Application & Care

A clean surface, careful placement and firm pressure help your design stay put. Use the steps below for adhesive stickers and labels, or follow the UV DTF section if your design arrives on transfer film.

Start with the surface

Smooth glass, metal and rigid plastic are common choices. Texture, silicone, soft coatings and unfinished surfaces can make adhesion difficult. If you’re decorating a new type of item, test one before working through a whole batch.

Remove dust, grease and fingerprints, then let the surface dry completely. Use a cleaner suitable for the item’s finish and follow its maker’s cleaning instructions. Test a small hidden area before using alcohol or adhesive remover on a sensitive finish.

Let cold bottles and other items reach room temperature before applying a sticker. Aim for a clean, dry application area without condensation.

Applying adhesive stickers and labels

1. Plan the position. Hold the sticker against the item with the backing still on. Check the alignment and whether it has room to lie flat.
2. Start at one edge. Peel back a small section of the liner and press that edge into position. Try to keep your fingers off the adhesive.
3. Work across the design. Pull the backing away gradually while smoothing the sticker down with a soft cloth or felt-edged squeegee. Press from the center toward the edges to move air out.
4. Press the edges down. Go over the whole sticker with even pressure, including small points and corners. Take extra care around a bottle’s curve.

For labels supplied on rolls, peel one label at a time and follow the same process. Keep the remaining roll clean and dry while you work.

Applying UV DTF transfers

The clear carrier holds the separate parts of the design in position while you apply them. Once you peel that film away, the printed artwork stays on the item. Application uses pressure and does not need a heat press.

1. Clean and dry the item. Choose a compatible smooth, hard surface and check the placement before removing the backing.
2. Press the transfer before peeling. Lay it on a flat surface and rub across the carrier with a felt-edged squeegee. Give small letters and isolated details some attention.
3. Remove the backing slowly. Watch that every printed piece stays with the clear carrier. If a detail stays on the backing, put the layers together and press that area again.
4. Position the design. Hold the carrier by its edges and lower the transfer into place. Plan carefully, as repositioning after contact can disturb the artwork.
5. Rub down the whole design. Press firmly and evenly across the transfer, including the fine details.
6. Peel off the carrier. Pull the clear film back slowly at a low angle. If a piece lifts, lay the carrier back down, press that spot again and continue carefully.

Washing and everyday care

Give adhesive vinyl stickers about 24 hours to bond before washing or heavy handling. For UV DTF, allow the adhesive to establish its bond before washing and follow any application instructions supplied with the order.

Hand wash decorated drinkware with mild soap and a soft cloth. Repeated dishwasher heat, strong detergents, long soaking and scrubbing over the edges can shorten the life of the decoration.

For outdoor items, keep pressure-washer jets and abrasive brushes away from the sticker’s edges. Material, exposure and everyday rubbing affect how a design wears; ask us about the particular product if you have a demanding use in mind.

Removing a sticker

For an adhesive sticker, lift a corner and peel slowly back over itself. Work gently so you can see how the surface underneath is responding. Use only a residue remover suited to that surface.

If you want to remove a UV DTF design or decoration from a delicate finish, email us first with a photo and the surface details so we can help you choose an approach.