How to print waterproof stickers at home

Stickers are fun, creative, and useful, but if they smudge or peel the moment they get wet, they’re basically useless.

That’s the problem most people run into when printing stickers at home. The ink runs, the edges curl, or the whole thing just dissolves. And even products labelled “waterproof” don’t always hold up once you start using them on water bottles, packaging, or anything that faces everyday wear.

The good news? You can print truly waterproof stickers at home with the right printer, paper, and a few small adjustments. Let’s take a look.

Choose the right printer

To print waterproof stickers, you first need to choose a good printer. Not all printers are built for that. The type of ink your printer uses makes a big difference.

Go for pigment-based ink

Most standard inkjet printers use dye-based ink, which looks vibrant but tends to bleed when it gets wet. Pigment-based ink is more water-resistant than dye-based ink. It sits on top of the paper and bonds better with coated or waterproof surfaces.

An inkjet printer is fine, as long as it uses pigment ink

You don’t need an expensive setup. Many home printers work well, especially those that support pigment ink. Popular options include Canon PIXMA models and Epson EcoTank or ColorWorks printers. Just check the specs to make sure they use pigment.

Laser printers also work

Laser printers use toner instead of liquid ink, making prints more resistant to water. Just make sure your sticker paper is rated for laser printing; toner can flake off if the paper isn’t compatible. But they’re usually more expensive, especially for colour printing.

If you’re just starting out, a good pigment-ink inkjet printer is enough to create water-resistant stickers at home. All of this is great, but only if you already own the printer. Otherwise, printing stickers on your own can get costly. Start with high-quality prints, even if you are a small business. It will go a long way.

Pick the right sticker paper

Waterproof stickers start with waterproof paper. Regular paper won’t cut it; it absorbs water and breaks down fast.

Use waterproof vinyl sticker paper

Waterproof vinyl is the best choice for printing at home. It’s coated to handle inkjet or laser printing and designed to repel water. You can choose between matte and glossy finishes depending on the look you want.

Avoid paper-based sticker sheets

Even if they’re labelled “weatherproof,” most paper sticker sheets won’t survive water exposure. The edges can absorb moisture, and the print might smear unless it’s sealed.

Make sure the paper matches your printer

Some vinyl papers are made for inkjet printers, others for laser printers. Using the wrong combo can lead to poor print quality or even damage your printer. Always check the label.

If you want stickers that can go on water bottles, packaging, or anything handled often, vinyl sticker paper is the way to go. Check which type of vinyl works best with your printer.

Design your stickers

Once you’ve got the right printer and paper, it’s time to create your designs.

Use a design tool you’re comfortable with

Simple platforms like Canva are great for beginners and quick projects. For more control over shapes, text, and layers, go with Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or Procreate. If you’re using a Cricut or Silhouette cutter, you can also design directly in their software.

You can also use our free online designer tool.

Set your file up for printing

• Resolution: Use at least 300 DPI so your stickers look sharp. Double-check your printer settings to make sure it’s not defaulting to a lower resolution.
• Colour mode: Stick with RGB for home printing software like Canva or Procreate. Most printers convert files to CMYK automatically, but RGB gives a wider color range when designing.
• Size: Match your sticker size to your paper layout, especially if you’re cutting them by hand or machine.

What are the best sticker sizes?

It's a boring answer, but it truly depends on what you want to do with your stickers. Are you going for custom shapes? Or choosing a basic shape like Circle stickers? Read our guide on sticker sizes.

Add cut lines if needed

If you’re using a cutting machine, add a clear border between your design and the cut line. This helps avoid misalignment and gives your stickers a cleaner finish.

Before printing a full sheet, print a single test to make sure your layout and colours are right. Read how to add a cutline in Adobe Illustrator.

Set up your printer for waterproof printing

Before you hit print, make sure your settings are dialled in. Use the highest quality setting your printer allows to get sharp, vibrant prints that fully bond to the sticker paper. In your printer settings, choose the right paper type, usually “Photo Paper” or “Glossy Paper” if you’re using glossy vinyl.

Double-check that the correct tray is selected and that your print is set to actual size (100%) to avoid scaling issues. If your printer has pigment and dye ink tanks, make sure it’s pulling from the pigment ink side.

Let the ink set (optional but helpful)

Even if the sticker paper is labelled “instant dry,” it’s still smart to let your prints sit for a bit. This helps the ink fully bond to the surface and reduces the risk of smudging or smearing when you handle or cut the stickers.

Leave your printed sheet on a clean, flat surface for at least 15–30 minutes. If you’re using pigment ink, it usually sets faster than dye-based ink, but a short wait is still worth it, especially if you plan to laminate or apply a protective layer afterwards.

Add extra protection like a laminating film (optional)

If you want your stickers to last even longer, especially on surfaces that get wet or handled a lot, add a protective layer after printing.

The easiest method is to apply a clear self-adhesive laminate sheet over your printed stickers. It adds a glossy or matte finish, protects the ink from scratches, and helps with water resistance. Just line it up, smooth it down to avoid air bubbles, and cut as usual.

You can also use a clear waterproof spray sealant, but this works better for flat designs that won’t be bent or flexed much. Spray in a well-ventilated area, and let each layer dry completely before adding another.

This step isn’t always necessary, especially if you’re using waterproof vinyl with pigment ink. But it does give your stickers extra toughness against wear and tear.

Cut and apply your stickers

Once your stickers are printed and fully dry, cut them out using scissors, a craft knife, or a cutting machine like a Cricut or Silhouette. Make sure the laminate (if used) is firmly pressed down before cutting.

Peel and stick your stickers onto clean, dry surfaces for the best hold. That’s it - they’re ready to go. Start with simple shapes like round or square. Die cut stickers are trickier to handle!

Conclusion

Making custom vinyl stickers at home is totally doable, but it does take a bit of trial and error. If you’re printing for fun, testing new designs, or just learning the ropes, this guide should get you off to a solid start.

But if you want stickers that look perfect, hold up in the rain, and arrive ready to peel and stick? Skip the setup and let us take care of it for you.

At Sticker It, we print high-quality custom stickers using weatherproof materials and commercial-grade printers. You’ll get:

• A free design proof before printing
• Fast 4-day turnaround
• Durable, waterproof vinyl that actually lasts

Whether you’re ordering for your business, your brand, or just for fun, we’ll make sure your stickers look great and stick around. We make the process super easy for our customers! Just reach out to us.