How to make waterproof stickers with a Cricut

Most printable vinyl sold as "waterproof sticker paper" isn't actually waterproof enough for daily use. Without lamination, even high-quality vinyl stickers can fade, peel, or get scratched. They get ruined more easily, especially on surfaces like lunchboxes, bottles, or laptops. 

To make custom waterproof stickers that hold up through washes, UV exposure, and regular wear, you need the right materials and cutting settings.

What you’ll need to make your own waterproof stickers

• Cricut machine (Explore, Maker, or Joy Xtra)
• Waterproof printable vinyl (Neato or Avery depending on printer type)
• Self-adhesive laminating sheets (e.g. Avery or Oracal 651)
• Home printer (inkjet or laser)
• Cricut LightGrip or StandardGrip mat
• Scraper or brayer
• Optional: Rubbing alcohol for prepping surfaces

Design your stickers in Cricut Design Space - "Print Then Cut"

Open Cricut Design Space and start a new project. You can create your own stickers using text, shapes, and images, or upload a ready-made design.

To give your stickers a clean border, use the Offset feature. It adds a white outline around your design, which not only looks professional but also helps prevent the edges from peeling up over time. You can adjust the thickness and corner style to match your design.

Once your design is ready, select all the layers and click Flatten. This turns your image into a single printable file for Cricut’s Print Then Cut feature.

If you want to print multiple stickers at once, fill the maximum print area of 6.75" by 9.25". Arrange your stickers close together, but make sure they don’t overlap. Group them so they stay in position during printing and cutting.

Print the sticker sheet on a printable vinyl

Once your designs are flattened and arranged, click Make It in Cricut Design Space. On the next screen, you'll see a black box around your layout. This is a guide your Cricut machine uses to know where to cut, so don’t remove or cover it.

Load your printable vinyl or sticker paper into your inkjet printer or laser printer, depending on the material you're using. Make sure the paper is facing the right way so your designs print on the correct side.

Use your printer’s system dialog to adjust the printer settings. Set the print quality to “Best” or “Photo” for sharp, vibrant images. If your designs have a white outline, turn off the Bleed option to keep the edges clean.

After printing, let the printed sheet dry completely. This prevents smudging when you apply the laminating sheet later.

Laminate your stickers

Lamination protects the printed surface from scratches, water, and fading. Even if you use waterproof sticker paper, lamination adds an extra layer of durability.

Cut a piece of laminating sheet slightly smaller than the printed area. Make sure it does not cover the black registration box around your design. Your Cricut needs to see that box to cut accurately.

Peel off a small section of the backing from the laminating sheet. Line up the exposed edge at the top of your sticker sheet, then press it down gently. Slowly peel off the rest of the backing while smoothing the laminate onto the sheet. A scraper or brayer helps remove air bubbles as you go.

Once the entire sheet is laminated, press over it again to make sure it’s flat and sealed. Avoid lifting and reapplying the laminate, as that can leave wrinkles or weaken the adhesive.

This step makes your stickers scratch-resistant and much more durable, especially for items that get regular use or cleaning.

Cut out the stickers with Cricut

Place the laminated sticker sheet on a LightGrip or StandardGrip Cricut mat, depending on the thickness of your material. Line it up straight and press it down firmly so it sticks well during cutting.

In Cricut Design Space, continue to the cut settings. If you’re using regular printable vinyl without lamination, the “Sticker Paper” setting might be enough. But once laminated, the material is thicker. For clean cuts through both the vinyl and laminate, use a stronger setting like “Medium Cardstock” or adjust pressure manually. Some users prefer to set the machine to cut twice for better results.

Load the mat into your Cricut machine and press the flashing Go button. The machine will first scan the black registration box, then begin cutting around your designs.

Once the cutting is complete, unload the mat and check the edges. If the cuts didn’t go all the way through, you can repeat the cut without removing the mat, just press Go again.

Proper cut settings make the difference between smooth die cut stickers and stickers that tear or need trimming.

Apply your die cut stickers

Before applying your stickers, make sure the surface is clean and dry. Wipe it with rubbing alcohol if needed. This helps the adhesive stick better and last longer.

Peel the sticker away from the backing by hand. Do not use transfer tape—especially on laminated stickers—as it can damage the surface or pull up the laminate.

Line up your sticker carefully before pressing it down. Once it touches the surface, it may not lift easily. Smooth it out with your fingers or a soft cloth to remove any air bubbles.

Laminated stickers stick well to smooth surfaces like plastic, metal, and glass. They’re great for water bottles, laptops, phone cases, or lunchboxes.

Let the sticker rest for a few hours before washing or handling it heavily. This gives the adhesive time to bond fully.

Conclusion

To keep your stickers in good shape, avoid harsh conditions. Hand washing is best, even if you’ve used waterproof sticker paper and laminate. Dishwashers, heat, and strong detergents can cause edges to lift or ink to wear down over time. Avoid scrubbing the sticker directly, and don’t soak items for long periods.

While this method gives you durable, long-lasting stickers, there’s a reason professionally made ones last even longer. Commercial sticker companies use special printers with solvent, eco-solvent, or UV inks. These inks are not water-based, so they bond more permanently to the vinyl. The finish is often sealed with a high-grade laminate or clear coat that resists scratches, sunlight, and chemicals.

Still, for home use, this Cricut method gives you excellent results. Your custom waterproof stickers will look sharp, hold up to daily use, and give you the freedom to design exactly what you want.

FAQs

Can I use a laser printer for making stickers with Cricut?

Yes, but only if you're using sticker paper made for laser printers. Most printable vinyl is designed for an inkjet printer, so check the label. Using the wrong printer can cause poor adhesion or even damage the material.

What's the best sticker paper for an inkjet printer?

Look for waterproof printable vinyl specifically made for inkjet printers. It should be compatible with Cricut’s Print Then Cut feature and hold ink well without smudging.

What’s the correct material setting for laminated stickers?

If you're making stickers with a laminated top layer, use a stronger material setting like “Medium Cardstock” or increase the pressure. The standard “Sticker Paper” setting may not cut through both layers cleanly.

Can I use the same method for making stickers without laminate?

Yes, but the stickers won’t be as durable. Without lamination, they’re more likely to scratch or fade. If you’re using a good inkjet printer and printing on vinyl, you can skip the laminate for light use only.