How to Make Inkjet Ink Waterproof

It is key to recognize that while inkjet printable vinyl materials are waterproof, the ink that is used may not be. This results in the ink running and smearing upon exposure to water. Learn how to make waterproof stickers in this article.

Problem: Ink is not waterproof

Solution: Protect your prints. Below are some ways on how to seal inkjet prints

  1. UV spray coat
  2. Apply vinyl laminate adhesive
  3. Apply laminate using heat laminator

Method 1: Clear spray coating

What to use:  Krylon UV-Resistant Clear Acrylic Coating (K01305)

krylon spray laminate for vinyl

Figure 1. Krylon UV-Resistant Clear Acrylic Coating. Image courtesy of Krylon.

 

How: Technique for Spray coating - Patience!

  • Hold spray can 10 to 12 inches away from printed artwork.
  • Use very light layers and allow up to 3 - 5 minutes of drying time between each layer.
  • Special care is needed to make sure that the first 3 to 5 layers are very light to prevent the coating material from beading up.
  • Build up layers until the coated surface looks even with sufficient gloss.
  • Practice!

Tip: Going too thick with the layers will lead to beading up or bubbling of the coating material.

 

Method 2: Laminating inkjet prints with clear vinyl laminate

What to use: Vinyl laminate sheets with adhesive

How: Apply smaller pieces of laminates over the artwork instead of over the whole sheet

  • Cut the vinyl laminate sheets into sizes slightly larger than your artwork.
  • Apply the laminate pieces over the artwork.
  • Avoid covering the registration marks to prevent errors in machine reading.
  • Save laminate material!

vinyl laminate sheets

Figure 2. Localized lamination

 

Method 3: Use heat lamination on one side of the vinyl sticker paper

How: This is a unique method demonstrated by Tyars Essentials. Do give this a try!


Conclusion: These three methods should help make your vinyl sticker waterproof.


Did this solve your problem?
Do give these tips a try with our printable vinyls and let us know how it goes!

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