How to Create Waterproof Stickers: Processing Methods, Ordering Procedures, and Examples

Waterproof stickers and labels can be used safely around water and outdoors. However, to create stickers that fit your usage scenarios and purposes, it is important to choose the best materials and adhesives from the many options available.

Specifically, waterproofing involves applying a clear film called "laminate" to the surface or using "film material".

This article provides detailed information on the basics of waterproof stickers, how to order them, and important points to consider when creating them. If you are considering making water-resistant stickers or labels, please refer to this guide.

Our company specializes in printing stickers using various processing techniques. If you want stickers that are not only water-resistant but also high-quality in detail and presentation, please feel free to contact us.

Basics of Waterproof Stickers and Labels

Here, we will explain the basics of waterproof stickers and labels in detail. Let's take a closer look at each point.

Basics 1: Characteristics of Waterproof Stickers and Labels

Waterproof processing is applied to stickers and labels to ensure they do not tear or swell when exposed to water. The main usage scenarios are as follows:

Waterproof stickers are often not only water-resistant but also highly durable.

Commercially available stickers with low water resistance may deteriorate with even slight moisture. It is recommended to choose waterproof types for stickers used in areas where they may come into contact with water, such as around water and outdoors.

Basics 2: Materials Suitable for Waterproof Stickers and Labels

When making waterproof stickers, it is generally done by applying laminate or using film material. For printed types, a variety of water-resistant materials can be chosen. (Paper materials are not recommended)

How to Order Waterproof Stickers and Labels

Here is the process for ordering waterproof stickers and labels with laminate. Please refer to it if you are considering creating them.

Step 1: Clarify the Purpose and Usage Scenarios and Consult with the Sticker Printing Company

It is helpful to clarify the usage scenarios and purposes before consulting with the sticker printing company. Since waterproof stickers vary in suitability depending on the material and adhesive strength, a production plan tailored to the purpose is necessary.

Especially for items that may be exposed to sunlight and weather outdoors, it is necessary to choose highly water-resistant and durable materials such as "PVC material" or "PET material". If you have a rough idea of the purpose and usage scenarios, it will be easier for the printing company to propose the best material. The options are diverse.

Step 2: Decide on the Material and Adhesive Type to Use

Next, decide on the material and adhesive type to use for the stickers. There are various types of adhesives in addition to the materials for the stickers. Options include strong adhesive types that do not peel off easily and removable types that can be cleanly removed.

When choosing materials, considering compatibility with the place where it will be attached and the overall balance will improve the quality of the finish. If you have any questions about technical details, feel free to consult with the sticker printing company.

Step 3: Get a Quote and Place an Order

Once you have decided on the material, adhesive type, dimensions, quantity, and rough design, inform the required quantity and get a quote.

It is important to confirm details such as delivery form and delivery time here. Once you are satisfied with the cost and the time it takes to complete, officially place an order and wait for the completion. Our delivery time is from 5 business days (excluding weekends and holidays).

3 Points to Note When Making Waterproof Stickers and Labels

There are three important points to consider when making waterproof stickers and labels. Let's take a closer look at each one.

Applying varnish or laminate to paper materials can sometimes be used as a substitute for waterproof processing, but although it will be somewhat water-resistant, it will not be completely waterproof. Depending on the usage scenario, there may not be enough water resistance, so caution is needed.

Please see the table below for the levels of water resistance for different materials and processing methods.

Material/Processing	Water Resistance
Paper material	Weak
Paper material + varnish	Somewhat weak
Paper material + laminate processing	Moderate (paper may absorb water)
Film material	High
Film material + laminate processing	High (water resistance + durability)

The highest water resistance is achieved when film material is laminated. However, such high water resistance is not necessary for all usage scenarios. For instance, laminated paper material may be sufficient for labels on condiments.

If you are unsure, consult with a sticker printing company to get the best suggestions. Although paper is not entirely out of the question, some of our customers opt to use paper material to stay within a limited budget.

Point 2: Emphasize Durability and Color for Outdoor Use

When using stickers outdoors, you need to consider durability as well as water resistance. Outdoor conditions such as sunlight, rain, and impacts from objects put additional stress on stickers, causing them to deteriorate faster than indoor stickers.

When creating stickers for outdoor use, choose highly durable materials like "PVC (solvent-based strong adhesive)" or "PET material (solvent-based strong adhesive)" to ensure the stickers are robust and long-lasting. Additionally, for outdoor use, it is important to consider not only the durability of the material but also the printing color. For example, "red" fades the fastest under ultraviolet light, so silk printing, which can apply a thick layer of ink, is recommended. (You may often see election posters where the red color has faded.)

