The Complete Guide to Make Waterproof Stickers with Cricut
Learn how to make waterproof stickers with Cricut! Whether you're creating stickers for water bottles, outdoor use, or durable organization labels, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
Why Make Your Own Waterproof Stickers?
Making stickers with your Cricut isn't just a fun hobby - it's a super practical skill too. Why? Because you can make stickers that are helpful and useful for you and others.
An example of these kinds of stickers is waterproof stickers.
Waterproof stickers are perfect for:
- Labeling garden pots and outdoor equipment
- Creating durable water bottle designs
- Making long-lasting laptop decals
- Designing weather-resistant organization labels
- Creating permanent decorative elements
As the creator of Secret Sticker Society, I've seen countless crafters discover the joy of creating their own professional-quality, waterproof stickers. The satisfaction of making something both beautiful and durable is so rewarding!
Understanding Sticker Types
Before we dive into the tutorial, let's clarify some important terms:
Regular vs. Waterproof Stickers
Regular stickers are great for indoor use but can deteriorate when exposed to water or weather.
Waterproof stickers, created either with waterproof vinyl or laminated protection, stand up to moisture and outdoor conditions.
Vinyl Vs Matte Sticker paper
- Matte Stickers: These are more economical and they're perfect for most types of everyday stickers.
- Vinyl Stickers: This type of paper is much more durable and better for stickers that need to be more resilient.
- Laminated Stickers: The best of both worlds - affordable and waterproof!
Kiss Cut vs. Die Cut
- Kiss Cut: Cuts through the sticker layer but not the backing meaning you can individually peel the sticker away from the main sticker sheet.
- Die Cut: Cuts through all layers for individual stickers - these are popular when creating stickers as gifts or to sell.
Essential Waterproof Sticker-Making Supplies
Before we get into the step-by-step tutorial, let's talk about design elements. You'll need:
- Your main design elements (clipart, text, or both)
- A clear vision of your final sticker size - this is super fun!
- Understanding of your cutting machine's capabilities
Want to create professional-quality waterproof stickers that are perfect for water bottles, laptops, and even plant pots?
In this step-by-step guide, I'll show you how to make beautiful laminated stickers using your Cricut machine.
Let's break down everything you'll need to create beautiful waterproof stickers with your Cricut.
The Right Cricut Machine
While most Cricut machines can make stickers, some popular options include:
- Cricut Maker (any version)
- Cricut Explore Air 2
- Cricut Joy Xtra (what I'll be using in this tutorial)
Best Printers for Waterproof Stickers
Your inkjet or laser printer choice is crucial for quality stickers. Look for:
- High-resolution printing capabilities
- Ability to handle sticker paper
- Reliable color printing
Popular options include:
- Canon PIXMA series (my personal fave!)
- Epson EcoTank series
Essential Waterproof Sticker Tools
Sticker Paper Options:
Waterproofing Options:
Other Tools Needed:
- Cricut cutting mat
- Scraper tool
- Paper cutter
- Brayer (optional but helpful)
Inside Secret Sticker Society, we keep an updated list of recommended supplies and where to source them, helping members avoid costly trial and error with materials!
Step-by-Step Tutorial: Creating Waterproof Laminated Stickers
Step 1: Design Stickers in Cricut Design Space
- Click to start a 'New Project'
- Click 'Upload' then 'Upload Image'
- Choose 'Browse' to locate your files
- Follow the steps to Continue and add your images as a 'Flat Graphic'
- Your images will be added to the Project
Pro Tip: As a Secret Sticker Society member, you get access to exclusive design elements, like the house plant clipart used in this tutorial, created by our professional illustrator (aka my husband Miles, an ex-Disney hand-drawn animator!).
Step 2: Customize Stickers in Cricut Design Space
- Click on your image and resize (3 inches works well for most stickers). Lock aspect ratio to prevent warping.
- For text-based stickers:
- Add text using the Text tool
- Choose complementary fonts
- Adjust spacing and alignment
- Group text elements together
- Add an Offset:
- Add text using the Text tool
- Click 'Offset'
- Set distance to 0.1 inches
- Change the offset color to white (or your preferred color)
- Select all elements of the individual sticker and 'Flatten' them together
Pro Tip: For text-based stickers, try combining different fonts and using the align tools to create professional-looking designs.
Step 3: Complete and Prepare Your Sticker Sheet
- Arrange all the completed stickers on the canvas
- Leave enough space between designs
- Select all stickers and 'Attach' them together
- Click 'Make It'
- Send to printer with these settings:
- Turn off bleed
- Use system dialog
- Set print quality to 'High'
Tip: Testing your printer settings on regular paper first can save expensive materials!
