How to Use PET Clear Tape for Sticker-Like Journaling
By SumLilThings - Home to the Lil' Misfits | Published: 2026-10-27
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to use PET clear tape to create sticker-like decorations in your journal or planner. Step-by-step tips for cutting, layering, and removing without residue.
Quick answer
Use PET clear tape as a sticker-like accent by cutting small motifs, layering them on journal pages, and peeling them off cleanly when you want a change.
Why PET tape works like a sticker
PET clear tape is printed on a transparent polyester film, so the design shows up without a white backing. That makes it ideal for layering over patterned paper, photos, or colored backgrounds in your journal.
Unlike washi tape, PET tape is designed to be removable and leaves no sticky residue. This means you can reposition or swap out decorations without damaging your pages.
How to use PET clear tape for sticker-like journaling
- Cut individual motifs: Use small scissors or a craft knife to cut around the printed design on the tape roll. PET tape is thin but sturdy, so you can trim closely without tearing. Leave a tiny transparent border if you want the design to float on the page. Avoid cutting through the design itself — keep the outline clean so the transparent edge blends in.
- Peel and place on your page: Gently lift the cut piece from the backing (if it came on a liner) or from the roll. Press it onto your journal page starting from the center and smoothing outward. The transparent film lets the background show through, so test placement on a scrap page first if you're layering over busy patterns. Don't press too hard initially — you can reposition the tape within the first few seconds if you lift slowly.
- Layer for depth: Stack multiple cut motifs on top of each other to create a dimensional look. Because PET tape is clear, overlapping different designs produces a blended effect that opaque stickers can't achieve. Let each layer set for a moment before adding the next. Too many layers at once may cause the top piece to slide — work one layer at a time.
- Remove or reposition when needed: To change your layout, peel the tape from one corner and pull it back slowly. PET tape is formulated to lift off without sticky residue, so your page stays clean. You can reuse the same piece on another surface if it hasn't collected dust or lint. If the tape loses stickiness after removal, it's time for a fresh cut — don't force a re-stick.
Product used in this guide
- PET Clear Tape - Mistwood Manor 2 - Transparent (15mm): Printed on PET, these transparent tapes are designed to be easily removable and leave no sticky residue. You can treat each cut piece like a temporary sticker — place it, move it, or remove it later without harming your journal page.
PET Clear Tape - Mistwood Manor 2 - Transparent (15mm)
