How to protect stickers from fading

Why do stickers fade over time?

Stickers can lose their colour and visual clarity over time, especially when they’re exposed to harsh conditions. One of the main reasons is sunlight. UV rays slowly break down the ink and cause colours to fade. Moisture, heat, and friction also take a toll, wearing away the surface and weakening the adhesive. This is common on water bottles, cars, or anything that gets touched often.

Even stickers kept indoors can fade if they’re near a window or cleaned with strong chemicals. To keep your stickers looking fresh, it’s important to understand what’s causing the damage in the first place.

How to protect stickers from fading during production

The materials, inks, and finishing methods you use all play a big role in how long your stickers stay vibrant. If you’re printing your own or ordering custom designs, these steps can help make sure your stickers are built to last, even before they’re ever used.

Choose high quality stickers and materials

If you want your stickers to last, start with the right materials. Not all sticker paper is made for durability. For better results, use waterproof vinyl or other resistant materials that can handle moisture, sunlight, and regular wear. These materials are tougher and hold up better, especially on water bottles, laptops, or outdoor surfaces.

Paper stickers can still look great, but they’re more likely to fade, tear, or peel, especially in humid or sunny environments. If you're using them, try to keep them indoors and away from water or direct sunlight.

Use pigment-based inks for long-lasting colour

The type of ink you use can make or break how long your stickers hold their colour. Pigment-based inks are a much better choice than dye-based ones for inkjet printers, especially if you want stickers that won’t fade quickly. They sit on top of the material rather than soaking in, which helps the colours stay sharp.

These inks are also more resistant to both UV exposure and moisture, making them ideal for outdoor use or stickers that will be exposed to sunlight. If you're printing your own designs, checking that your printer uses pigment ink is a simple but effective way to make your stickers last. See which printers are best for stickers.

Let prints dry fully before laminating

After printing, the ink needs time to dry completely before you do anything else, especially before applying laminating sheets or cutting the design. If the ink is still tacky, it can smudge or lift when you add a layer.

Giving your prints enough time to dry helps the ink set properly into the material and ensures a better bond with any protective layer you add later.

Laminate your stickers for added UV protection

Laminating creates a durable barrier against scratches, water, and UV exposure. It’s one of the most effective ways to keep your designs looking vibrant, especially if they’re going to be used outdoors, on water bottles, laptops, or cars.

Use self-adhesive laminating sheets for a quick fix, or a machine for a more polished finish. Laminated stickers not only last longer, but also feel sturdier and more premium. Just make sure your prints are fully dry before applying anything on top to avoid smudging or air bubbles.

Make laminated stickers even stronger with UV spray

If you want extra protection, especially for outdoor use, adding a UV-resistant spray on top of your laminated stickers can really help. These sprays create a clear coating that blocks sunlight and slows down fading. Not all UV sprays are dishwasher-safe or suitable for flexible surfaces. Check the label first.

Look for a spray sealant specifically made for printed materials. There are various UV-protective clear sprays available in the UK. They add a protective layer without changing the look or feel of your sticker. It’s a quick step that can help your stickers stay vibrant much longer.

How to protect stickers after application

Even with the best materials and printing methods, waterproof stickers still need a bit of care once they’re in use. Sunlight, moisture, and rough handling can wear them down over time.

Apply stickers to clean, dry surfaces

For a sticker to stay put and last, the surface you apply it to matters just as much as the sticker itself. Make sure the area is clean, smooth, and fully dry before sticking anything down. Use isopropyl alcohol or mild soap to clean dust and grease. This helps the adhesive stick better.

Applying stickers to a dirty or damp surface can lead to peeling, bubbling, or reduced durability. Taking a minute to prep the sticker surface properly gives you a better seal and helps your design stay in place over time.

Keep stickers out of direct sunlight

Sunlight is one of the biggest reasons stickers fade. Over time, UV exposure breaks down the ink and dulls the colours, even on high quality stickers. If possible, try to place your stickers somewhere with shade or indirect light, especially if they’re on things like windows, cars, or water bottles.

Even UV-resistant stickers last longer when kept out of harsh sun. The less sun exposure your sticker gets, the longer it will keep its colour and stick properly.

Perform regular maintenance and gentle cleaning

Dirt, dust, and buildup can slowly wear down your sticker’s surface. To keep them looking good, wipe your stickers now and then with a soft cloth and mild soap. For tougher spots, a diluted mix of isopropyl alcohol and water works well. Just be sure to test it first.

Avoid using harsh chemicals or anything abrasive, as these can scratch the surface or damage the adhesive. A little regular care helps your stickers stay clean, vibrant, and stuck where they belong.

Extra tips for outdoor and vehicle use

Stickers used outdoors, especially on cars, face more intense wear. From weather to washing, a little extra care can go a long way in keeping your decals looking sharp.

Hand wash vehicle decals and wraps

Avoid automatic car washes with brushes, as they can scratch or peel the sticker edges. Instead, use a sponge and a mild detergent to gently clean the surface. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth to avoid streaks. Gentle hand washing helps your car stickers last much longer.

Use a protective polish on laminated stickers

If your decals are exposed to the sun often, consider applying a Teflon- or silicone-based polish made for vinyl graphics. It adds UV protection, helps prevent fading, and can restore shine to laminated stickers.

Store vehicles indoors or use a car cover

When possible, park your car in a garage or use a cloth car cover. This helps reduce sun exposure, rain damage, and air pollution, especially in urban areas. Keeping your stickers protected when the vehicle isn’t in use makes a noticeable difference over time.

Final thoughts

Stickers can fade for all kinds of reasons: sunlight, moisture, scratches, or just regular wear. But the right materials, printing, and a few care habits can help them stay sharp much longer.

If you want to skip the guesswork and get stickers that are built to last, try ordering from Sticker It. Our high quality stickers are printed on durable vinyl, come with a protective layer, and are made to handle everything from laptops to outdoor use. You’ll also get a free proof and fast delivery, so it’s easy to get exactly what you need.

The better your sticker, the longer it lasts, and the more it stands out.