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Design Tips
Custom stickers are built to last — but a little care goes a long way. Follow these tips to keep your stickers vibrant and adhesive for years.
Vinyl stickers bond best to smooth, clean, non-porous surfaces: laptops, water bottles, car bumpers, phone cases, and helmets. Avoid textured, rough, or flexible surfaces like fabric or silicone — the adhesive won't grip properly and the edges will lift prematurely.
For outdoor applications, make sure the surface is dry and above 50°F (10°C) when you apply the sticker. Cold surfaces reduce initial adhesion, and moisture trapped under the sticker causes bubbling.
Wipe the surface with isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher) and let it dry completely before peeling the backing. Oils from your hands, dust, and residue from previous stickers all reduce adhesion. This single step is the most common thing people skip — and the most impactful.
Peel the backing slowly at a low angle rather than pulling it straight back. Start from one corner and use a credit card or squeegee to press the sticker down as you go, working out air bubbles toward the edges. If a small bubble remains, pierce it with a pin and press flat.
For stickers on water bottles and tumblers, hand-wash with mild soap and a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive scrubbers, which scratch the laminate layer and dull the print. Our stickers are waterproof but not dishwasher-safe — the high heat and harsh detergents degrade the adhesive over time.
For stickers on cars or outdoor gear, a gentle rinse with water and a microfiber cloth is all you need. Avoid pressure washers aimed directly at sticker edges, which can peel the corners.
Keep unused stickers flat in their original backing paper, stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. UV exposure yellows the adhesive and fades colors even before application. A drawer or envelope works perfectly — no need for special storage.
Avoid stacking heavy objects on top of sticker sheets, which can cause the adhesive to transfer to the backing paper and make peeling difficult.
To remove a sticker without leaving residue, warm it gently with a hair dryer on low heat for 15–20 seconds. The heat softens the adhesive, allowing you to peel slowly from a corner. Any remaining adhesive can be dissolved with a small amount of isopropyl alcohol or Goo Gone on a cloth.
| Material | Special Care |
|---|---|
| Holographic | Avoid acetone-based cleaners — they strip the holographic coating |
| Glitter | Do not scrub — the glitter layer is sealed but abrasion dulls it |
| Chrome | Keep away from sharp objects; the metallic layer scratches more easily than standard vinyl |
| Clear | Apply to light-colored surfaces for best visibility; dark backgrounds make the print hard to read |