Step 4: Apply the Waterproof Laminate
- Place your printed sticker sheet on your Cricut mat
- Cut your clear waterproof laminate to size, ensuring it fits within the registration marks and leaving enough coverage for offset borders
- Apply the laminate carefully:
- Peel back just a corner of the backing
- Position carefully to avoid air bubbles
- Use a scraper tool to smooth as you go
- Work slowly to prevent bubbles and fingerprints
Common Issue: If you get air bubbles, slowly peel back the laminate and reapply that section.
Step 5: Cut Your Stickers
- Select your material settings:
- Choose 'Laminated Stickers' or create a custom setting
- Pressure setting: 300 (for kiss cut)
- Load your mat into the Cricut
- Start the cut
- Remove from the mat by flipping over and peeling the mat away from the stickers as this prevents curling and damage
Step 6: Apply Your Stickers
- Ensure the kiss cuts are clean and test peel one sticker as a sample
- Peel all stickers carefully from the sheet and position them on your chosen surface, pressing firmly from center outward
Tips for Success:
- Design Tips
- Keep designs clean and simple
- Use high-resolution images
- Consider final placement when sizing
- Leave adequate white space
- Material Tips
- Store materials flat
- Keep work surface clean
- Handle laminate by edges
- Use fresh cutting mats
- Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Cutting too deep: Reduce pressure
- Not cutting through: Increase pressure
- Bubbles: Use a scraper tool more slowly
- Print quality: Check printer settings
As a Secret Sticker Society member, you have access to our troubleshooting library and community support, which can help you quickly solve common challenges.
Creating waterproof laminated stickers is a great way to make durable, professional-looking stickers that can withstand water and wear.
Whether you're making them for personal use or to sell, these stickers are sure to impress!
Frequently Asked Questions
General Cricut Sticker Questions
Q: Can you make stickers with a Cricut? A: Absolutely! Any Cricut machine can make stickers, from the compact Joy Xtra to the powerful Maker series.
Q: What's the best Cricut machine for sticker making? A: While all Cricut machines can make stickers, the Maker series and Joy Xtra offer excellent precision for detailed cuts.
Q: Do I need special software? A: Cricut Design Space is all you need, and it's free to use!
Waterproof Sticker Specific Questions
Q: How long do waterproof stickers last? A: When properly made and applied, laminated waterproof stickers can last a couple of years outdoors and even longer indoors.
Q: Can I put them through the dishwasher? A: While these stickers are water-resistant, hand washing is recommended for the longest life.
Q: What's the best waterproof vinyl for Cricut? A: Look for premium printable vinyl specifically labeled as waterproof, or use the lamination method shown in this tutorial.
Cost Considerations
Q: Is it worth making my own stickers? A: Yes! While there's an initial investment in materials, making your own stickers will let you:
- Create custom designs
- Make as many, or as few, stickers as you like!
- Habe complete quality control
- Potentially start a sticker shop from home!
12 Laminated Waterproof Sticker Ideas to Try Today!
You can put your new skills to work with these fun ideas:
- Home Organization
- Pantry labels
- Storage bin tags
- Cleaning supply labels
- Seasonal decoration
- Outdoor Use
- Garden markers
- Mailbox numbers
- Tool identification
- Weather-resistant signage
- Personal Items
- Water bottle designs
- Laptop decals
- Phone case decorations
- Sports equipment labels
Ready to Start Your Sticker-Making Journey?
While this guide gives you the basics of creating waterproof stickers with your Cricut, there's so much more to explore in the world of sticker making!
Join Secret Sticker Society
If you're excited to dive deeper into sticker making, I'd love to invite you to join Secret Sticker Society. As a member, you'll get:
- Monthly themed sticker-making collections
- Step-by-step video tutorials
- Exclusive digital art and customizable templates
- Access to our fabulously supportive community
- Troubleshooting support
- Professional design resources like clip art and seamless digital patterns for stickers
Plus, when you join today, you'll get immediate access to our complete sticker-making library, including the gorgeous house plant designs and video instructions, featured in this tutorial!
Ready to start your sticker-making journey?
Click here to join Secret Sticker Society today!
Remember, whether you're creating stickers for personal use, gifts, or even to start a small business, the key is to start with quality instruction and support. I can't wait to see what you create!
Let me know if you make waterproof stickers with Cricut! Make sure to DM or tag me on Instagram at @MimJenkinson
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