There are several factors that need to be considered if you are looking for extra durable, waterproof, fade resistant, long-term vinyl stickers. There are many different options available depending on the uses and an individuals perceived notion of what long-lasting or durable vinyl stickers means.
It should also be clarified whether by “durable vinyl stickers” one is talking about the strength of adhesive on the back of the vinyl stickers, or the longevity of the graphic on the front of vinyl stickers. For sticker adhesives there are a number of options depending on the level of stickiness and desired application. I wrote about various sticker adhesives here.
For durability on the printed side of vinyl stickers, again there are varying degrees of longevity and durability. Starting with the inks and how the vinyl stickers are printed, there are a number of digital full color printing methods with a wide range of durabilities. Screen printed durable vinyl stickers are still the best print method with an outdoor lifespan of 3-5 years.
Regardless of print method, durability/lifespan can be improved by adding lamination, textured plastic or polyurethane doming over the printed graphics. This is a good idea if vinyl stickers need to be scuff resistant or protected from chemicals or abrasion (or just look and feel more heavy duty). Floor stickers for example need a durable vinyl non-slip overlaminate to hold up to heavy foot traffic, cleaning products, etc.
The base material will also effect durability. There are different degrees of flexibility with different materials. For instance a white vinyl will have more give and flexibility than a polyester. So when being applied to a surface that isn’t completely rigid or is curved, the flexible vinyl would be better for long term durability than a clear or chrome polyester. There are also different grades and thicknesses of durable vinyl stickers.
If there are concerns with how a certain material or adhesive will hold up on a particular surface it is best to obtain samples and do testing. Websticker is here to answer any sticker durability questions or send out samples for testing.
We just completed some extensive vinyl sticker testing using Accelerated Weather Testing Equipment at our factory. We compared flexographic printing, offset printing and screen printing durability. We have also tested different sticker company’s products. It became apparent that the comparative photos and data just aren’t that exciting. So, we came up with an idea to do a series of random, unscientific, durability tests.
Check out this video of my son Eric set loose with a screen printed vinyl sticker on his shoe. It’s very doubtful that anyone would ever need a sticker for this purpose but it was much more fun and quick to test in this random manner. Frankly I was amazed it stayed stuck to the flexible, rough surface of his shoe.
Why are some outdoor sticker products 3-5 year outdoor durability when others may begin to fade after a year? Why won’t an over laminated paper label hold up outside? Why will fluorescent inks begin to fade in direct sunlight after just 30 days? These are all good questions and we answer them all the time. It is important for consumers to know details of print methods, materials and the projected (or guaranteed) durable life span of any vinyl sticker product you may be considering. I talked a bit about the top questions that should be asked by a sticker printer or sticker distributor in a previous video – What are the vinyl stickers being used for? Where will it ideally be applied? How long does it need to last? The bottom line for Websticker – We want to produce the most effective and economical vinyl sticker possible for your specific needs.
Websticker welcomes your questions, ideas for further random durability tests, and samples are always available for testing your own desired applications of durable vinyl stickers.
Jeff Nicholson is the founder and Creative Director at 
