If you’re looking for waterproof printable vinyl for your product labels or company stickers, you want to go with the best, longest-lasting choice.
But which waterproof vinyl is actually the best? Better yet, what makes printable vinyl the “best”, and how do you choose it?
We’ll explore these questions in this post–but if you’re looking for a quick recommendation, consider Avery Dennison printable vinyl!
What Is Waterproof Printable Vinyl?
Waterproof printable vinyl is a vinyl film made from materials like PVC. It’s treated with a special waterproof coating that makes it resistant to moisture and harsh environmental conditions.
The vinyl is used to create labels for products, banners, outdoor signs, custom designs for cars and laptops, and personalized decals for crafting projects.
Types of Waterproof Printable Vinyl
There are two primary types of waterproof printable vinyl:
Glossy
Glossy printable vinyl, as the name suggests, has a shiny, reflective finish. It’s used for creating eye-catching labels, decals, and stickers, as well as printing photographs, because it makes them look sleeker and more eye-catching.
Matte
Matte printable vinyl comes with a flat, non-reflective finish. It’s used to create stickers, labels, and text-based designs because they show up better and aren’t prone to getting smudged.
How to Choose the Best Waterproof Printable Vinyl
If you’re looking for the best waterproof printable vinyl for your project, here’s how to choose it:
1. Compatibility
Your vinyl paper should be compatible with the printer you use. For instance, if you're using a laser printer, you’ll need a laser-specific printable vinyl.
You should also think about the sheet’s size, as not every sheet will fit every printer.
2. Tear Resistance
Have you ever tried to tear those plastic coverings on water bottles? That’s vinyl paper, and it’s tough to tear–unless you go at it with a blade.
To make sure your product labels and stickers have the same tear resistance, you should ensure your waterproof vinyl paper has a plastic/laminated coating. It’ll make your labels, decals, and stickers tear-proof.
3. Usage
Match the paper’s function with your needs. For instance, if you need vinyl for mugs and books, it has to have a thicker surface.
However, if you’re applying labels to parcels, you’ll need a thinner variety.
4. Water Resistance
“Water resistant” doesn’t mean “waterproof.” It means that your paper won’t absorb water–to an extent. In contrast, “waterproof” means your vinyl paper will never get wet, even if you dunk it in a foot of water.
Our Three Favorite Waterproof Printable Vinyl Options
Now that we know what makes waterproof printable vinyl the “best,” let’s check out some of the best vinyl papers on the market:
1. Intermediate White Vinyl
With five-year outdoor durability and a mirror-like finish, the Intermediate White Vinyl is great for banners, vehicle markings, or front- or unlit signs. It’s weather- and water-resistant, ensuring you get the most out of it.
Plus, the vinyl is compatible with Epson SureColor S Series large format printers, ensuring you get instantly dry, installation-ready labels and stickers once you get them printed.
2. 3M Premium Clear Vinyl
Glossy, dimensionally stable, and durable, the 3M Premium Clear Vinyl is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a durable waterproof vinyl option. It comes with five to seven years of outdoor durability, which is ensured by a moisture-resistant lay-flat liner.
The vinyl also cuts like butter, doesn’t tear, and easily weeds around a graphic. Plus, it’s compatible with Epson SureColor S Series large format printers available on our website.
3. Avery Dennison MPI 2903 Gloss White Vinyl
With four years of outdoor durability, latex, solvent, and UV Curable compatibility, as well as an acrylic based, pressure activated adhesive type, the Avery Dennison MPI 2903 Gloss White Vinyl is excellent for any outdoor projects you may have, such as wall murals, outdoor signage, and floor graphics.
It’s only three millimeters thick, easily sticks to curved surfaces without curling or shrinking, and can be taken off without damaging surfaces.
The Bottom Line
There are a million waterproof vinyl options on the market, but not all of them are the best. Plus, what companies mean by “waterproof” may vary from product to product. So, knowing how to select the right waterproof vinyl is essential if you want to print stickers or labels.
The Bottom Line
There are a million waterproof vinyl options on the market, but not all of them are the best. Plus, what companies mean by “waterproof” may vary from product to product. So, knowing how to select the right waterproof vinyl is essential if you want to print stickers or labels.
If you're looking for waterproof vinyl that actually does what the marketing says, you can’t go wrong with the three options we’ve covered. For more helpful vinyl information, be sure to check out our latest posts on whether printable vinyl is the same as sticker paper and how to print on vinyl sticker paper.
