Do vinyl stickers peel off easily?

Vinyl stickers created through vinyl sticker printing are used all over the world to add a custom touch to personal items and commercial products. Not only are they cost-effective, but because they can be used on a wide variety of surfaces, they’re the perfect way to create a personalized experience for your brand or products.

Vinyl stickers and labels come in different shapes, sizes, and finishes. It doesn't matter if it’s matte vinyl or glossy vinyl, they all share a common feature: durability. Unlike paper stickers, which are more susceptible to tearing, vinyl stickers are designed to last, even in tough environmental conditions.

In this article, we’ll discuss how vinyl stickers are made, and how with proper care and attention, you shouldn’t have any issues with them peeling off.

Why vinyl stickers don’t peel off easily

Modern vinyl stickers are designed to be durable and long-lasting. Manufacturers understand that these stickers may be exposed to a variety of conditions and stress, so the adhesive backing has to be high quality.

Most sticker adhesives are pressure-sensitive acrylic adhesives, meaning they activate when pressure is applied. Acrylic adhesive is known for its strength and durability in extreme conditions, along with its resistance to water, chemicals, and high temperatures.

Several factors need to be considered to choose the right adhesive for your use, so it’s important to understand the three main types of adhesives used for stickers.

Recommended read - best printable vinyl for stickers.

Adhesive types

Removable adhesive

This type of adhesive is ideal for short-term or temporary sticker use. While removable adhesive still sticks well, it’s not as durable as other types and might not withstand outdoor conditions. That’s not a problem, though, these stickers are mostly used indoors, such as on store windows. When it’s time to take them off, removable adhesives come away cleanly without leaving residue. Read more about why wall decals are removable.

Permanent adhesive

As the name suggests, permanent adhesive is designed to last. Choose this type if you need standard durability. These stickers can last up to three years and are a great fit for most applications, including product labels, laptop stickers, car stickers, and promotional stickers. Permanent adhesive can also be applied to a wide range of surfaces and can handle temperatures up to 80°C.

High tack adhesive

High tack adhesive is a category of its own. It’s typically used for long-term applications on high-use items, like trash bins or water buckets. This heavy-duty sticker won’t peel even under the harshest conditions. However, don’t choose high tack adhesive just because you want your sticker to be “really sticky.” This adhesive is intended for industrial uses, such as on engines and machinery. Avoid using it on electronics or delicate products, as it may cause damage when removed.

Peel adhesion

Understanding peel adhesion helps explain why stickers don’t easily come off.

In a peel adhesion test, stickers are applied to stainless steel surfaces for 24 hours before being removed. The force required to remove them is called “peel adhesion.”

Each level of peel adhesion reflects the strength of the adhesive. Permanent adhesives have a higher peel adhesion score than removable ones but are lower than high tack adhesives. Manufacturers can fine-tune the strength and tackiness of adhesives depending on how the sticker will be used. By conducting these tests thoroughly, manufacturers ensure that stickers won’t peel unexpectedly.

Final thoughts

Vinyl stickers are an excellent way to enhance the look and function of your product, and understanding the materials and production process means you can feel confident knowing they’re built to resist peeling. If you’re not sure which adhesive is right for your project, reach out to the team at Sticker It, we’ll be happy to help you make the best choice.