Product Care & Use FAQ

No matter which products you choose, the best method of applying is typically the same:

1. Ensure the surface is, clean, dry and free of any dirt, oils or other contaminants 
2. Ensure your hands are clean and dry, as you will likely make some contact with the adhesive side when applying
3. Preferably get the stickers or labels up to room temperature first for maximum flexibility and tack
4. Peel the sticker or label away from the backing, and minimise touching the sticky side as you do this
   
5. Position it in the desired location, looking directly from the top down to ensure it's level
6. Bring it close to the surface, and then press down in the middle to stick the centre area down first
7. Continue pressing the sticker or label down from the centre outwards to eliminate any air bubbles
8. Finish by smoothing down the edges with a bit of pressure to ensure it's fully stuck down

If you can't press down from the middle first, you can also press down one edge first and then smooth it across, but do this carefully to avoid any air bubbles forming underneath.

We always recommend applying stickers and labels on a clean, smooth and dry surface. The best for maximum adhesion are:

• Plastic
• Glass
• Metal
• Painted surfaces (such as wood)
• Cardboard and paper
• Glazed ceramics 

Stickers can also be stuck on other materials like unglazed ceramics, unpainted wood and concrete, but the adhesion may not be as strong.

They are also great for sticking on fabric (such as an item of clothing), but only for temporary use as they will detach when the fabric is washed.

1. Due to their tear-resistant nature, you should be able to pick up an edge and peel the sticker off in one clean sweep.
2. After that you may be left with sticker residue. To remove this, we recommend a glue residue remover, or something like isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) if it won't damage the surface. Acetone (nail polish remover) can also work if it's safe for the surface.
3. Apply one of these, let it soak in, and wait 30 seconds to allow it to dissolve the adhesive. Then find something you can use to scrape the residue off which won't scratch the surface (a plastic scraper typically works best). Gradual use of a sponge can also lift the glue.
4. Keep re-applying the residue-removing liquid and scraping off the glue until it's all gone. You can then do a final buff with a cloth.

Tip: If you don't have any of the above residue removers, then vinegar, hand sanitiser (which contains alcohol) and WD-40 can also work. A bit of gentle heat can help too (say from a hairdryer). But make sure none of these will damage your surface before you try.

A paper sticker is trickier to remove because it may not peel off in one go.

1. Try and peel it off first. You may be able to do this in a few attempts if the adhesion isn't optimal.
2. Once you've removed as much as you realistically can, soak the whole sticker in glue residue remover, or something like isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) if it won't damage the surface. Acetone (nail polish remover) can also work if it's safe for the surface. Unlike polypropylene or vinyl stickers, the liquid will be able to soak through the paper and reach the adhesive, even if the paper hasn't been removed first.
3. To encourage the residue remover to soak into the material, gently rub the sticker immediately after applying the solution
4. Find something you can use to scrape the residue off which won't scratch the surface (a plastic scraper typically works best). Gradual use of a sponge can also lift the glue. If you haven't removed the paper first, you should be able to lift off the paper and adhesive at the same time.
5. Keep re-applying the residue-removing liquid and scraping off the glue until it's all gone. You can then do a final buff with a cloth.

Tip: If you don't have any of the above residue removers, then vinegar, hand sanitiser (which contains alcohol) and WD-40 can also work. A bit of gentle heat can help too (say from a hairdryer). But make sure none of these will damage your surface before you try.

Tip: If it's easier to remove the paper first, try soaking it in warm water and working it in. As the paper isn't waterproof, it will absorb the water and start to break up as you scrape it. Then follow the above steps to remove the glue underneath.

How you can clean them depends on the material you've chosen for your label or sticker product:

Polypropylene vinyl (or other plastic)

As they're waterproof, these stickers can be cleaned with a damp cloth and even a little soap if required. If this risks causing damage to the surrounding surface, you can wash over it with warm water and pat dry instead.

If the issue is just some dry surface dust, it may be easier to use a dry cloth (such as microfibre) to gently wipe it off.

Either way, make sure the edges are stuck down firmly before you do this, as any repeated friction could catch on the corners and cause peeling. Always start off gentle, and preferably wipe from the middle of the sticker outwards to avoid lifting the edges of the sticker.

Paper

Unfortunately paper is much more difficult to clean as it will absorb liquids.

If it's dry dirt such as dust, you can probably wipe this off with dry cloth (such as microfibre). A fluffy duster can work well too.

However, if it's embedded dirt or contaminants that's absorbed into the sticker, you will likely have to replace it.

Once they're applied, it's best to avoid:

• Severe temperatures
• Direct, long-term UV/sunlight exposure
• Heavy friction and scuffing
• Corrosive liquids or materials
• Isopropyl alcohol, acetone and residue remover, as this can weaken the adhesive 
• In the case of paper, also avoid liquid contact and any contaminants 

Our stickers and labels are tough, especially when you choose waterproof stickers with lamination, but by avoiding the above, you'll get the longest lifespan out of every sticker you use.

As acrylic adhesive is pressure sensitive, it will stick down quite firmly as soon as you apply it. However, it will continue to cure over time and achieve maximum bonding strength in around 24 hours.