Frosted stickers, combining both decorative and functional properties, are widely used in home doors and windows, commercial shopfronts, electronic devices, and automotive glass. The choice of material directly determines performance, durability, and safety. Different application scenarios present distinct requirements: home settings focus on aesthetics and eco-friendliness, commercial environments emphasize durability and customization, while electronic devices demand thinness and high adhesion. Therefore, selecting frosted sticker materials should revolve around four key dimensions: core performance, scenario adaptability, safety & eco-friendliness, and process compatibility. The following points are crucial:
- Core Performance: Prioritizing from “Basic Functionality” to “Long-Term Durability”
The essence of frosted stickers lies in balancing the frosted texture with practical functionality. Material selection must first ensure that basic functions meet the standard, then enhance durability according to the usage environment to prevent early problems such as peeling, scratches, or abnormal light transmission.
(1) Substrate Material – The “Structural Backbone” of Stickers
The substrate determines flexibility, smoothness, temperature resistance, and suitability for various surfaces. Common substrates include PET, PVC, and PP, each suited for different applications:
PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate): The mainstream mid-to-high-end choice, offering high smoothness, wide temperature resistance (-30℃~80℃), and strong tensile strength. It is ideal for glass (doors, windows, shopfronts) and electronics (phones, laptops). However, it has lower flexibility on curved surfaces and a higher cost.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): Cost-effective with excellent flexibility, perfect for curved surfaces (e.g., car mirrors, cylindrical furniture). Suitable for short-term or budget-conscious applications. Its drawbacks include poor temperature resistance (0℃~50℃), risk of brittleness at low temperatures, deformation at high temperatures, and potential release of harmful substances if made from low-grade PVC.
PP (Polypropylene): A niche but eco-friendly choice—non-toxic, odorless, recyclable, and resistant to mild chemicals. Suitable for high eco-safety applications such as food-processing glass or children’s toys. However, it is less durable, prone to scratches, and unsuitable for long-term outdoor or high-friction use.
(2) Frosted Layer Process – Impacting “Texture” and “Privacy Protection”
Haze & Light Transmission: Higher haze provides stronger privacy but reduces transparency. For instance, bathroom glass may require ≥80% haze for privacy, while living room windows may need 30–50% haze for a balance of light and privacy. Beware of low-quality “printed frosted” films that simulate texture with dot patterns but degrade quickly.
Layer Types:
Coating type: Sprayed with frosted coatings (e.g., silicone, acrylic). Provides fine texture, high adhesion, customizable grain size.
Laminated type: A frosted film is laminated onto the substrate. Offers high wear resistance, but edges may delaminate if poorly made. Quality can be tested by bending 10 times—if the layer remains intact, it is reliable.
(3) Adhesive – Balancing “Strong Bonding” with “Residue-Free Removal”
Adhesion Levels:
Low-tack (≤100g/in) for short-term use (festive decorations, exhibitions).
Medium-tack (100–300g/in) for mid-term use (home windows, electronics).
High-tack (≥300g/in) for long-term use (shopfronts, outdoor fixtures). Always test on a corner before large-scale application.
Adhesive Materials:
Acrylic adhesive: Eco-friendly, odorless, heat-resistant, suitable indoors/outdoors.
Silicone adhesive: Gentle bonding, residue-free, reusable, ideal for sensitive surfaces (children’s rooms, painted walls).
Rubber-based adhesive: Prone to aging, odor, and residues—only suitable for rough temporary surfaces (e.g., cement walls).
(4) Weather and Abrasion Resistance – Key for “Environmental Endurance”
For outdoor use (balcony glass, car windows) or high-contact areas (bathroom glass, refrigerator doors), strong UV resistance, waterproofing, and abrasion resistance are essential to avoid aging, fading, or surface wear.
