Don't get stuck with a cheap, low-quality bumper sticker that fades quickly, peels off, curls up, or falls apart! Here's how to tell whether a bumper sticker is durable and long-lasting.

Printing method. Screen printing, also called silk screening, forces a heavy coating of ink through a fine mesh onto the sticker. It is superior to other printing methods such as flexo, digital, offset, or litho because the thicker layer of ink is more durable. Screen printing is the best choice for long-term outdoor use, even if the dots are visible on close inspection.

UV ink. It is better to use UV light-cured ink than to spray a UV-resistant coating on the printed sticker. Over time, clear overcoats turn yellow and cause the sticker to curl at the edges, lose its stickiness, and fade. UV ink has a natural brilliance that resists weather, chemicals, and fading from sunlight.

Material. Vinyl is the most durable material for stickers. Other materials, such as paper and polypropylene, are appropriate only for indoor use. After about a year, polypropylene stickers (such as from makestickers.com) fade and begin to flake away, making a huge mess that can't be removed easily--even from glass using a razor blade!

Adhesive. The sticker should have an effective, permanent adhesive (or "gum") so it does not peel off over time.

Backing. A thick split backing makes the sticker easier to apply. You can put it on straight and smooth out air bubbles.

I recommend these high-quality American flag stickers to show your patriotic pride. But no matter what is printed on your sticker, keep these considerations in mind and you will enjoy it for years!