When you shop for stickers, you’ll see the word waterproof everywhere.
It sounds reassuring, but it’s also vague. Not all “waterproof” stickers are the same, and not all materials behave the way people expect them to.

This post isn’t about selling anything. It’s about explaining why I choose vinyl for my stickers, what waterproof actually means in practice, and how material choices affect how stickers look and last over time.

Why vinyl stickers?

Vinyl is a flexible plastic-based material that’s widely used for products meant to be handled, moved, and used daily. Unlike paper stickers, vinyl doesn’t absorb moisture and doesn’t tear easily.

For illustrated stickers, especially ones meant for laptops, notebooks, and water bottles, vinyl offers a few key advantages:

• It holds colour well

• It stays flexible instead of cracking

• It doesn’t wrinkle or warp with light moisture

• It feels substantial rather than flimsy

Vinyl also allows for finishes like laminates, which protect the printed artwork and improve durability without changing the illustration itself.

What “waterproof” actually means

This is where things often get misunderstood.

When a sticker is described as waterproof, it usually means:

• It won’t dissolve or bleed when exposed to water

• The ink is protected by a laminate layer

• The material won’t absorb moisture

What it doesn’t mean is that the sticker is indestructible.

Waterproof stickers are designed to handle everyday use: splashes, rain, hand-washing a bottle, or being wiped clean. They are not designed to survive repeated dishwasher cycles, extreme heat, or long-term outdoor exposure without wear.

In other words, waterproof means resilient, not invincible.

Vinyl + laminate = durability

This is where things often get misunderstood.

When a sticker is described as waterproof, it usually means:

• It won’t dissolve or bleed when exposed to water

• The ink is protected by a laminate layer

• The material won’t absorb moisture

What it doesn’t mean is that the sticker is indestructible.

Waterproof stickers are designed to handle everyday use: splashes, rain, hand-washing a bottle, or being wiped clean. They are not designed to survive repeated dishwasher cycles, extreme heat, or long-term outdoor exposure without wear.

In other words, waterproof means resilient, not invincible.

Why material choices matter

Most people first experience stickers visually, through photos on a screen. But once you hold one, material quality becomes obvious.

A well-made vinyl sticker feels intentional. It doesn’t curl immediately. The edges stay clean. The surface feels smooth but sturdy. These small details affect how long the sticker lasts and how confident someone feels using it.

For me, choosing materials is part of the illustration process, not an afterthought.

Caring for vinyl stickers

If you want vinyl stickers to last as long as possible:

• Apply them to clean, smooth surfaces

• Press firmly from the centre outward

• Avoid dishwashers, hand washing is best

• Choose cases or notebooks if you’re worried about commitment

Good materials help, but how a sticker is used matters too.

A quiet note on intention

I choose vinyl not because it’s trendy, but because it aligns with how I want my work to exist in the world: usable, thoughtful, and made to last a little longer than expected.

Stickers are small objects, but they still deserve care.

If you’re curious to see how these material choices show up in finished work, you can find my illustrated stickers through my Etsy shop.

About WigglyLines Studio

WigglyLines Studio is an independent illustration studio based in the UK, creating cosy illustrations, sparkly vinyl stickers, and animal art prints.

It’s run by Alexandra Martin, a recent Graphic Design graduate from the University of Salford, Manchester (Class of 2025).

This studio didn’t begin as a business plan. It began as a way to keep making art slowly, thoughtfully, and without pressure, and it’s grown into a small but intentional creative practice built around quality, care, and gentle humour.