How to make stickers sticky again

Stickers aren’t always single-use – sometimes they just need a little help.

Old stickers often stop sticking because the adhesive dries out, tiny particles get stuck to the sticky side, or the sticker picks up oil or dust. But that doesn’t mean you have to throw them away.

You can restore stickiness using affordable tools like spray adhesive or rubber cement, or gentler methods such as using a hairdryer to warm up the glue.

Why stickers lose their stickiness

Most stickers stop sticking because the adhesive gets weak over time.

• Dust, particles, and oils can build up on the sticker's surface, blocking it from sticking properly.
• Humidity or sudden temperature changes also affect how well a sticker adheres.
• As all stickers age, the adhesive starts to dry out.
• Some lose grip simply because they were made with poor quality adhesives.

If you're using stickers for water bottles or outdoor items, consider switching to waterproof stickers. They're made to handle moisture and last longer.

Clean the surface before you start

Before trying any method, make sure the surface and the item you're sticking it to are both clean. Oils, dust, and tiny particles can prevent the adhesive from working properly.

Wipe the area with an alcohol wipe or a damp cloth, then dry it fully. A clean, dry surface helps the adhesive bond better and makes any method more effective.

1. Spray adhesive method

Tools needed: Spray adhesive (such as a general-purpose adhesive spray available in craft or DIY shops)

• Place the sticker face down on cardboard
• Evenly coat the back with a light spray
• Let it sit for 1 to 2 minutes until it becomes tacky
• Press it onto a surface and gently press to secure

This method is permanent and works best on non-porous surfaces like plastic, glass, or metal. Avoid using it on items you may want to move or remove later.

2. Use heat to reactivate

Best for: Old stickers that still have some of their original adhesive

• Use a hairdryer on low heat
• Hold it 5 to 10 cm away from the sticky side
• Warm the adhesive until it feels tacky
• Press the sticker down and gently press to secure it

This is a gentler option, ideal for delicate stickers, tech decals, or surfaces that could be damaged by strong glue.

3. Try rubber cement

Best for: Scrapbooking, thicker decals, or stickers that won’t be removed later

• Apply a thin layer of rubber cement to the back of the sticker
• Let it dry slightly until tacky
• Press it firmly onto the surface

This is a more permanent option. It holds well but may damage delicate finishes or leave residue if removed. Rubber cement is less common in the UK but can be found in art shops or online. You can also substitute with flexible craft glue if needed.

4. Use double-sided clear tape

Best for: Quick fixes and less valuable stickers

• Cut double-sided clear tape to match the size of the sticker
• Attach it to the back
• Press it onto the surface

This method adds some bulk and might not look neat on transparent or thin materials. If the look matters, consider replacing it with a custom sticker instead.

5. Repositionable glue (e.g. E6000 Extreme Tack)

Best for: Craft projects where you want to move or adjust the sticker later

• Apply a thin layer of repositionable glue to the back
• Let it set as directed until the surface is tacky
• Press onto a clean, flat surface

This type of glue stays tacky even after drying, so you can reposition the sticker. It's a great choice for crafters who want flexibility without using permanent adhesive.

6. Clear paper glue stick

Best for: Paper surfaces, lightweight old stickers, or quick fixes

• Rub a small amount of paper glue or clear glue stick onto the back
• Let it sit for a few seconds until it feels tacky
• Press it onto the clean surface and hold briefly

Quick tip: This method is easy and mess-free, but it’s not waterproof. It may not hold well on curved items or anything that gets handled often, like water bottles.

7. Double-sided sticker paper or sticky dots

Best for: Crafters and repairs where appearance matters

• Cut a piece of double-sided sticker paper or use a sticky dot to match the sticker size
• Attach it to the back
• Press it onto the surface

This method keeps the sticker neat and flat. It's a tidy solution for more permanent repairs where aesthetics matter. However, you can laminate them.

8. Homemade sugar or flour paste (temporary option)

Best for: Eco-friendly crafts, children’s projects, or short-term use

• Mix a small amount of flour or sugar with water to make a tacky paste
• Apply a thin layer to the back of the sticker
• Let it sit for a moment, then press onto the surface

This is a natural and safe solution. It dries quickly but isn’t waterproof and won’t hold long. Use it for projects where the sticker only needs to stay on briefly.

Conclusion

Each method works best in different situations. Try the one that matches your sticker type, surface, and how long you need it to last.

But if the adhesive can’t be saved, it may be easier to replace the sticker. They’re generally inexpensive, and starting fresh can save time and hassle.

Check out Sticker it for high-quality, custom replacements that actually stick.