What Are Paper Stickers? Are They Waterproof? Full Guide to Use Them Right

Paper stickers are one of the most common and affordable sticker options, yet many people still wonder how durable they really are. If you are about to start a sticker project and wonder whether this sticker type is for you, you are at the right place.

It helps to understand what paper stickers are, are theywaterproof, and where they work best, so, our guide will explain these basics clearly. CustomAny also cover typical uses and limits you should know about, and help you decide if they are a good choice for your project.

What Are Paper Stickers?

As we have explored in the earlier blog posts – Custom Stickers 101, a standard sticker is a printed piece with a sticky back that allows it to stick to a surface.

Also, we’ve learned that a sticker is usually made up of 3 layers. The top layer is the face stock, which is the part that is printed on. At the back of the face stock sits the adhesive layer, which allows the sticker to stick. The final one is the backing layer, which you peel away before using the sticker.

With that structure in mind, paper stickers are specific stickers that use paper as the face stock. Compared those made of plastic-based face stocks like vinyl stickers, stickers made of paper feel thinner and more natural when you touch them. Ink absorbs slightly into the paper, giving a matte or semi-gloss look.

These stickers can be divided into 2 types based on whether they are coated or not: uncoated and coated ones. A coated surface can be either matte or glossy, depending on your coating material choice.

Are Paper Stickers Waterproof?

Made of paper, these stickers are not waterproof naturally. 

Paper fibers absorb water instead of pushing it away, so you may notice changes as soon as water touches the surface of a paper sticker: water creates curling, swelling, or ink bleeding. Even moisture can affect the print of a paper sticker, soften their surface and weaken their adhesive over time. 

As a quick sum up, stickers made of paper react quickly to water spills, humidity, or condensation.

However, some paper stickers can handle light moisture if you add extra laminate protection. You may see better resistance with a surface coating or when using specially treated paper. These options help these stickers survive brief contact with water, but they still do not make them fully waterproof.

Paper stickers work best when you use them in dry, indoor environments such as decorating your belongings, as inserts, as giveaways, or as packaging for dry products. 

Types of Paper Stickers

There are several paper sticker types available, each is made of different paper material to adjust the look and feel they create. 

White Paper Stickers 

Stickers printed on white paper base are the most common option. The bright surface helps your artwork appear vibrant, keeps all the texts clear and easy to read. These stickers have a moderate durability and affordable price, so you will find them used in indoor application needs where cost control matters.

Kraft paper stickers 

These stickers have a natural brown tone and less polished texture. They bring out the feels of handmade and seem eco friendly. Many people prefer kraft stickers for artisan products, handmade goods, or rustic branding. 

Recycled paper stickers

These stickers use paper bases that are made from reused fibers instead of new raw materials. Using stickers made of recycled paper helps reduce waste and supports more sustainable production choices, ideal for brands that value environmental factors.

Each type of paper stickers fits different goals, budgets, and brand styles, so you can choose the option that matches both your message and real world use.

How Are Paper Stickers Made? 

Most stickers are made through a mutual process and it also applies for paper stickers. To turn your design into a usable printed paper-based product, we need to go through some steps.

Designing

The process starts with design preparation. Your artwork gets sized, aligned, and adjusted so they are printed cleanly on paper face stock. Color settings and layout matter here, since paper absorbs ink differently than plastic materials.

Printing

The printing step follows and it can be handled using several common technologies.

• Inkjet printing offer prints with detailed colors and small quantities
• Laser printing is fast yet maintains stable results.
• Digital press printing is suitable for larger batches, with consistent color and sharp text.

Cutting

The step that comes after printing is cutting, which allows you to shape your stickers. Here, you can choose between die cutting and kiss cutting. The former provides you singular paper sticker pieces and the latter gives you stickers that leave the backing layer intact for easier peeling.

You may want to read more on our comparison: “Die-cut vs kiss-cut stickers“

Coating/Laminating

The step of coating or lamination is optional but it is recommended if you want a higher durability level for your stickers. A light coating can adjust the finish, while lamination offers a light moisture protection. 

