How can stickers and labels stick to objects permanently? This is related to the material, adhesive, and the application method. Only by understanding the correct methods can you ensure that stickers and labels permanently adhere. Next, I will introduce the key factors that affect sticker adhesion and help you find the right solutions.
Why Your Stickers Don’t Stick
Unsuitable Materials
Sticker Paper
Different types of sticker paper are suitable for different applications. For example, ordinary paper stickers have poor water resistance, and if used in a humid environment, they can easily curl or even peel off. When you apply a rigid PET sticker to a curved surface, such as a bottle or jar, the sticker may not adhere to the surface perfectly.
Outdoor stickers without UV protection may turn yellow or even peel off after prolonged exposure to the sun. Therefore, choosing the right sticker material is the first step to making your stickers stick permanently.
Adhesive
Adhesive is one of the most important factors that determine whether a sticker can stick firmly. Each type of adhesive has its own suitable environment for use. For example, if you use ordinary adhesive in a low-temperature environment, it will quickly become brittle, losing its adhesion. On the other hand, using a noon-heat-resistant adhesive in high-temperature environments can lead to adhesive bleed. Choosing the right adhesive based on the environment is the key to achieving long-lasting adhesion.
Unclean Surfaces
Before applying a sticker, you should clean the surface thoroughly. If the surface is covered with dust or oil stains, the sticker will not adhere perfectly, resulting in gaps. These gaps allow dust and moisture to seep in, which can cause the sticker to curl or even peel off.
How to Make Stickers and Labels Stick Better
Choose the Right Adhesive
To ensure your sticker adheres firmly to an object, it is important for you to choose the right adhesive based on the environment.
- Room Temperature: If you need a sticker for indoor use — for example, on a shipping box or a wardrobe — you can choose a permanent pressure-sensitive adhesive. This type of adhesive has stable adhesion and will not easily fall off at room temperature.
- High Temperature: High temperatures are often combined with strong sun exposure. In such conditions, it is recommended that you choose UV-resistant acrylic adhesive. This adhesive offers good weather resistance and is less likely to turn yellow.
- Low Temperature: For cold storage and other low-temperature settings, choose a low-temperature permanent adhesive to maintain its adhesion. This type of adhesive prevents stickers from becoming brittle or hardening.
- Humid Environment: To prevent the sticker from losing its adhesion in a humid environment, it is recommended that you use a waterproof acrylic adhesive. It is very suitable for use as outdoor waterproof labels or bathroom waterproof labels.
Choose Suitable Materials for Your Surface
Different surfaces require different sticker materials. Using the wrong material can waste materials. When customizing stickers for you, we will recommend suitable materials based on your product.
- Smooth Surfaces: If you want the stickers to adhere firmly to smooth surfaces like glass, mirrors, and metal, you can choose PP stickers, vinyl stickers, or PET stickers. When paired with a permanent adhesive, these stickers will stick firmly.
- Rough Surfaces: For stickers applied to cardboard or wooden boxes, it is recommended to choose a flexible material that can better conform to uneven surfaces. Rigid stickers are not recommended, as they can easily curl and peel off on rough surfaces.
- Curved Surfaces: When choosing stickers for curved objects such as bottles, jars, and mugs, you should consider their curvature. The greater the curvature, the more the sticker bends. In this case, we recommend choosing soft Vinyl stickers and PP stickers, as the soft stickers can perfectly adhere to curved surfaces.
Use the Correct Application Method
After you have chosen the adhesive and material for your sticker, the correct application method will ensure that the sticker sticks permanently.
Surface Cleaning
Cleaning the surface before applying the sticker is very important. First, use a cleaner to remove dust and grease from the surface, then wipe away any moisture with a dry cloth before applying the sticker. To enhance the adhesion of custom stickers, we will perform corona treatment on the sticker or apply an adhesion promoter.
Application Method
When applying the sticker, it is recommended that you use a squeegee to press from the center to the edges, pushing out all the air.
However, applying stickers by hand is not only time-consuming but also makes it difficult to control the pressure, so we recommend using a machine.
Temperature Control
The temperature is also a key factor affecting permanent adhesion. Based on our production experience, we recommend applying stickers in a dry environment at 59–77°F (15–25°C). After application, let the adhesive cure at room temperature for 24–48 hours to reach maximum adhesion.
If stickers are used in low-temperature environments, you should wait until condensation on the surface has completely disappeared before applying. Meanwhile, we will recommend the most suitable application method for you.
Solutions for Different Applications
Food Packaging Stickers
Food packaging stickers must be waterproof, oil-proof, and resistant to low temperatures. To ensure food safety, we use food-grade PP synthetic stickers and BOPP stickers when customizing stickers for you. These stickers are waterproof and resistant to low temperatures, so they won’t easily peel off even in cold storage. In addition, we will apply corona treatment to food labels to make them more durable.
Shipping Stickers
Shipping stickers are typically applied to shipping boxes and are frequently subjected to friction during transit. Therefore, when customizing these stickers for you, we will choose wear-resistant materials (such as PET stickers or thickened PP synthetic stickers) and use permanent adhesive to ensure that the stickers adhere firmly to the surface.
Heavy export consignments like stone wooden crates demand dependable marking over long ocean voyages, which makes durable labels for stone export crates an essential logistics consideration.
Industrial Stickers
Industrial workshops often have a lot of dust, which can easily adhere to the adhesive surface and reduce adhesion. Meanwhile, industrial workshops contain chemical solvents such as alcohol. These solvents can corrode stickers, causing them to fade or even peel off. Therefore, when you customize this type of sticker, it is best to choose PET stickers and industrial PVC labels.
PET stickers are scratch-resistant and have excellent weather resistance. Industrial PVC labels are soft and suitable for use on industrial equipment. When choosing an adhesive, we recommend a permanent acrylic adhesive for stronger adhesion.
FAQ
Are Custom Stickers Waterproof?
If you want custom waterproof stickers, you can select from a variety of waterproof sticker materials. For example, you can choose PET or PVC stickers, which are waterproof and suitable for outdoor use. Ordinary paper stickers are not waterproof and are easily damaged when exposed to water.
Will the Custom Stickers Peel Off in Low Temperatures?
Ordinary paper stickers are easy to peel off in low-temperature environments. However, if you want to customize stickers suitable for use in low-temperature environments, we recommend using low-temperature permanent adhesive. When applying, please ensure that the surface is dry so that the adhesive will cure at room temperature.
What Are the Differences Between Permanent Adhesive and Removable Adhesive?
Permanent adhesive has stronger adhesion and is difficult to remove once applied, so it is suitable for use as equipment labels. Removable adhesive offers lower adhesion but can be removed cleanly without residue, which makes it suitable for use as decorative stickers.
What Kind of Stickers Should You Choose for Outdoor Use?
Stickers used outdoors should have good weather resistance, meaning they must be waterproof and UV-resistant. Therefore, we recommend using PET stickers with permanent adhesive and applying a UV-resistant lamination layer. This can prevent stickers from turning yellow or peeling off after long-term outdoor use.
Can I Customize Stickers?
Of course. We offer free design services for all custom stickers. We will also recommend the most suitable materials and adhesives for you, ensuring your stickers stay firmly in place for long-term use. What’s more, our design team will communicate with you in detail and help you customize stickers.
Final Thoughts
If you want to make stickers stay firmly in place for a long time, the material, adhesive, and application method are all important. If you’re still confused about how to achieve this, please feel free to contact us. With years of experience in custom stickers, LIYANTIAN can help you find the best solution.
