StickerYou Blog

How to Make Stickers Sticky Again (Quick Tips)

June 30, 2023

Over time, stickers lose their ability to stick to surfaces because of dirt buildup, water exposure, or temperature changes. But that doesn’t mean you should throw out your stickers once they start peeling off. While there are ways you can restore their adhesive and stick them back in place, the best solution will always be to buy new stickers which you can also design yourself using our online Sticker Maker tool.

How to Make Stickers Sticky Again?

To make stickers sticky again, you can apply spray adhesive or rubber cement on the back of your old stickers. Let them air dry and then reapply the sticker onto your desired surface.

In this article, we talk about these methods in detail and provide you with tips on how to make stickers sticky again.

Methods to Make a Sticker Sticky Again

Spray Adhesive

The spray adhesive method is the easiest way to restore your stickers’ adhesive. The product is also affordable and easy to find – you can get this in any hardware or craft store near you.

When you’ve secured your bottle of adhesive spray from brands like 3M or Gorilla Glue, simply spray the product onto the back of the sticker and let it air dry.

Rubber Cement

The spray adhesive method can only go so far. If that doesn’t work, you may have to level up your strategy and use rubber cement. Best for older and drier stickers, rubber cement helps you restore the integrity of the adhesive and stick it back onto any surface.

Apply the product to fully cover the back of the sticker and allow it to dry. When dry, place another layer of rubber cement. Let it air dry once again and stick the sticker on any surface of your choice.

Remember, rubber cement is a permanent solution, it will damage any surface it’s applied to. If you’re worried about the surface, we recommend buying new, high quality stickers instead.

How to Restore a Sticker?

Step 1: Preparation: Find a well-lit area to work on, preferably somewhere safe from pets or kids. Gather your materials, including safety supplies like latex gloves to protect your hands from glue residue.

Step 2: Heat the Glue or Rubber: Before you go on to add a new layer of adhesive to your stickers, you should heat the glue or rubber to make them tacky enough to stick in place. For this, you’ll need two paper clips and aluminum foil. Put the foil in between the paper clips and apply a small amount of glue on the foil. Take a lighter and apply heat on each clip until they start to smoke.

Step 3: Clean and Dry Your New Surface: Take a damp rag and wipe down the surface you wish to apply your sticker. If the surface has adhesive residue, dab it with rubbing alcohol and a soft cloth.

Step 4: Apply Adhesive/Rubber to Surface: Now it’s time to apply the adhesive onto the surface. We recommend using a small brush or Q-tip for a cleaner application.

Step 5: Allow to Cure: Your newly-applied adhesive will need some time to cure. Let it sit undisturbed at room temperature for 24 hours. To protect the surface from dust and dirt particles, you can cover it with plastic or create a barrier with an old blanket.

Individual Uses Glue or Rubber to Make the Sticker Sticky

Does Heat Make Stickers Stick Better?

Applying a little bit of heat can help restore the adhesive of your stickers, allowing you to re-stick them to any surface. It’s especially effective if the area is exposed to cold temperatures. On the other hand, if your old but favorite travel stickers have started peeling off due to excessive heat or humidity, applying more heat will defeat the restoration. In this case, you’ll have to do the opposite to restore your adhesive – cool and dry it out before reapplying the sticker.

Why Is My Sticker Not Sticky?

Stickers lose their adhesive over time, especially when exposed to water, dirt, and constant temperature changes. There are also temporary stickers that do not allow re-application after you’ve already placed them on a surface. Removing them will destroy the adhesive and require a new layer of adhesive spray or rubber cement. This is very common with wine bottle labels.

What Are Other Methods to Make a Sticker Sticky Again?

Try using these other alternatives: Adhesive tape Double-sided tape Repositioning glue Sticky paper

Individual Uses Double-Sided Tape to Make a Sticker Sticky

Bottom Line

Although it takes a bit of work, you can still restore your stickers’ adhesive with a little bit of DIY. This is why we recommend buying stickers that last the first time around.

If you’re looking for high quality stickers that will stand the test of time, without damaging the surface, speak to our experts to learn more about stickers, stickiness, labels, or purchasing customized stickers.

Sure, here are three Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) you can use at the end of your article:

FAQ

How long does it take for the adhesive to dry before I can reapply the sticker?

It typically takes afrom 1 to 15 minutes for the adhesive to dry and cure properly, depending on the product you’re using. Always read the instructions and follow the guidelines. If you’re unsure about reapplying new adhesive, you can try buying new stickers that will last.

What can I do if my sticker still isn't sticky after applying adhesive spray?

If your sticker still doesn't adhere after using adhesive spray, you can try using alternatives such as adhesive tape, double-sided tape, repositioning glue, or sticky paper. If all of those fail, you might have to buy new stickers.

Can I use these methods on any surface?

While these methods can help restore the stickiness of stickers, be aware that spray adhesive and rubber cement are permanent solutions and can damage the surface they're applied to. Always test on an inconspicuous area first or consider the surface material before application. If the surface is valuable or delicate, it might be better to purchase new, high-quality stickers instead

StickerYou Blog

How to Make Stickers Sticky Again (Quick Tips)

How to Make Stickers Sticky Again?