably wondered: Are vinyl stickers actually waterproof? Well, let’s dive into this question and explore the magic that keeps our stickers looking clean and crisp, rain or shine!
What Makes Vinyl Stickers Waterproof?
Soooo, what actually makes vinyl stickers’ waterproof? Well, they’re usually crafted from a synthetic plastic material called polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Think of it as their armour against moisture. This PVC material is water-resistant and makes them ideal for a variety of settings, from your water bottle to your laptop.
The only problem is, is that when we've run our own tests on vinyl sticker paper, we've found that the printed design that sits on top of the PVC usually scratches off. This is completely normal, as the pigment ink from your printer sits on top of the vinyl rather than sinking in.
There are things you can do to prevent this from happening, which is what we'll go into in the next section however if you're looking for a material which can be used in all weather and removes a lot of the issues faced with printed vinyl stickers, then we recommend reading our blog post about cut vinyl.
However, if you're looking for waterproof stickers to use on water bottles, laptops and mugs then printed vinyl is perfect for you!
Laminated Vinyl Stickers: The Ultimate Shield
If you’re looking for the ultimate shield to stop your print scratching, look no further than laminated vinyl stickers. These stickers are treated with a clear protective layer that can come in a variety of different finishes. This added shield not only makes them waterproof but also protects against:
- UV rays: Fading? Nah don't know her.
- Scratches and scuffs: Couldn't possibly be me.
- Everyday wear and tear: Sorry, who?
Laminated vinyl stickers are perfect for stickers which will be in high-wear areas but not necessarily for outdoor use. They're waterproof, fade resistant and won't tear or become scuffed. This makes it perfect for laptops, waterbottles, planters and more.
Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant: What’s the Difference?
But let's be clear! While we often call vinyl stickers “waterproof,” it’s more precise to say they’re water-resistant—unless they’re laminated. Unlaminated stickers can handle a splash or two, but frequent soaking? Not so much. For those tough conditions, laminated stickers are your go-to for true waterproofing.
Though, we'll say it again - we wouldn't recommend these for outdoor use. So if that's something you're interested in, then we really would recommend checking out cut vinyl over printed vinyl.
Caring for Your Vinyl Stickers: Keep the Magic Alive!
These guys are tough, but a little TLC can make them last even longer:
- Clean with care: A damp cloth will do wonders—just avoid the scrubbing!
- Avoid dishwashers: Sure, some laminated stickers can brave the dishwasher, but hand washing is the safer bet to avoid the wrath of heat and detergent.
- Stick to smooth surfaces: A clean, smooth surface ensures the adhesive stays strong, keeping your stickers waterproof and vibrant.
Common Uses for Waterproof Vinyl Stickers
The versatility of waterproof vinyl stickers knows no bounds! Here are some fantastic ways to use them:
- Water bottles and tumblers: Perfect for jazzing up your hydration game!
- Car decals: Rain, snow, or shine—your stickers will withstand it all!
- Outdoor signage: Whether for a business or a fun event, these stickers will represent you well, come rain or shine.
- Laptop or phone covers: Protect those devices from spills and scratches in style!
Can You Make Vinyl Stickers Waterproof at Home?
Absolutely! If you’re a DIY enthusiast, creating your own waterproof vinyl stickers is totally within your reach. We make all of our stickers in house and here’s how:
1. Use high-quality vinyl sticker paper:
This is your canvas, so choose wisely! We really like the feel of matte stickers, but gloss is also great for high contrast images!
Here's some materials we'd recommend for vinyl paper:
PPD Inkjet Vinyl Matte Self-Adhesive A4
PPD Inkjet Vinyl Gloss Self-Adhesive A4
Evergreen Inkjet & Laser Matte Self-Adhesive A4
Evergreen Inkjet & Laser Gloss Self-Adhesive A4
There's also "speciality" paper you can pick up if you want something fancy.
PPD Inkjet Vinyl Clear Self-Adhesive A4
Evergreen Goods Inkjet & Laser Vinyl Holographic Silver A4
2. Add lamination:
To achieve full waterproof magic, apply a clear laminate sheet over your printed design. We prefer a cold laminate sheet over laminate pouches, because we found pouches gave us inconsistent results.
Here's some materials we'd recommend for cold laminate sheets:
Self-Adhesive Laminating Sheets Gloss A4
Self-Adhesive Laminating Sheets Matte A4
Self-Adhesive Laminating Sheets Holographic A4
3. Cut and apply:
Time to trim your stickers. We like to use a Silhouette Cameo 4, but it isn't necessary when you're starting out. We've seen plenty of artists on YouTube that hand cut their stickers and they still look great!
Here's some cutting machines we'd recommend:
Alternatively if you're looking for something smaller (and cheaper!) then:
Conclusion: Are Vinyl Stickers Waterproof?
In a nutshell, vinyl stickers are naturally water-resistant, and with lamination, they become pretty much waterproof. Whether you’re crafting for fun or running a small business, knowing the ins and outs of waterproof levels will help you make the best sticker choices for either yourself or your customers.
If you're ready to explore our collection of waterproof vinyl stickers, then check out our shop.
If you want to find out more on other materials, tutorials and guides, then dive into our other blog posts for more tips and tricks!
And if this post didn't answer all of your questions, then let us know in the comments and we'll be able to help guide you!
