How do I apply my stickers and labels? – Sticker it

Applying custom-printed labels and stickers can sound more complicated than it actually is. In fact, with a few simple tricks, you will apply labels and stickers like a pro in no time. Our top tips are:

Step 1: Prepare your surface

Step 2: Peel and position your stickers and labels

Step 3: Apply pressure outwards

Step 4: Use a squeegee or credit card

Step 5: Let the adhesive bond

Each step will make applying your sticky labels a breeze. Find out more about each step and specifics for certain materials below:

Step 1: Prepare your surface

The ideal place to stick your custom stickers and labels to is a flat surface and a clean surface. Clean, flat surfaces are an absolute game-changer when applying labels.

Why? Because air bubbles usually form around tiny dust particles that get caught underneath the adhesive. So your surface does not have to be obviously dirty. A few small particles can be enough to interfere with your application.

For the best possible result, use brake cleaner or rubbing alcohol and an anti-static cloth to clean your jar, laptop, glass or other surfaces. Wait until the surface has fully dried before moving on to the next step.

Step 2: Peel and position your stickers

When your surface is ready, you can get started. Peel the sticker or label from the backing paper (a rather obvious step) and position your sticker on your surface.

If you are not sure where exactly you want to put your stickers or labels, do not press down yet. We use a pressure-sensitive adhesive. That means it starts bonding with your surface as soon as you press down.

Avoiding putting pressure on your sticky labels will make them much easier to lift and reposition time and time again until you have found that sweet spot.

Step 3: Apply pressure outwards

Once you are happy with their positing, press down on your label firmly. Start applying pressure from the centre outwards. This allows you to control how quickly the adhesive bonds with the surface.

Starting from the centre is also a great way to apply larger labels. They can often feel a little floppy. But if you start at the centre, the label is much easier to control.

Step 4: Use a squeegee or a credit card

When you see air bubbles beginning to form, use a squeegee, a credit card or any other plastic card. Apply consistent tension and push the bubbles towards the edge of your labels. Repeat this process until all air bubbles, even minor bubbles, are gone.

Be sure not to apply too much pressure when doing this, as you could tear the film. Instead, go steady and patiently for the best possible result.

Step 5: Let the adhesive bond

And then your work is done! We do recommend letting your stickers and labels sit on the surface for at least 24 hours without being touched. This will allow the adhesive to fully bond with your surface and give you optimum stickiness.

If you are working with a curved surface, now it is the time to apply heat to "mould" the adhesive in line with your surface. A simple hairdryer can do the job brilliantly.

How to apply clear labels without bubbles

When you consider applying clear labels, you might think of that time you applied a screen protector to your phone screen. How you have to line it up perfectly only for the entire material to immediately get stuck to your phone and catch fluff and what looks like an entire bag of crisps on the way, creating dozens of air bubbles.

But you can simply follow the tips above to avoid that and make applying labels and stickers super easy. Remember to:

Clean your surface with an alcohol-based cleanser
Apply pressure from the centre outwards
Use a squeegee or credit card to push air bubbles out

And that is all you need to know to guarantee a smooth application every time. Are you ready for your own custom stickers and labels? Or do you want to learn more about custom printing? Then have a look at these articles right here: