How do you make stickers waterproof?
There are three ways to waterproof a sticker:
- Self-Adhesive Laminating
- Thermal Laminating
- Aerosol Spray Sealant
Waterproofing is an inexpensive way to protect stickers, such as for your water bottle.
Luckily for you, I’ll show you how to waterproof your stickers from getting wet or accidental spills. I’ll even show you some of the best paper to use if you make your own stickers.
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What Type of Paper Should I Use to Print Waterproof Stickers?
The two paper options for printing waterproof stickers include waterproof sticker paper or printable vinyl. Waterproof printable vinyl is the best option to protect the look and feel of the sticker. Sticker paper may tend to fade over time after getting wet.
Waterproof sticker paper will bead away water. However, the colors and vibrancy of the sticker tend to fade after it gets wet.
Waterproof printable vinyl also keeps the sticker protected from water. However, it also retains the original coloring and vibrancy after getting wet. Therefore, we recommend using vinyl when making waterproof stickers to ensure that the image on the sticker retains its quality.
What is the Difference Between Water Resistant, Waterproof, and Weatherproof paper?
When you go to purchase paper for your stickers, you’ll notice that there are quite a few different kinds. Although water-resistant, waterproof, and weatherproof all sound very similar, they indicate different qualities in the paper.
Water-resistant paper is made to “withstand” moisture. This means that your sticker will be fine if you accidentally spill some water on it or it gets a little wet in the rain. However, anything more than a light sprinkle will damage the sticker.
Waterproof paper is made to be able to be submerged completely in water. Therefore, if your sticker is intended to go on something that is going to be washed frequently or be submerged in water you will need to splurge for the waterproof paper.
Weatherproof paper is not only waterproof but also won’t fade in the sunlight. Therefore, if you are designing something like a bumper sticker that is meant to be outside most of the time, then this is the ideal paper for you.
Please note that none of these papers are inherently scratch-proof. However, if you intend to laminate the stickers, then this should provide some sort of scratch resistance.
What Do I Need to Waterproof a Sticker Using the Self-Adhesive Lamination Method?
In order to waterproof a sticker using the self-adhesive lamination method you will need the following items:
- A digital design of your sticker
- Self-adhesive laminating sheets
- Printable vinyl
- A printer
- Old credit card or plastic rewards card
- Cricut Cutting Machine
- Standard cutting mat
- Fine point blade
Once You’ve gathered your materials you can begin making your stickers.
How Do I Waterproof a Sticker Using the Self-Adhesive Lamination Method?
The self-adhesive lamination method follows a simple 8-step process.
- Design your stickers and upload them to the Cricut design space.
- Size your design to meet the measurements of your paper.
- Print your sheets on printable vinyl paper using your printer.
- Place stickers on the backing sheet with the image of the sticker facing up.
- Apply the self-lamination sheet to the front of your sticker using a credit card to rub out any bubbles.
- Align the sheet on the cutting mat.
- Choose the correct material and cutting style for your Cricut.
- Use the weeding or spatula tool to remove your stickers without ripping the backing.
For the best results make sure your work area is clean prior to laminating your stickers. Lint or even flecks of dirt can get caught under the lamination or result in the stickers not being completely waterproof.
What Do I Need to Waterproof a Sticker Using the Thermal Lamination Method?
In order to waterproof a sticker using the thermal lamination method you’ll need:
- A digital design of your sticker
- Thermal lamination machine
- Laminating pouches
- Printable vinyl
- Scissors
- Cricut
- Standard cutting mat
- Fine point blade
Thermal lamination machines are usually around $40 and are a worthwhile investment if you plan on making a lot of stickers.
How Do I Waterproof a Sticker Using the Thermal Lamination Method?
Waterproofing stickers using the thermal lamination method also follow a simple 7 step process. As you’ll notice a lot of the steps are very similar to the steps used for the self-adhesive lamination process.
- Design your stickers and upload them to the Cricut design space
- Size your design to meet the measurements of your paper
- Print two sheets on printable vinyl paper using your printer.
- Laminate your sheets using the thermal lamination machine. Make sure you put your two sticker sheets back to back when putting them in the lamination pouch.
- Cut around the two laminated sheets. This will separate them.
- Choose the correct material and cutting style for your Cricut.
- Use the weeding or spatula tool to remove your stickers without ripping the backing.
Make sure your sheets are clean before putting them through the laminating machine as there is no way to remove the lamination. Additionally, give your machine time to warm up prior to running your first set of stickers through it.
What Do I Need to Waterproof a Sticker Using the Aerosol Spray Method?
The aerosol spray method is by far the easiest way to waterproof stickers but does involve a lot of waiting time. In order to perform this method you’ll need:
- A printed version of your stickers
- Clear acrylic sealer spray
- Mask
- Spraying surface (i.e., a cardboard box)
Clear acrylic spray can usually be purchased for about $7 a can.
How Do I Waterproof a Sticker Using the Aerosol Spray Method?
The aerosol spray method involves no additional equipment and is easily completed in 4 simple steps.
- Allow for at least 24 hours for the ink to dry on your sticker.
- Place your sticker sheets on a piece of cardboard outside.
- Evenly apply the spray across all stickers.
- Allow spray to dry for the manufacturer’s recommended drying time.
It’s important to only spray the aerosol spray outside and while wearing a mask. Inhaling the containments of the spray can be extremely dangerous for your health.
Which Method Works Best for Waterproofing Stickers?
Unfortunately, no one method works best. It really depends on your personal preference and skills.
The aerosol method is great because it doesn’t require you to purchase any extra machinery and can be done with relative ease. However, since you have to use the spray outside it is weather dependent.
Additionally, there is a long waiting period in-between spraying and having the stickers ready for use.
The thermal lamination method is great because you don’t have to worry about lining up the lamination sheet correctly. However, the machine is an extra cost that isn’t worth it unless you plan on making a lot of stickers.
The self-adhesive lamination method saves you from having to purchase a lamination machine, but the process itself is tedious and time-consuming. If you end up misaligning the lamination sheet or tearing the backing, then you have to restart the entire process.
If you have the time and resources, it’s best to try all three methods. This way you can find which method works best for you and your needs.