How to Prevent Stickers From Coming Off

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Things You'll Need

  • Acrylic paint

  • Liquid soap

  • Sponge or soft cloth

Stickers stay on longer when applied to clean, smooth surfaces.

Stickers and decals have legal and personal purposes. Windshield inspection stickers are required by law to be displayed on vehicles; bumper stickers on cars and laptops convey personal beliefs and opinions; labels on products serve to identify and describe items; and decorative wall and notebook stickers add aesthetic appeal and express personal taste. When stickers peel off, they leave a tacky, often-dirty residue, which is difficult to remove. You can help prevent stickers from peeling by adhering them on a properly prepared surface.

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Step 1

Repaint surfaces that have been painted with oil-based paint. Stickers do not adhere well to surfaces with paint containing Teflon or silicon. Allow the paint to dry and cure for three weeks before attaching stickers.

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Step 2

Clean walls, windows, car bumpers and other hard surfaces with a sponge or soft cloth and hot water mixed with liquid soap. This will remove dirt and grease, which inhibit sticker adhesion. Rinse the surface and wait for it to dry completely before applying the sticker. If placing a sticker on a paper surface, blow away dust or brush it away with a dry, clean cloth.

Step 3

Place your sticker on a smooth, dry surface that's free of rust, paint bumps, cracks or wrinkles. Apply the sticker in a shady area when the surface and air temperatures are between 66 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 4

Avoid exposing stickers to moisture or direct sunlight.

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