If you want to change the look of your snowboard, one of the most common ways of doing so is by using stickers. There is much to know about using stickers on your snowboard, and one of the most important questions is how stickers could affect the overall look of your board down the line.
As a general rule, stickers do not damage your snowboard, but they can be difficult to remove if you want to change them later. Many stickers begin to look ragged over time because of the snowboard’s exposure to water and ice, but there are ways to remove them to keep it looking fresh and clean.
You’re probably still wondering about whether stickers will damage your snowboard and the lengths you take to keep your snowboard looking fresh and clean. Don’t worry. We’re going to delve deeper into the effect stickers will have on your snowboard, so keep reading.
Prevent Damage When Using Stickers
Opting to put stickers on your beautiful snowboard does not mean you don’t need to wax it the first time you use it. While the right sticker can act as a protective layer, waxing is still crucial to the long-term health of the board.
Choosing the right sticker for your snowboard will help avoid the nightmare of having raggedy stickers. Due to the snowboard going through ice, which ultimately turns into water, and of course, taking other weather into consideration, it would be best to go with stickers that are not paper.
Types of Stickers You Can Use With Your Snowboard
Picking the right stickers for your snowboard is tough, but it all comes down to the materials you choose to use.
Here are some materials you should look for when picking stickers for your snowboard:
- Vinyl coated stickers: Vinyl coated stickers are a popular option because they are waterproof, like this Anerza 100 PCS Stickers Pack. Vinyl is less likely to go raggedy and leave marks when it is taken off.
- BOPP (bi-axially oriented polypropylene) is another popular option because it is waterproof, giving you peace of mind that the product will satisfy your needs and not harm your precious snowboard.
- Paper stickers: unless you’re looking for a headache a few weeks after installing your stickers, please veer away from paper stickers. There are many better and longer-lasting options out there that should help secure the future of your snowboard.
- Water-Resistant Stickers: The rule of thumb is that these are stronger than paper stickers, but resistant does not mean waterproof, meaning that it’s always best to stick with waterproof.
Now that you know what to look for in a sticker, let’s take a look at some of the most reputable brands you should look for:
- Nertpow
- DuftGu
- GLIBERTVILLAGEGOODS
- Hydro Flask
- StickerMule
Most brands have a wide variety of stickers, but as long as you make sure they’re waterproof, they should not cause you any issues down the line. You’ll be able to worry more about which slopes you’re going to shred as opposed to cleaning your board.
How To Know When To Change Stickers on Snowboard
While waterproof stickers are more durable than paper stickers, depending on your climate, you may find that many stickers don’t stand the test of time on your snowboard. It sucks, but it’s true!
It’s crucial to change stickers if they become raggedy because, at that point, they tend to become slimy because of the amount of moisture that will be on them. It’s not really a matter of if; it’s a matter of when you need to replace your stickers.
Ragged-looking stickers will not look nice, so you’re going to want to change them quickly. On top of that, it won’t be nice to touch for the rider, so it’s something you need to look at without much of a second thought.
Is It Difficult To Remove Stickers?
Removing stickers is either a quick endeavor or a long and tedious one. It depends on the quality of the stickers and how long you’ve left them on. If there are any issues with the sticker, it could leave a sticky residue and bits of paper on the board.
You’re going to want to remove them to make sure your snowboard is safe and in the best shape.
Thankfully, it’s not difficult to remove the residue if you have the right materials, and once you’ve mastered it, it will be like riding a bike.
For this process, you’ll need:
- Cotton balls
- Rubbing alcohol
- Razor
- Protective gloves for your hands
Because of the number of materials needed and the trick to master it being a bit difficult, it’s always best to watch someone else remove stickers from a board first. YouTube is your friend in this scenario, and a video like this one from Quality Logo Products is a great start.
Tips for Applying Stickers to Your Snowboard
In order to make sure the stickers you apply to your snowboard are applied in the best way, there are some things you should look consider when it comes to enhancing the look of your snowboard.
Here are some tips for applying stickers like a pro:
- Apply stickers inside: When applying stickers, it is best to do it in the comfort of your home or garage. If you’re outside, dust can get under them, or worse, moisture. The trick is to apply them in a dry environment when your board is dry, so they get the best stick and some time to settle.
- Use masking tape to remove dust: Removing dust particles from your board is crucial because it could be the difference as to whether these stickers remain sticky or not, so please, make sure to use this tip.
- Avoid areas you put your feet: Another way to make sure the stickers remain attached is to avoid places you will be putting your feet. You know these areas better than anyone, based on your technique, but a rule of thumb would be to stick to the edges and beneath the board.
- Don’t worry about bubbles: As with any surface, bubbles may be present when you apply your stickers, but don’t prod or remove them and reapply the sticker. This will only make the adhesive less sticky, and bubbles typically disappear after several hours.
- High-quality stickers: If you’ve looked at any of the brands we’ve mentioned, they come with many positive reviews because their products are constructed for your needs. If applied correctly, they should work without much issue.
- Superglue: This is down to personal preference and is not required, but it’s possible to use superglue or another sticky adhesive like clear nail polish. It all comes down to how long you want the stickers to remain sticky.
Should You Use Stickers on Your Snowboard?
The real answer to this question is that it is up to you. Using stickers will not leave any lasting damage on your snowboard, but using them requires you to carry out a certain level of maintenance.
If you are prepared to watch for when the stickers begin showing signs of wear and tear and are prepared to carry out the work needed to keep your board in good shape, then you should use them. If you want to give your snowboard a unique look, then you should go for it.
That being said, it would be advisable to use the same brand of sticker with the same specifications for your snowboard to make sure you know they should all last a similar amount of time.
