How to Make High-Quality Waterproof QR Code Stickers

By: Ashley P.Update: August 15, 2024

Waterproof QR code stickers have added a new layer of versatility to QR codes. Applying waterproofing techniques allows you to share your content in more locations without worrying about water damage.

To take advantage of its effectiveness, it’s best to learn how to create your own for your business.

We cover the different ways to make your QR codes waterproof and several possible applications. We also explain the benefits of waterproof stickers and additional ways of protecting your QR code.

Table of Contents

Steps to create a high-quality QR code

Before printing waterproof sticker QR codes, knowing how to create a good QR code image is essential. Here’s a quick guide:

1. Go to QR TIGER—the best QR code generator for guaranteed, high-quality QR codes.

2. Select a QR code solution and enter the necessary information.

3. Generate the QR code in either Static or Dynamic.

Hack: With a dynamic QR, you can edit its content and design anytime and track its scan data. When you sign up for an account, you can generate three of these for FREE (no credit card details are needed).

4. Customize the QR code design according to your preferences. Five customization tools are available: eyes, pattern, color, frame, and logo.

5. Scan to test the QR code, then hit the download button for either PNG or SVG.

Note: If you don’t have an account yet, you are directed to the Pricing page. Simply scroll down under the Freemium plan and enter your email address to receive your free QR code.

How waterproof QR code stickers are made

Making waterproof stickers for your QR codes is straightforward. Generally speaking, they can be made through the following methods:

Printing on waterproof materials

Different types of QR codes that are waterproof can be made using materials designed to resist or repel water. This process involves the following steps:

Choosing the suitable materials (waterproof or water-resistant materials such as vinyl or polyester)
Printing the QR code on the material
Cutting away any extra material

Laminating your stickers

Another method of making water-resistant QR code stickers and labels is by laminating them. This can be done using thermal laminating machines or self-adhesive laminating films, which are unique pouches that do not require special tools.

Laminating your stickers is done by performing the following steps:

Printing the QR code.
Laying out the QR code sticker inside the laminating film.
Laminating the sticker (either through a thermal laminating machine or a self-adhesive laminating film).
Cutting away extra laminating film.

Using clear-coat sealant

The last method involves using a clear-coat sealant, a liquid formula applied over a surface to protect it from the elements. Due to the health risks, this method is often done in a dedicated work area.

It should be noted that this method only works on some sticker materials like vinyl. Some brands that sell this specialty material are Mod Podge and Krylon.

Below is an overview of how to apply clear-coat sealants on stickers:

Put on protective gear such as masks and gloves.
Check if your work area is well-ventilated.
Apply a thin layer of sealant.
Let it dry.
Apply another layer after it completely dries if necessary.

Can I print my own QR code stickers?

It is possible to print stickers yourself. In fact, printing them yourself is more convenient than having them printed outside.

When printing QR codes on waterproof materials, we recommend you use the best QR code printers that don’t use water-based inks. This will increase your QR code’s resistance to water.

What makes a QR code sticker waterproof?

There are several factors to consider when making QR codes waterproof.

The use of waterproof materials and adhesives

Waterproof stickers are often made using materials that inherently repel water and moisture. The three most common materials used when waterproofing is needed include vinyl, polyester, and polypropylene.

Other than printing QR codes on waterproof materials, adhesives not affected by moisture are also neat for the back of the sticker.

Printing technique

The type of printing you use to make stickers significantly affects their ability to resist water damage. To make them waterproof, sticker designs should be printed using techniques that don’t use water-based inks.

Sealed edges

When your stickers are laminated, the sealed edges of the laminating pouch prevent water or moisture from going inside.

Why should stickers be waterproof?

Making your QR codes waterproof sounds good on paper, but is there any reason to do so in the first place? Below are three reasons why you should waterproof your QR codes.

Weatherproofing and durability

QR codes are handy for quickly and conveniently transferring information from the digital to the physical world. However, damage to the code's pattern can make the information embedded in it inaccessible.

QR codes can be damaged when they are physically tampered with, but it can also happen due to the environment, such as rainy weather. If your QR codes are printed on materials for outdoor use, it’s essential to protect them with waterproofing.

Increases versatility and reliability

With waterproof QR codes, your stickers can be put on virtually any surface. This versatility allows them to be used for many applications, including industrial environments.

Waterproofing also makes them reliable, especially during rainy weather or underwater scenarios.

Longer-lasting QR codes

Thanks to their increased durability, waterproof QR code stickers last longer than regular stickers. This means that you can leave them out for anyone to access at any time and not worry about replacing them soon.

This also has the added benefit of saving you more money on printing and waterproofing.

Where can I use waterproof QR codes?

Now that you know how QR code works and why QR codes can be waterproof, it’s time to think about where—specifically, where you can use them.

