Quick answer
Layer washi tape first as a base, then add stickers on top, keeping a 1–2 mm gap between edges to prevent peeling and maintain a flat journal page.
Why layering order matters
Washi tape is low-tack, so it sticks best to paper directly. If you place a sticker under the tape, the tape may not adhere well to the sticker's glossy surface. By putting tape down first, you get a secure base that holds your layout together.
Stickers add visual weight. Placing them over tape creates depth without adding bulk, because washi tape is thin and flexible. This keeps your bullet journal pages from feeling crowded or lumpy.
When to skip layering
If your journal paper is very thin (like many pocket notebooks), heavy layering can cause ink bleed or warping. In that case, stick to one layer of tape and one small sticker per spread.
For daily rapid-logging pages, keep decoration minimal. Reserve layered spreads for monthly covers, habit trackers, or collections where you have more space.
Step-by-step layering guide
- Plan your layout on a notepad first: Sketch where you want tape strips and stickers using the Rainbow Land Notepad. This lets you test placement without wasting supplies. Common mistake: sticking tape directly onto your journal without planning, then having to peel and reposition (which weakens the adhesive).
- Apply washi tape as the base layer: Tear or cut a strip of Cloudy Daze or Disco Cats tape and press it onto your journal page. Keep the strip straight or at a consistent angle for a clean look. Checkpoint: if the tape wrinkles, lift it gently and reapply. Wrinkles create bumps that make stickers lift later.
- Add stickers with a small gap: Place your sticker over the tape, leaving about 1–2 mm of tape visible around the sticker's edge. This prevents the sticker from peeling the tape when you turn the page. Common mistake: pressing the sticker right to the tape's edge. That edge is the weakest point and can catch on adjacent pages.
- Burnish both layers for lasting hold: Use the back of a spoon or your fingernail to gently rub the entire layered area. This ensures the low-tack tape and sticker adhesive bond fully to the paper. Checkpoint: if you plan to write over the tape, test a pen on a scrap first—some inks bead up on the tape's surface.
Products that make layering easy
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Cloudy Daze Washi Tape: Cloudy Daze Washi Tape is low-tack masking tape, 15mm x 10m per roll, individually shrink wrapped. Its soft cloud pattern works as a subtle background layer that won't compete with stickers placed on top.
Cloudy Daze Washi Tape
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Disco Cats Pawty Washi Tape: Disco Cats Pawty Washi Tape is low-tack masking tape, 15mm x 10m per roll, individually shrink wrapped. The playful cat design adds a bold accent strip that defines your layout before you add sticker focal points.
Disco Cats Pawty Washi Tape
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Rainbow Land Notepad: Rainbow Land Notepad is 4x6 inches with 50 sheets, described as a tiny portal for thoughts under a rainbow. Use its pages as a sticker-friendly surface for planning your layout before committing to your journal.
