Tips & Advice

7 criteria for long lasting custom outdoor stickers

7 criteria for long lasting custom outdoor stickers

Outdoor stickers are a popular way to promote businesses, events, and ideas, as well as to decorate and personalize outdoor items. However, not all stickers are created equal, and finding the right type of sticker for outdoor use can be a challenge. In this article, we will discuss the seven factors to consider when choosing the best type of stickers for outdoor use.

Common uses for custom outdoor stickers

Stickers are a versatile and popular way to decorate and personalize a wide range of items, both indoors and outdoors. In particular, outdoor stickers are a popular choice for a variety of applications, from promoting businesses to adding personality to personal belongings. Let’s explore 5 most common uses for custom outdoor stickers.

1. Decorative purposes

Stickers are an inexpensive and creative way to add personality to outdoor items, such as cars, skateboards, helmets, and water bottles.

2. Advertising

Use outdoor brand stickers for promoting your businesses, events, and products. They can be placed on vehicles, outdoor signs, and billboards to catch people’s attention.

3. Political campaigns

Political candidates often use stickers as part of their election campaign. In these cases, custom outdoor stickers are placed on signs, vehicles, and handed out to supporters to spread awareness.

4. Sports teams

Sports teams often use stickers to promote their team logo or mascot. Fans can place them on their vehicles, equipment, or clothing to show support for their favorite team.

Sport stickers with custom name are always one of the best selling types
Sport stickers with custom name are always one of the best selling types

5. Warning signs

Lastly, custom outdoor stickers are sometimes used as warning signs to alert people of potential hazards, such as slippery floors, electrical equipment, or construction sites.

Common applications for custom outdoor stickers

As mentioned above, custom outdoor stickers are a popular way to decorate, promote, and personalize a wide range of items. In fact, outdoor stickers can be found in a variety of outdoor surfaces. Now we’ll take a closer look at some of the common outdoor applications for these custom outdoor stickers.

1. Cars and other vehicles

Using stickers on cars is a great way to add a personal touch to your ride. Custom outdoor stickers can be used to showcase your favorite brands, sports teams, or hobbies, or even to create a custom design that reflects your individual style.

2. Water bottles and tumblers

Personalized stickers are mostly used to decorate water bottles, tumblers, and other reusable drink containers. These custom stickers can be customized with names, monograms, designs, or even photos to make them truly one-of-a-kind. They can also help you keep track of your items in a crowd, or prevent them from getting mixed up with someone else’s.

3. Helmets and sporting equipment

Stickers can be used to personalize and decorate helmets, sporting equipment, and gear, such as skateboards, surfboards, and snowboards.

4. Windows and doors

Large outdoor stickers are a versatile tool for businesses and homeowners alike, as they can be used to display information, add privacy, or enhance the aesthetics of windows and doors. For businesses, storefront stickers can be used to advertise sales or promotions, display store hours or contact information, or simply add a decorative touch to the storefront. Homeowners can use stickers to add privacy to their windows, or to add a decorative touch to their front door or patio.

Outdoor storefront stickers can be used to advertise sales or promotions
Outdoor storefront stickers can be used to advertise sales or promotions

5. Signs and banners

Stickers are a versatile medium that can be used to create custom signs and banners for businesses, events, and promotions, providing a cost-effective and eye-catching way to communicate messages and promote brands.

6. Public transportation

Custom outdoor stickers are a cost-effective and practical way to display advertising or promote safety instructions on buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation, ensuring a wide and captive audience for the message.

7. Street art

Stickers are a popular medium for street artists and graffiti writers, as they offer a quick and easy way to add a unique touch of creativity and expression to public spaces. By utilizing different shapes, sizes, and designs, custom outdoor stickers can transform bland or forgotten areas into vibrant and eye-catching art pieces.

Factors to Consider when looking for stickers for outdoor uses

Stickers can face a variety of elements when used outdoors, which can impact their durability and effectiveness. With that in mind, when choosing stickers for outdoor use, it’s important to consider these 7 factors to ensure they are durable and able to withstand exposure to the elements. 

1. Intended Use

First, it’s crucial to consider the intended purpose of the sticker. For example, if the sticker is for advertising purposes, then it should be eye-catching and feature clear, concise messaging. On the other hand, if the sticker is for decoration, then it should feature a design that complements the aesthetic of the intended surface.

If the sticker is intended to serve as a warning or safety message, then it should be placed in a visible and easily accessible location, and feature clear, bold text and images that convey the intended message effectively.

Understanding the intended use of the sticker will help to ensure that the right design, size, and placement are chosen, resulting in a sticker that effectively communicates its intended message and serves its purpose.