For more details on the characteristics of silk printing, please refer to the following article:

What is Silk Printing? A 6-Step Explanation of the Differences from Offset Printing and the Printing Process

Point 3: Choose Adhesives Resistant to Low Temperatures for Refrigerated and Frozen Products

When creating labels for refrigerated and frozen products, choose adhesives that are strong at low temperatures and materials with excellent water resistance. Normal adhesives lose their stickiness at low temperatures, making them unsuitable for refrigerated and frozen products (think of how gum becomes hard when frozen).

Because condensation can easily form in storage environments, choosing materials with excellent water resistance is also important. Additionally, make sure to apply the labels to items when they are completely dry. Labels will peel off if applied to surfaces with condensation.

Here is an example of a refrigerated label manufactured by our company.

We combined foil stamping processing with a film material called YUPO to create a high-end look. Choose the best materials and adhesives to ensure the labels serve their purpose until consumers finish using the product.

For more detailed information on food labels, including points to consider and checklists, please refer to the following article:

How to Make Food Labels: A Checklist of Required Information and Points to Consider

3 Reasons to Use a Professional Service for Waterproof Stickers and Labels

We recommend using a professional service when creating waterproof stickers and labels. Here are three reasons why:

Reason 1: They Can Provide Optimal Suggestions Based on Your Needs

One of the advantages of using a professional sticker printing company is that they can provide optimal suggestions based on your usage scenarios and purposes. Ordering from online printing services can be surprisingly challenging, and they may not provide sufficient support.

A sticker printing company can offer options tailored to your needs while providing sample prototypes for a fee. If you want thorough support and collaboration in creating your product, consider using a professional printing company.

Reason 2: They Save You the Hassle of Processing and Creating the Stickers

Some people laminate stickers themselves to make them waterproof, but this is not recommended, especially if you need to order a large quantity. Outsourcing to a professional company is more cost-effective than doing it yourself.

To avoid disrupting your regular business activities, consult a professional printing company when you need waterproof stickers.

Reason 3: They Offer High Fidelity in Reproducing Your Design

A strength of labels and stickers produced by a sticker printing company is their high fidelity in reproducing your design.

While low-cost shops allow for large orders at low prices, the finish may vary, and design reproduction may be poor. This is mainly due to differences in printing methods and a lack of preliminary discussions.

With a professional printing company, you can have thorough discussions before getting a quote, allowing you to create the product together. If you want to pay attention to the quality of every detail, consider using a sticker printing company.

Our company is dedicated to creating stickers with meticulous attention to both design and functionality. We accept inquiries and quotes 24 hours a day, so feel free to contact us through the "Contact Us" page.

Examples of Waterproof Stickers

Here are some examples of stickers with waterproof processing.

Example 1: Ethical Beauty Inc.｜Shampoo Bottle Labels

Here is an example of a shampoo bottle label created by our company.

To be used in the bathroom, we adopted a film material called YUPO 80µ (solvent-based strong adhesive) with high water resistance and durability. There is no concern about the label peeling off even with continued use in wet areas.

YUPO is also the most affordable film and is popular for its high-end matte texture.

Example 2: Shimizu Store｜Product Labels

Here are waterproof product labels we created for Shimizu Store.

We applied a matte laminate to the highly water-resistant YUPO 80μ (solvent-based strong adhesive) film material. This gives it a smooth touch.

By applying matte laminate, we not only made it waterproof but also prevented the ink from scratching off. While gloss laminate is also available, the customer requested a unified matte finish as the bottle itself was matte.

Example 3: HITSUJI SUNRISE｜Potting Stickers

We create stickers using various processing techniques. This is a potting sticker, which is a thick sticker with a resin coating.

This potting sticker is made by printing the design on a white PET (solvent-based strong adhesive) material and then coating it with urethane resin. Potting stickers have water resistance and durability. Additionally, because they are used on refrigerated and frozen products, we use adhesives that do not freeze at low temperatures. These stickers are not only durable and water-resistant but also visually impressive.

Due to the cost and time required for potting, they typically cost 2-3 times more than regular stickers or labels. These unique and luxurious stickers are recommended for those who want to create one-of-a-kind labels.

Why You Should Order Waterproof Stickers and Labels from a Professional Printing Company

Waterproof stickers and labels are used in various environments, such as outdoors and around water. When creating them, it's important to consider durability and other factors based on the usage scenarios and purposes.

By incorporating various processing techniques, you can create unique stickers that not only resist water but also add value to the product. Focus on both functionality and design to maximize the appeal of your product.

At our company, we create a wide variety of waterproof stickers tailored to the customer's image and product concept. We provide careful support from material selection to product completion, so feel free to contact us.