Are Vinyl Decals Really WaterProof?
Yes, vinyl decals are really waterproof - this means that you can apply one of our decals to the outside of a window and expect it to last up to 8 years without fading or shrinking. Being made from a waterproof material, they are usable if you use a pressure washer on your car or take it through a car wash. You can apply the sticker to a surfboard, boat or a jet ski and expose it to sea water.
One important note is that they need to be applied correctly to adhere well and stay adhered. This means that the surface needs to be prepared properly before application. The following is really important, as there's only one reason as to why your vinyl decal doesn't stick or stay stuck.
Give your car a personal look with a vinyl sticker!
Why doesn't my vinyl sticker stick to the surface?
First, your surface must be suitable to apply a sticker to. This means that it needs to be smooth. Application to a rough surface means that the glue that adheres the sticker to the surface doesn't sit completely flat to the surface. If it's not sitting flat then there are raised areas that cannot grip and this weakens the overall ability of the vinyl sticker to stick and remain stuck to a rough surface. Raised areas will allow air to get under the sticker and if air can get in, then dust and other contaminants can also get in. So, your vinyl sticker may initially stick to the rough surface, but over time there is the very real potential that the vinyl sticker will start to peel away from the surface. At this stage, you've reached the point of no-return. Since it was not applied to a suitable surface, the vinyl sticker will slowly come away and will need to be removed.
Another reason for your vinyl sticker not sticking is that the surface is not clean enough. To give your vinyl sticker the best chance to stick to a surface, that surface must be 100% clean of anything that may cause the sticker glue to adhere perfectly. The surface may look clean, however there are many contaminants on the surface that are not visible to the naked eye. Common contaminants include dust, sand, wax, grease and dirt among others. Even a small amount of one of these contaminants that remain on the surface can affect the sticking ability of a vinyl sticker. Keep in mind that even our hands have small amounts of grease that come naturally from our bodies. Even wiping a surface with a clean hand can leave grease on the surface. Wiping a surface with a rag or towel can leave tiny fibres of the towel behind. These things are enough to stop a sticker from sticking well to a surface.
How Do I Clean A Surface Before Applying My Vinyl Sticker?
The following is extremely important if you want your sticker to adhere perfectly to the surface you are applying it to. You will need to clean the surface perfectly before applying your vinyl sticker. To do this, clean the surface of anything obvious that you know will affect the sticking ability. Once you've done this, use a Wax and Grease remover over the surface. These can be picked up from your local hardware store like Bunnings and will remove surface contaminants that are not immediately obvious. Also, use a cleaning fabric that will not leave any fibres or lint behind. Microfibre cloths are for this. Obviously, a brand-new, unused cloth is better than one you've been using for years.
Make sure you prepare the surface for perfect sticker adhesion
Sticker Stop uses Metamark M7 Vinyl Sticker Material
Sticker Stop uses Metamark M7 vinyl sticker material which is a premium grade polymeric calendared sign making vinyl that performs well in the harsh Australian environment and provides excellent value for money. M7 features a soft 70 micron face film, an apex assured high grade permanent solvent based adhesive, and a PE lay flat liner. M7 is available in over 90 eye catching colour and is perfect for all external flat and slightly curved applications. M7 has stood the test of time in Australian conditions with up to 8 year durability and better dimensional stability than other calendared vinyl.
Waterproof Stickers Australia
Metamark M7 vinyl has a gloss finish and the material is manufactured from a waterproof material. For Waterproof Stickers Australia, have a look at our range at Sticker Stop. If you're wanting a custom sticker, feel free to Contact Us and we'll see if we can assist you further.