2. Material

The second to consider is the material of the sticker. Vinyl is a popular choice for custom outdoor stickers because it is a durable and weather-resistant material that can withstand exposure to sunlight, rain, and wind. Additionally, vinyl stickers are easy to apply and remove, making them a convenient option for promotional purposes or as a means of adding personalization to outdoor items. Due to their durability, vinyl stickers are also a cost-effective solution for long-term outdoor advertising, as they can withstand extended exposure to the elements without peeling, fading or cracking.

3. Adhesive

The adhesive used on the sticker is a crucial factor to consider when choosing stickers for outdoor use.

The adhesive should strike a delicate balance between being strong enough to keep the sticker in place, even in harsh weather conditions, while also being gentle enough to avoid causing damage to the surface it is applied to. A weak adhesive can cause the sticker to peel or fall off prematurely, while an overly strong adhesive can make the sticker difficult to remove or leave residue behind.

Therefore, it is important to choose an adhesive that is strong enough to ensure the sticker remains in place for an extended period but gentle enough that it can be easily removed without damaging the surface.

4. Waterproof

A waterproof coating is an important factor to consider when choosing stickers for outdoor use, as it helps to protect them from water damage. Exposure to rain, snow, and other forms of moisture can cause stickers to peel or fade over time, making them less effective at conveying their intended message or purpose. A waterproof coating adds an extra layer of protection, preventing water from seeping through the sticker and causing damage to the surface it is applied to. In addition, a waterproof coating can also make the sticker easier to clean and maintain, as it allows for more frequent cleaning without damaging the sticker or its adhesive.

5. UV-Resistance

When it comes to outdoor stickers, we recommend you choose those which come with a UV-resistant coating. Without this protective layer, exposure to UV rays can quickly cause stickers to fade, discolor or become brittle.This is particularly important if the stickers are intended for long-term use, as they need to be able to withstand prolonged exposure to sunlight, as well as other environmental factors such as wind, rain, and extreme temperatures. The UV-resistant coating acts as a barrier, helping to prevent the degradation of the underlying sticker material and keeping it looking vibrant and fresh for longer. 

Outdoor stickers with UV-resistant coatings last longer under the sunlight
Outdoor stickers with UV-resistant coatings last longer under the sunlight

6. Temperature Resistance

Temperature resistance is a crucial factor to consider when selecting stickers for outdoor use, as exposure to extreme temperatures can cause stickers to lose their adhesion, become brittle, or even crack. High-quality custom outdoor stickers are designed to be temperature-resistant, and can withstand both hot and cold temperatures without deteriorating. This is particularly important for stickers that will be exposed to direct sunlight or extreme cold, as these conditions can cause significant damage to inferior quality stickers.

7. Size and Design

Stickers that are too small may not be easily visible from a distance, which defeats the purpose of using them as a promotional or advertising tool. On the other hand, stickers that are too large may not fit on the intended surface or may look out of place.

The design of the sticker should be eye-catching and easy to read, with high contrast between the background and text or image, to ensure that it can be quickly and easily understood by passersby. A well-designed sticker can effectively convey the intended message, promote a brand or product, or add a decorative touch to an outdoor item.

What is the best type of stickers for outdoor use?

Based on what we’ve looked at so far, the best type of stickers for outdoor use can be said to be those made of vinyl material, specifically those with a UV-resistant and waterproof coating.

Best type of stickers for outdoor use can be said to be those made of vinyl
Best type of stickers for outdoor use can be said to be those made of vinyl

This is because vinyl stickers are durable and are custom outdoor weatherproof stickers, making them ideal for outdoor use. They can withstand exposure to the elements, such as sunlight, rain, wind, and temperature fluctuations. Additionally, vinyl outdoor stickers can be easily removed without leaving residue or damaging the surface they were applied to. Overall, vinyl stickers with UV-resistant and waterproof coating are the best choice for outdoor use due to their durability, weather resistance, and easy removal.

Conclusion

When it comes to finding the best type of stickers for outdoor use, there are several factors to consider. A durable material, strong adhesive, UV-resistant and waterproof coatings, temperature resistance, appropriate size and design, and intended use are all important factors to keep in mind. By considering these factors, you can choose a custom outdoor sticker that is long-lasting, effective, and visually appealing. So, go ahead and choose the perfect outdoor stickers that meet your requirements!

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About Harley Williams

Meet Our Printing Expert - Harley Williams. With over a decade of experience in the world of custom stickers, Harley Williams is the creative force behind our insightful blog posts. As a seasoned writer and sticker enthusiast, Harley has her finger on the pulse of the latest trends in sticker design, printing techniques, and printing supplies. With her expertise, our blog becomes a well-rounded resource, ready to assist you in mastering the art of custom stickers and related printing topics.