How to Make Stickers Stick to Soft TPU Cases
Are you looking for a way to adorn your soft TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) phone case with stickers? While stickers can add a pop of color and personality to your phone, they can sometimes be finicky when it comes to sticking to these soft, flexible cases. Fear not! With the right techniques and materials, you can make stickers stick to your soft TPU case like a pro. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you do just that.
Why TPU Cases Can Be Challenge
TPU cases, also known as gel or silicone cases, are notorious for being slippery and sticky-resistant. This is due to their soft, squishy texture and oil-based coating, which repels adhesive substances. Unlike hard plastic cases, which provide a smooth surface for stickers to adhere to, TPU cases can leave stickers feeling like they’re bouncing off the surface.
Preparation is Key
Before applying stickers to your soft TPU case, make sure to prepare the surface properly. Here’s what you can do:
- Clean the Case: Gently wipe your TPU case with a soft cloth and a mixture of soap and water. This will remove any dirt, dust, or oil residue that might interfere with the sticker’s adhesive.
- Dry the Case: Use a microfiber cloth to dry the case thoroughly. This ensures that the surface is smooth and free of moisture, which can affect the adhesive.
- Peel Off Any Protective Layer: If your TPU case has a protective coating or film, peel it off to expose the base material.
Applying Stickers
Now that your case is prepared, it’s time to apply the stickers. Here’s a step-by-step process to follow:
- Choose the Right Adhesive: Select stickers specifically designed for use on slippery surfaces, such as hydrophobic stickers or sticky notes with a strong adhesive.
- Start with a Small Sticker: Begin with a small sticker to test the adhesive and ensure it sticks. If it doesn’t adhere well, you can reapply or use a stronger adhesive.
- Apply Heat: Use a hair dryer or a heat gun to warm up the sticker and the TPU case. This will soften the adhesive and help the sticker adhere better.
- Apply Pressure: Gently press the sticker onto the case, smoothing out any air bubbles or wrinkles with your fingers.
- Hold in Place: Hold the sticker in place for a few seconds to allow the adhesive to set.
Additional Tips
To ensure the stickers stick well to your soft TPU case:
- Use a sticker removal tool to remove any stuck-on air bubbles or lifting edges.
- Avoid placing stickers on areas with crevices or ridges, as these can create poor adhesion.
- Experiment with different adhesive types, such as transfer tape, to find the one that works best for your case and stickers.
- Consider using a clear protective coating over the stickers to prevent scuffs and scratches.
Conclusion
While soft TPU cases can be challenging to sticker, it’s not impossible. With the right preparation, application techniques, and adhesive choice, you can make your stickers stick like a charm. By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to creating a unique and personalized phone case that reflects your style.
I recently bought a new case for my iPad and it’s made of soft tpu. It was the cheapest case I could find and I wanted to decorate it with stickers. I’ve had silicone cases before and I knew stickers wouldn’t stick, but I read somewhere that stickers would’ve supposedly stuck to tpu better because it’s different??? Turns out no, I’m glad I tested with some other stickers before using the stickers I actually like. But anyone know how to get stickers to stick to this kind of material without lifting to easily? I don’t want to buy a whole new iPad case just to put stickers on, but I also already bought some stickers with the hope of putting it on my iPad case. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.