Do rub-ons have a shelf life?

It’s a crap shoot even if they’re brand new. I have had some that were actually used on a project that eventually dried out and flaked right off the pages ruining an entire finished album, so now I won’t use them at all anymore on scrapbook layouts. I might use them on a card or some other thing that someone will likely look at once and throw away later, but not on anything I am hoping will last a lifetime.

I just went through my rub ons a year or two ago and I have been scrapbooking since 2004 so I've had quite a collection. As others have said they may not have a shelf life but depending on the company they may or may not work after a period of time.

Some of my favorites were made by Hambly and I LOVED them at the time but when I went through them a couple of years ago they would not even come off the paper at all. It made me so sad because they seemed like they were of such high quality at the time.

I actually just pulled out some Heidi Swapp, American Crafts and Making Memories rub ons to use in my December Daily album this year and they have all came off like butter.

I have a small sterilite drawer will lots of rub-ons in it, I rarely used them then and just ignore the drawer now...but I just pulled out a booklet that had seasonal rub-ons from DCWV I think, and used a word for my planner and it went on beautifully. I might grab those MM alpha letters out and try them But I agree it wound depend on manufacturer and storage.

I have had a lot of rub ons go "bad". But I also have many that are still good despite spending years in my stash. Making Memories, Doodlebug, Basic Grey, BoBunny and Crate Paper are the brands I've had the best luck with.

I have some that are cracking and falling apart. But I recently used some Fancy Pants and Making Memories rub-ons and those were still in perfect condition.

I have some pretty old... close to decade old, that still work very well. The making memories and basic grey ones have never failed me. I have found that if the rub ons are still intact, not cracked the Basic Grey Rub on Roller works every time. Another favorite tool of mine.