Waterproof Stickers & Water Resistant Labels - What's the Difference? (2024)

Waterproof vs. Water Resistant - What makes these different? Waterproof Stickers and Water Resistant Labels are two common descriptions for our products that serve very similar purposes. Let's take a look at the difference between the two and hopefully lead you to the right product for your brand!

Waterproof and/or Weatherproof Stickers can be applied to almost anything...aside from the bottom of a submarine, of course. These are Die Cut, Kiss Cut, and Clear Stickers.

Water Resistant Labels are printed on durable polypropylene material that, when exposed to oils and liquids in products, will last. These are our Glossy White, Matte, and Clear Labels.

With a waterproof sticker, your design will look great! Whether they are applied in an indoor setting or outside on the window of a car experiencing all of the elements, once applied to a clean dry surface waterproof stickers will stay applied for long periods of time and hold up with exposure to water.

Waterproof Stickers & Water Resistant Labels - What's the Difference? (1)Waterproof Stickers & Water Resistant Labels - What's the Difference? (2)

Waterproof and Weatherproof Custom Stickers

Waterproof and Weatherproof custom stickers can be attached to almost anything. Here are some examples of items you may put a waterproof and weatherproof custom sticker on:

Stick Here:

  • Custom water bottles
  • The top of a snowboard or ski set
  • A rocket ship headed to outer space

Why? Since our waterproof and weatherproof custom stickers are so versatile, you can attach them to almost anything - even if it might see some wear and tear. Space has got nothing on us! Seriously, we know. Our waterproof and weatherproof custom stickers work great when you just need that extra support. These stickers will hold up in various water conditions like rain, the back of a car going through a carwash, or a rainy ride home after a day of surfing.

**While our stickers do hold up to the elements, dishwashers may affect the lamination so we recommend hand washing rather than running through your dishwasher.

Don't Stick Here:

  • The bottom of a submarine
  • To patch a leaky bucket
  • Inside of a fish tank

Why? When we say almost anything, we mean it. Our waterproof and weatherproof stickers shouldn't be used on anything that will be submerged in water for long periods of time (like the bottom of your favorite submarine, for example).

Water Resistant Labels

Water Resistant Labels, which include Glossy White, Matte, and Clear Labels, are printed on polypropylene material which is finished with a water and oil resistant laminate for long lasting applications. These labels will withstand a prolonged period of time without peeling, curling, or fading if exposed to oils and liquids in products.

Stick Here:

  • Jam or Honey Jars
  • A body scrub or bottle of shampoo
  • Beer cans and/or bottles

Why? When you're looking for something that works well in indoor and/or refrigerated conditions, look no further. Products like honey jars, hummus containers, and body scrubs will benefit from the toughness of our water resistant labels.

Don't Stick Here:

  • A dirty surface
  • The bottom of a pool
  • The bottom of a boat

Why? Our Water Resistant Labels don't apply too well to oily or dirty surfaces. Make sure to wipe down your surface so it's free of any dirt, residue, or potential debris. For more information, check out our tips on applying clear labels to your products. Our Water Resistant Labels don't do well fully submerged in water like at the bottom of a pool or boat.

It's good to note that both our Water Resistant Labels and our Waterproof and Weatherproof Custom Stickers are not meant to be permanently submerged in water.

Ready to get started with either Waterproof/Weatherproof Stickers or Water Resistant Labels? Maybe even both?

Waterproof Stickers & Water Resistant Labels - What's the Difference? (2024)

FAQs

Waterproof Stickers & Water Resistant Labels - What's the Difference? ›

For example, water-resistant product labels can withstand limited exposure to moisture. Waterproof labels provide complete protection against water damage, but water-resistant labels can still lose their integrity if submerged or left in humid or high-moisture conditions.

What's the difference between waterproof and water-resistant? ›

A waterproof product does not let any water in and will withstand the weather whereas water-resistant jackets are perfect for drier conditions. Water-resistant materials are usually made from a tightly woven fabric that's harder for water to get through and penetrate.