Inventory tracking and management

Waterproof barcode labels help you track items in your business’s inventory, especially those likely to be exposed to moisture.

Using QR codes for labeling items saves money on printing and materials since a QR code can hold more information in a small space.

This makes inventory management even more efficient and reliable since you won’t have to worry about the label’s quality degrading due to water damage.

Healthcare and medical emergencies

QR codes can be helpful during medical emergencies for labeling devices and supplies with information such as usage instructions and expiration dates.

They can also enhance emergency preparedness by providing quick access to emergency response plans and medical history forms when necessary.

Outdoor environments and public spaces

Making your QR codes waterproof is an excellent idea if you intend to place them outside. This is especially effective for advertisements since you wouldn’t want your promotions to be affected by rain.

Another way to use waterproof stickers is by labeling construction tools and equipment for easy tracking and maintenance. Because they are resistant to water, workers can access the information they need, even during rainy seasons.

Event management and ticketing

QR codes designed through a dynamic QR code generator are beneficial to use in events like concerts or conferences.

Whether for check-ins, information access, or networking opportunities, they will likely be distributed to all attendees and displayed for everyone to see.

While rain is usually not a worry during situations like this, your codes are still at risk due to drinking spillage or falling into any liquid in bathrooms. Using waterproof stickers for events is an excellent way to avoid potential issues.

Tourist attractions and hotels

Considering that most, if not all, travelers have access to a smartphone, several hotel services can be made more convenient by implementing QR codes. Examples include:

check-ins
menu access
promotions
feedback collection
loyalty programs

When it comes to tourism, the incorporation of QR codes can enhance plenty of guides and maps. Instead of printing such materials, you can stick QR codes in specific areas to give visitors the necessary information.

Waterproof stickers make them more durable and resistant to the weather and liquid spills.

How do I protect a QR code?

There are more ways to protect your QR code besides making them waterproof. Below are just some of the ways you can do just that:

Add a password

Creating a password protected QR code is a good step towards securing the content you want to share. Adding a password allows you to display your QR code in public spaces without worrying about the wrong people accessing the information inside.

It’s also a great way to share content exclusive to specific groups of people, such as hotel guests or event attendees.

Secure your website

If your QR code leads to your website, it’s a good idea to have it SSL certified. SSL certification encrypts your website’s data, making it impossible for hackers to read. Websites with this certification have a padlock icon next to their URL addresses.

Use a trustworthy online QR code platform

Another step to protecting your QR code is to use trusted and reliable QR code software.

To know if a platform is safe to trust, check if it is GDPR and CCPA-compliant. Another feature of a trustworthy QR code platform is that it uses advanced safety tools such as Two-Factor Authentication.

Personalize your QR code

QR codes aren’t limited to a pattern of black-and-white squares. You can change almost everything about the code without changing the information embedded inside, including the eye and pattern designs.

Color psychology is also involved in perceiving QR codes. That’s why using your brand colors or attractive ones is recommended to increase brand recognition. Just make sure to maintain proper color contrast between the patterns and the background.

How does personalization protect your color QR code? Customizing your QR code with a QR code generator with logo gives it its own identity, making it more difficult for malicious attackers to tamper with it.

Regularly test your QR code

One last thing you can do to protect your QR code is to perform a scan test now and then. A QR code not working is usually because of the lack of testing. Whether you use a waterproof sticker or not, your QR code can get damaged for many reasons.

While it can still be scanned even if up to 30% of it is missing (regardless of the QR code sticker size), regularly testing it will save you time and money.

It is also possible to perform malicious acts by pasting a different QR code over your real one. Ensuring your QR code directs your audience to the content you embed makes it safe for others to scan it.

Start protecting your QR codes with QR TIGER QR Code Generator

QR codes are an effective means of communication. It only makes sense to ensure that they remain functional through any environment.

If you display your codes in a humid environment or during rainy weather, you risk damaging them beyond use.

Waterproof QR code stickers counter this risk. They are more durable than your regular stickers, making your QR codes endure—rain or shine.

Make one for yourself now. Follow the tips and use a reliable, advanced QR code software to create first-rate QR codes.

FAQs

What is the best QR code sticker size?

The ideal size for your stickers is usually 2 x 2 centimeters or 0.8 x 0.8 inches. However, this will always depend on how you use your QR code.

For example, if you use QR codes as a means of payment at your business, a slightly larger QR code will be more convenient.

How do QR code stickers work?

Like regular QR codes on prints, sticker QR codes work the same way. They can contain simple text or direct scanners to information online. You can place them on any surface to make them available for scanning.

What material is used for QR code labels?

When thinking of how to print QR code stickers, it’s important to consider what materials to use. While you can use any material as long as you can print your code, the best ones are paper for its low cost or synthetic materials such as vinyl.