Top Hints and Tips - Applying Stickers

We are regularly asked about the best way to apply stickers so that they “stay stuck”. So in this article I have highlighted our top tips:

1. Quality Vinyl

This is the most important tip. Make sure that you are using a quality vinyl that is designed for long-term outdoor use. Cheaper vinyls will degrade rapidly outside and as such will come unstuck quite quickly. The vinyls we use are top quality and are deigned to last 5+ years outdoors.

2. Preparation.

Cleaning the surface prior to applying your stickers is vital. The best products to use are either IPA or Meths. Both are alcohol based and will remove grease and oils. If you find that your stickers come straight off after applying - test the back of the sticker. Is it still sticky? If it isn’t it means that the sticker stuck to and pulled off the oily film - more cleaning is required!

3. Temperature

Vinyls stick best when warm. If you try and apply them in cold weather below 10 deg c it is difficult to get good adhesion. Store your stickers in a warm place before use and, wherever possible apply to a warm surface. Using a heat gun will really help.

4. Pressure

All adhesives are pressure sensitive. So it is important to rub your sticker down quite hard once in place. A good way to do this is with a small piece of wood (around the size of a business card) wrapped in a cloth.

5. Time

If your sticker has been applied as above then the longer you leave it on the better it will stick. Avoid the temptation to peel a little bit back to see how well it has stuck. Newly applied stickers are quite easy to remove. Even leaving for a day will make quite a difference.

6. Different materials

Some materials pose particular problems - Polyethylene and Polypropylene being particularly difficult. If you are having problems give us a ring  as we have a range of materials and adhesives designed for different situations.