Why don't stickers or decals stick to ceramic-coated surfaces?

THE LONGER STORY ABOUT WHY STICKERS OR DECALS DON'T STICK TO CERAMIC-COATED SURFACES:



Decals, badges, and vinyl graphics may have difficulty adhering to ceramic-coated surfaces for several reasons:

1. Smooth Surface: Ceramic coatings are known for providing an extremely smooth and glossy finish. While this makes them highly effective in repelling dirt and water, it can also make it challenging for adhesives to bond effectively. Adhesives typically adhere better to surfaces with some texture or roughness.
2. Chemical Resistance: Ceramic coatings are designed to be chemically resistant to protect the underlying surfaces from various environmental factors. This chemical resistance can also extend to adhesives, making it harder for them to create a strong bond with the ceramic-coated surface. However, we can also use a product called acrysol (that we mentioned above) to prepare the surface.
3. Hydrophobic Properties: Ceramic coatings often have hydrophobic properties, meaning they repel water. This can affect the ability of adhesives to wet the surface properly, which is crucial for establishing a strong bond.
4. Flexibility and Conformability: Vinyl graphics, decals, and badges are designed to be flexible and conform to various surfaces, but the extreme smoothness and hardness of ceramic coatings might prevent them from properly adhering and conforming.
5. Temperature Resistance: Ceramic coatings can withstand high temperatures (the Central Texas/Killeen-area sun is nothing) which means they might not be as conducive to the curing process of adhesives. Some adhesives require heat to set and bond properly, and the high temperatures that ceramic coatings can handle might interfere with this process.
6. Preparation and Cleaning: Applying decals or vinyl graphics to any surface requires thorough cleaning and preparation. Ceramic-coated surfaces might have specific cleaning and preparation requirements that need to be followed meticulously for successful adhesion. Failure to properly clean and prepare the surface can result in poor adhesion.