Are All Stickers And Labels Waterproof?
No. The waterproofness of your custom stickers and labels depends on the material they are made from and how they are laminated.
Here are our waterproof materials:
- White vinyl
- Clear vinyl
- Holographic vinyl
- Glitter vinyl
- Mirror silver
- Mirror gold
- Heavy duty
- Fluorescent materials
Want to learn more about the world of waterproof stickers and labels? Then read on. You can also click here if you want to learn which sticker or label is perfect for you, depending on the level of waterproofness you need.
What does waterproof mean?
Waterproof means being impervious to water. Exposure to water, be it splashes or complete submersion, will not interfere with the quality, durability and adhesiveness of your stickers and labels.
A waterproof sticker or label can be used in the shower, the kitchen, outdoors or even in the dishwasher without it peeling off or shrinking.
Waterproof vs weatherproof vs splashproof
People often confuse these terms and think they mean the same thing. But they don't. So let us take a look at how they differ and what that means for your sticker needs.
Weatherproof
In other words, if something is weatherproof, it won’t be damaged or affected by bad weather conditions like rain, snow, wind, hail or sun.
This is a much more complex condition than waterproof, which, as the term indicates, only has to withstand water.
The biggest difference between weatherproof and waterproof is how they react to exposure to sunlight. Our fluorescent material, for example, is waterproof, but not weatherproof as the fluorescent particles will fade in the sun.
So, when people ask if custom labels can be weatherproof, they’re really asking if they can be exposed to the elements without being ruined.
And the answer to that question is, of course, - it depends on the material of your stickers and labels.
Splashproof
If a sticker or material is splash-proof, it means it can handle droplets of water hitting its surface. It cannot handle being soaked or submerged in water for even short periods.
Splashproof materials should, therefore, not be used in the shower or put in the dishwasher.
As a general rule, papers are often only splash-proof and not suitable for any contact with liquids, whereas vinyls are usually either splash-proof or waterproof.
If you are looking for a splashproof paper, give our biodegradable paper stickers a try.
What makes stickers and labels waterproof?
The waterproofness of your stickers and labels depends on the material they are made from - the foundation - and the laminate applied over your print - the protective layer.
Material
If the material your stickers and labels are printed on is waterproof, the end result will be more water-resistant too.
As a rule of thumb, you can remember that vinyl materials are usually waterproof, whereas materials like paper or static cling are not.
Lamination
The over-laminate is the thin layer of plastic that goes over the top of the printed design and protects it from the sun, rain, scratches and chemicals.
The laminate is what makes your stickers and labels waterproof. It functions as a barrier that protects your design from water. This image shows the construction of our most popular white vinyl material, which is also waterproof:
Are die cut stickers and kiss cut stickers waterproof?
That depends on the material you choose. Die cut and kiss cut describe how your stickers or labels are cut.
Essentially, you can get them printed on any of our materials. If you want them to be waterproof, select either white vinyl, clear vinyl, holographic, glitter, silver, gold or fluorescent.
Can I put my stickers and labels in the dishwasher?
You can. Our white and clear vinyl options will be fine in the dishwasher, whereas the metallic options won't last as well.
Generally, putting these stickers and labels in the dishwasher occasionally is fine. However, constant exposure to heat will impact their durability.
For ultimate longevity, we recommend handwashing your jars and bottles that have stickers and labels on them.
How waterproof do you need your stickers and labels to be?
| Level of waterproofness | Definition | Ideal material |
| Not at all | You will use your stickers and labels indoors and away from water, splashes or condensation only. |
All materials, including biodegradable paper and eco-friendly alternatives |
| Splashproof | Your surface/product will never be submerged in water, but can occasionally be splashed. |
All materials, including biodegradable paper and eco-friendly alternatives |
| Waterproof | Your stickers or labels will be used outdoors, in the shower or are exposed to the elements | White vinyl, clear vinyl, holographic, glitter, silver, gold |
| Dishwasher proof | Your stickered or labelled products will be put in the dishwasher | White vinyl, clear vinyl, holographic, glitter, silver, gold |
| Industrial-level waterproof | Surfaces/products get jet-washed regularly | Heavy duty vinyl |
| I'm not sure | You don't know what your stickers and labels will be applied to but want to be on the safe side | White vinyl, clear vinyl, holographic, glitter, silver, gold |
If you are still unsure, get a sample pack. This is the perfect way to stress-test each material and make sure they are the perfect fit for you. You can also ask our experts here if you have any other questions.