How can you tell if a sticker is waterproof? ›

When looking for a waterproof vinyl sticker, it's most important to pay attention to what a sticker is coated with. Lamination is one of the most popular waterproof coatings used when manufacturing vinyl stickers because it helps protect the sticker from sun and water.

Are weatherproof labels waterproof? ›

A waterproof sticker can withstand moisture exposure, while a weatherproof label is designed to handle a range of environmental hazards, including UV light exposure and extreme temperatures. Weatherproof label materials aren't always waterproof but have multiple protective properties to help them survive the elements.

Can you make non waterproof stickers waterproof? ›

Waterproofing and dishwasher-proofing your stickers can be easy with the right tools and methods. Print on water-resistant materials. Use self-adhesive laminating films. Apply sealant coat.

Do you need special ink for waterproof labels? ›

In other words, you CANNOT use an inkjet printer and standard inkjet inks to create waterproof labels. You will need to provide a protective cover over your print, use specialist inks that are not water-based, or use special materials like our MWPP.

Does waterproof mean no water? ›

A waterproof designation indicates that the item is completely impervious to water. Waterproof clothing is polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or has an acrylic backing to keep water out. Waterproof clothing features a repellent coating that makes garments impervious to water.

Are phones waterproof or water resistant? ›

Even Google's affordable Pixel 7A is water resistant. Not all phones can withstand a dunk in water though, and some shouldn't be near liquid at all. Almost no phones should be taken swimming in a pool, and ocean swimming is still out of the question.

Is water resistant enough for rain? ›

Water-resistant gear is designed to withstand limited exposure to water. It can handle splashes, light rain, and moisture to a certain extent, but it's not fully waterproof. It provides a good level of protection in mild conditions but may eventually succumb to heavy rain or prolonged exposure to moisture.

Do waterproof stickers exist? ›

The weatherproof labels and waterproof stickers that Mercury Labels manufacture and supply have been tested extensively for prolonged periods of time in demanding marine conditions prior to entering the full production stage and they are now compliant with the BSS609 adhesive standard for your added peace of mind.

What do I need for waterproof stickers? ›

Printable Waterproof Stickers are created with two different sheets – a printable vinyl sheet (bottom layer), and a laminating sheet (top layer). Take a moment to identify and gather a printable sheet and a laminating sheet for your project.

Is weatherproof the same as water resistant? ›

Weatherproof refers to garments which are extremely weather resistant, but which cannot be referred to as waterproof, often due to the method of their construction. Waterproof garments are often treated with a waterproofing agent, have a laminated inner layer or have a waterproof drop liner.

Are Avery stickers waterproof? ›

Avery UltraDuty® chemical labels are industrial-strength waterproof labels made for the toughest of jobs. But if you don't need extreme strength, shop our durable, waterproof films that come in both white and clear finishes and stand up to oils and moisture.

Can you put waterproof stickers on water bottles? ›

Stick your waterproof stickers on your water bottles and food containers to add a touch of personality to them. Or place them on your bumper to give your car some extra pizzazz. Regardless of how you plan to use them, waterproof stickers can retain their quality for years to come.

How do waterproof stickers work? ›

There are two main types of sticker bases: sticker paper and printable vinyl. Aerosol sealers and laminating sheets are used to waterproof sticker paper. The standard sticker paper is usually made of paper. This means it will absorb moisture.

What type of stickers are best for water bottles? ›

Waterproof stickers won't fade or disintegrate with moisture contact, making them an excellent choice for hydro flasks and water bottles.

Are all vinyl stickers waterproof? ›

We are often asked the question can vinyl stickers get wet? The answer is yes. The self-adhesive vinyl used to create stickers is water resistant. Therefore, they are suitable for indoor and outdoor use (including damp and humid environments).

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