Vinyl Stickers
Custom vinyl sticker printing for bottles, laptops, equipment and outdoors. Waterproof, tough and cut to shape, with free artwork set-up in Tooting.
- No design yet? We set up the artwork free of charge when we print the job.
- Tight deadline? Same-day printing is possible on many jobs if your file is ready early. Call to check first.
- Can't get here? Collect from Gatton Road, or have it delivered in the UK for a quoted charge.
Printed vinyl stickers that last
Vinyl is the material to use if a sticker has to survive. It handles water, grease and everyday handling far better than paper. That is why it is used on water bottles, laptop lids, toolboxes, machinery, bikes, shop doors, outdoor signs and anything that gets cleaned regularly.
Vinyl or paper?
| Vinyl | Paper | |
|---|---|---|
| Water | Resists it | Damaged by it |
| Outdoors | Yes | Not for long |
| Writing on it | Difficult | Easy on matt |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
Our full guide to paper versus vinyl stickers has more on this.
Printed vinyl or cut vinyl?
There are two kinds of "vinyl sticker", and it helps to know which you need:
- Printed vinyl is a full-colour image printed on a white or clear sticker. It can reproduce photographs, gradients and complex logos.
- Cut vinyl has letters or shapes cut from a coloured sheet, with no background. It looks like sign-writing, so it is often used on vans and shop windows. It works best with simple shapes and one colour at a time.
Getting a long life outdoors
Choose a suitable grade of vinyl and consider lamination, which protects against scratches and helps reduce fading. Dark and strong colours usually hold up better than bright reds and yellows. Lifespan depends a lot on the surface and exposure, so tell us where your sticker will go, and we can recommend the right specification.
Applying vinyl stickers
- Clean the surface and dry it fully. Grease and dust are the main causes of failure.
- Apply it above about 10°C, because cold adhesive does not grip well.
- Start at one edge and smooth it down with a card to push out any air.
- Wait at least a day before washing or getting it wet, so the adhesive can bond properly.
Vinyl does not stick well on rough, dusty or freshly painted surfaces, or on some low-energy plastics. If you are unsure, try a sample first.
Sizes and shapes
Vinyl can be cut into any shape, from a simple circle or rectangle to a detailed logo outline. See die-cut stickers for shape ideas. Small safety labels and machinery marks are also common, and we can print on sheets or as individual pieces.
Ordering
Tell us the size, shape, quantity and where it will be used. We can set up your artwork free of charge when we print, and we will show you a proof that includes the cut line. Small runs are welcome, and many can be turned around quickly. Phone 020 8133 4499 with your deadline, and we will confirm the timing before you order.
Questions we hear about vinyl stickers
Are vinyl stickers waterproof?
Yes. Vinyl handles water well, and lamination gives extra protection for outdoor or heavily handled stickers.
How long do vinyl stickers last outside?
It depends on the material, the surface and the amount of sun. Tell us where it is going, and we will suggest a suitable grade.
Can vinyl stickers go in the dishwasher?
Some are more resistant than others, but we would not assume so. Tell us if you need dishwasher resistance before ordering.
What is the difference between printed and cut vinyl?
Printed vinyl carries a full-colour image, while cut vinyl is shaped letters or logos cut from a solid colour sheet.