Are all stickers and labels waterproof?

No. Whether your custom stickers and labels are waterproof depends on the material they’re made from and how they’re laminated.

Here are our waterproof materials:

• White vinyl
• Clear vinyl
• Holographic vinyl
• Glitter vinyl
• Mirror silver
• Mirror gold
• Heavy duty
• Fluorescent materials

Want to learn more about waterproof stickers and labels? Keep reading. You can also click here to find out which sticker or label works best based on the level of waterproofing you need.

What does waterproof mean?

Waterproof means resistant to water. Exposure to water, whether splashes or full submersion, won’t affect the sticker’s quality, durability, or adhesion.

A waterproof sticker or label can be used in the shower, kitchen, outdoors, or even in the dishwasher without peeling off or shrinking.

Waterproof vs. weatherproof vs. splashproof

People often confuse these terms, but they don’t mean the same thing. Let’s take a closer look at how they differ and what that means for your stickers.

Weatherproof

If something is weatherproof, it can withstand exposure to the elements, including rain, snow, wind, hail, and sunlight.

This is more complex than being waterproof, which only refers to water resistance.

The biggest difference is how each holds up in the sun. For example, our fluorescent material is waterproof, but it’s not weatherproof because the fluorescent particles fade in sunlight.

So when people ask if custom labels are weatherproof, they’re really asking if they can handle outdoor conditions without getting damaged.

And the answer is: it depends on the material your stickers and labels are made from.

Splashproof

If a sticker or material is splashproof, it can resist light splashes or droplets of water. It cannot handle soaking or submersion.

Splashproof materials are not suitable for use in the shower or dishwasher.

In general, paper materials are only splashproof and shouldn’t come into contact with water. Vinyl materials are usually either splashproof or fully waterproof.

If you’re looking for a splashproof paper, try our biodegradable paper stickers.

What makes stickers and labels waterproof?

The waterproof ability of your stickers and labels depends on two things: the material (the base) and the laminate (the protective layer).

Material

If your stickers and labels are printed on a waterproof material, the final product will naturally resist water better.

As a general rule, vinyl materials are waterproof. Paper or static cling materials are not.

Lamination

The laminate is a thin plastic layer applied over the printed surface. It protects your design from water, sunlight, scratches, and chemicals.

This laminate is what makes stickers and labels waterproof. It creates a barrier that seals in your design and keeps water out.

This image shows how our white vinyl stickers are constructed, including all the layers that make them waterproof:

Are die cut and kiss cut stickers waterproof?

That depends on the material you choose. "Die cut" and "kiss cut" describe how your stickers are cut, not what they’re made of.

You can print either cut style on any material. To make them waterproof, choose white vinyl, clear vinyl, holographic, glitter, silver, gold, or fluorescent.

Can I put my stickers and labels in the dishwasher?

Yes, you can. Our white and clear vinyl stickers are dishwasher safe. Metallic materials like holographic or glitter don’t hold up as well under repeated dishwasher cycles.

Occasional dishwashing is fine. However, constant heat and water exposure will reduce the sticker’s lifespan over time.

For best results, we recommend handwashing jars and bottles with stickers or labels.

How waterproof do your stickers and labels need to be?

Level of waterproofing | Description | Best materials

• Not waterproof
  Indoor use only, no water, splashes, or condensation.
  → All materials including biodegradable paper and eco-friendly options.
• Splashproof
  Occasional splashes, no submersion.
  → All materials including biodegradable paper and eco-friendly options.
• Waterproof
  Outdoor use, shower-safe, exposed to water regularly.
  → White vinyl, clear vinyl, holographic, glitter, silver, gold.
• Dishwasher safe
  Will be cleaned in the dishwasher.
  → White vinyl, clear vinyl, holographic, glitter, silver, gold.
• Industrial-grade waterproof
  Exposed to power washing or high-pressure water.
  → Heavy duty vinyl.
• Not sure
  If you’re unsure about your use case.
  → White vinyl, clear vinyl, holographic, glitter, silver, gold.

If you’re still not sure, request a material sample pack. It’s the best way to test each material and see what fits your needs. You can also contact our team with any questions.

You can read our guide on how to waterproof stickers.