Formating

Packaging the stickers will complete this process. This sticker type can be made into singular pieces or kept in sheets/rolled, depending on how you plan to use them. While singular stickers are beautiful to collect, sheets allow for easier storage, and rolls are ideal for large batches or if you plan to handle application with a machine.

Common Uses of Paper Stickers 

Being affordable and easy to customize, paper stickers appear in many projects. 

Decorating and Crafting

The best feature we can see in these stickers is the natural feel they create. Their handmade appealing looks make them the suitable choice to use in scrapbooks, journals, planner, as gift tags or handmade cards. Paper stickers work best where writing, drawing, and layering designs as they add a personal and creative touch.

Product Labeling and Packaging

You can also make use of these stickers in labeling and packaging. They are used on jars, bakery boxes, candle containers, envelopes, and stationery. There are where short term use and indoor storage keep the this sticker type neat and effectively shine

Brand Identity and Promotions

You can also rely on stickers made of paper for branding and promoting. They can be used for giveaway gifts, as thank you seals, logo stickers, or order inserts. Branded paper stickers help small brands easily reinforce their identity without paying for more expensive sticker types.

Thus, these stickers are practical for testing ideas, seasonal designs, and short run campaigns. They suit projects where you prioritize a natural look and low cost.

Pros & Cons of Paper Stickers 

Paper stickers come with specific advantages and limitations. First, let’s take a look at some benefits that make them appealing:

• Print quality: Paper allows ink to absorb easily and sharply, so text is easy to read and colors print cleanly, making your artwork look vibrant.
• Aesthetic appeal: Their paper texture gives your designs a soft look and natural feel.
• Low cost: These stickers are affordable thanks to the low price of their material and simplicity of the productions.
• Ease of use: You can apply and remove them with ease and even write on them when needed.

Stickers made of paper also bring some drawbacks you should consider:

• Limited water resistance: Contact with water often leads to curling or damage.
• Low durability: Paper tears more easily and wears down under harsh handling.
• Color fading: Water, moisture and light exposure can make your prints dull over time.

With specific pros and cons, this sticker type is ideal in some situations but not recommended in others. So, are paper stickers suitable for your projects? It all depends on how you plan to use them. For dry, short term use, they offer value and style. For demanding environments, other materials usually perform better. 

Last words

Paper stickers can be a practical and affordable choice once you understand how they are made and where they work best. Now with a clearer picture of what paper stickers are, their benefits and limits, you can avoid material mismatches and choose options that fit your project. 

To explore more about other custom stickers types, different materials and ways to bring out the best of each type, you can read our previous blogs here.

FAQs

1. How long do paper stickers last? 

Paper stickers’ lifespan depends on several aspects like humidity levels, handling frequency, storage conditions,… In case they are used indoors, they usually last several months.

2. Are paper stickers waterproof?

Paper stickers are not waterproof by nature because of their material. When coated, they can last through light moisture, but water exposure still causes damage.

3. What’s the best way to store unused paper stickers?

Flat storage works best for all types of stickers. For paper stickers specifically, you also need to keep them away from heat, humidity, and direct sunlight to maintain the print condition and adhesive strength.

4. Are paper stickers eco-friendly?

Since they are made of paper, these stickers are often considered eco-friendly. Among all paper sticker types, those that offer the most environmental benefits are kraft and recycled paper stickers.

5. Can I write on paper stickers?

Yes. Paper stickers’ surface can be easily written on using pens, pencils, and markers, especially on uncoated ones.

6. Should I choose paper stickers or vinyl stickers?

This sticker choice depends on your needs. Stickers made of paper suit indoor, short term use with an affordable price and natural feel, while vinyl handles moisture and outdoor conditions much better. For more details, you may want to read our comprehensive comparison: “Vinyl stickers vs Paper stickers: Which one is the best for you?“

7. Are paper stickers safe for children’s crafts?

Paper stickers are generally safe and commonly used for school projects, crafts, and creative activities with children. However, make sure to check their composition or order from a reputable printing company.