Help Center / Printing & Quality

What surfaces do your stickers stick to?

Vinyl stickers bond well to any clean, smooth, non-porous surface: glass, painted metal, hard plastics, laptops, powder-coated steel, sealed wood, and stainless tumblers. They do poorly on silicone, oily or waxed surfaces, raw untreated wood, fabric, and anything flexing constantly.

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Works reliably

SurfaceNotes
Glass and mirrorsExcellent. Clear vinyl looks best here
Painted or powder-coated metalExcellent once cleaned; high-tack for heavy texture
Hard plastics (ABS, PC, acrylic)Excellent
Laptops and phone casesExcellent
Stainless steel tumblersExcellent; hand wash to maximize life
Sealed or finished woodGood
Automotive clear coatExcellent; wait 90 days on fresh paint
Corrugated shipping boxesGood with high-tack

Needs the right adhesive

  • Polypropylene / polyethylene bins and buckets — needs LSE-rated adhesive.
  • Textured or hammered powder coat — needs high-tack and firm pressure.
  • Cold or damp surfaces — warm and dry them first, or the bond never starts.

Does not work

  • Silicone of any kind. Nothing sticks to silicone.
  • Waxed, oiled or greasy surfaces until fully degreased.
  • Raw, unsealed wood and concrete. Too porous.
  • Fabric and leather. Use heat transfer or patches instead.
  • Surfaces that flex hard every day, like squeeze bottles at the crease.

The 60-second prep that fixes most problems

  • Wipe with 70%+ isopropyl alcohol. Not glass cleaner, not disinfectant wipes.
  • Let it dry fully.
  • Apply at room temperature, press from the center out.
  • Wait 24 to 72 hours before washing or heavy exposure.

If a surface is not on this list, tell us what it is and we will recommend the film and adhesive combination, or tell you honestly that a sticker is the wrong product for it.

Last updated 2026-08-29. Reviewed by the Stickerine production team, Name Badges, LLC, Greenville, SC.

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