Paper stickers come in various types, and it is essential to understand them thoroughly because different materials and textures directly impact their intended use. Today, we will discuss the differences in surface type and materials, including all 5 types of popular stickers. This knowledge will help you make an informed decision before starting your order at a sticker shop, ensuring it aligns perfectly with your needs.
Matte Stickers are a type of paper sticker with a smooth, non-glossy surface. They do not reflect light and are commonly used for product labels. Their durability depends on the type of sticker material used. While matte stickers are more cost-effective than glossy ones, they do not provide the same level of protection against wear and tear.
Glossy stickers have a distinctive feature: a shiny surface that adds visual appeal and draws attention to the printed design. They are also water-resistant, which helps prevent smudging and the peeling of text or designs. However, glossy stickers tend to be more expensive than matte ones due to their enhanced properties.
Paper Sticker
Paper stickers are the most basic type of stickers available with options of either matte or glossy finishes. These stickers are suitable for beginners looking to save costs and for labeling products that are not exposed to water or moisture, such as barcode stickers, expiration date labels, or general product box stickers.
PP Stickers (Polypropylene)
This is the top choice among sticker categories due to their widespread popularity. They are favored for their cost-effectiveness and durable properties. They offer 100% water resistance and can withstand temperatures exceeding 90 degrees Celcius. They come in both transparent and white glossy options, making them suitable for various applications, including cosmetics, skincare products, scent candles, and everyday consumer goods. For small-scale businesses and budget-conscious entrepreneurs, PP stickers are the ideal choice.
Hologram Stickers
Hologram stickers have a distinct 3D appearance and are printed using laser light. They are known for adding an additional layer of trust and security to products, especially high-tech and beauty items. Hologram stickers are tamper-evident, leaving visible traces when removed, akin to a seal or a stamp.
Vinyl Stickers
Vinyl stickers, made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), come in two main types: rigid PVC and flexible PVC. Rigid PVC stickers are strong and resilient, while flexible PVC stickers are soft and pliable due to a higher plasticizer content. Both types are designed for various applications, including outdoor and indoor use, and are commonly used for labeling and signage.
Die-Cut Stickers
Die-cut stickers are printed before being cut into specific shapes for convenient use. They are available in various cutting techniques, including kiss-cut, and die-cut. This sticker type is highly popular for creating product labels and location-based stickers.
Knowing all these popular sticker types, you can now make an informed decision about which sticker suits your products best. And when you are ready to print, don’t forget to check us out!
Hellosticker Malaysia is your trusted destination for high-quality and affordable sticker printing. As a part of the Gogoprint Malaysia family, we are dedicated to delivering printing services that exceed your expectations. We offer quick turnaround times, fast delivery, and free shipping, all at budget-friendly prices. Our commitment is to ensure exceptional quality on every sheet we produce. For inquiries contact us via email: [email protected] or call us at 03 7890 1347 .
Choosing the ideal sticker material can feel like navigating a maze—confusing, daunting, and sometimes left to chance. Shouldn’t the printer handle this technical aspect? Yet, understanding the best material for your project holds the key to sticker success. Join us as we unravel the top material types, empowering you to craft the perfect custom outdoor stickers with confidence and precision.
First off, what’s the difference between a sticker and a label? Isn’t everything with sticky stuff considered a sticker? Technically, yes, but there are quite interesting differences between these two products. We wrote a blog post looking at stickers vs labels. Check it out!
In this post, we will be looking specifically at sticker materials suitable for outdoor use.
Each of these materials serves a purpose and should be used in the appropriate situation. Keep reading to learn more about each one!
The most common and versatile sticker material is vinyl. This is the material most people think of when they hear the term outdoor sticker. It’s commonly used by brands to promote their products or services. These stickers are sometimes called promotional stickers. Vinyl also tends to be less expensive than other outdoor sticker materials. This is especially important for custom bulk stickers because the high quantities result in significant cost savings.
Vinyl decal material comes in both white and clear. The thickness of the material is 4 mils and it has a soft and pliable feel. The soft feel helps the sticker conform to rounded surfaces like a hard hat without creating annoying bubbles. This material has a matte or gloss finish before printing.
Above all, vinyl stickers are the most used in the industry and make great marketing giveaways.
We are more than happy to recommend a sticker material for your project. We know what substrates work best and give your brand the best look. Some applications are a little more technical and we recommend testing a couple of different options to make sure the final choice is correct.
There are tons of different materials and adhesives available and we will help you sort through the options. If you want to know all of the details, we’ll spill the beans. However, if you want beautiful-looking stickers without too many questions, we’re more than happy to keep the details to ourselves.
Polyester is another common sticker material. It is the best choice for heavy-duty equipment decals and other industrial applications. This material will stand up well to high temperatures and will work great for water heater decals or under-the-hood stickers. Polyester comes in white, clear, silver, and other fun finishes like brushed chrome. It makes for an excellent long-term durable decal because of its resistance to heat and abrasion.
Polyester sticker material is 2 mils thick, making it substantially thinner than the vinyl decals. The thickness (or relative thinness) of the material has no bearing on the durability of the sticker. Polyester material is a more long-term product than a vinyl sticker.
Polyester is a glossy and almost pearlescent material. Some brands prefer the upscale look of polyester and ask specifically for a polyester sticker!
The bright silver reflective decal is one of our personal favorites. This material is almost reflective (not to be confused with the reflective material used in traffic signs) and can look cool when using matte inks.
Want something cool and unique? Take your traditional vinyl sticker and print it on shiny silver material! It’s a great way to mix up your decal offering and give your customers something new. Consider a one-time specialty decal or free giveaway for your top customers. This sticker material will bring attention to your brand.
Silver reflective material is made of polyester and is 2 mil in thickness. Because of the durability of polyester, silver chrome stickers last a long time outside! It’s also an economical choice for wholesale bulk stickers.
There are tons of other specialty materials in addition to the options above. Combine your creative artwork with special pattern materials that will be a hit with your customers and make your sticker stand out. These are perfect for events or limited-use decals and keep your brand fresh and innovative while providing your customers with options!
Laminates are a touchy subject with printers. One printer is telling you that laminate is necessary to protect the inks from the weather. However, the other printer will tell you the sticker does not need a laminate for protection. And the laminate will only add unnecessary cost and environmental waste to the job.
The equipment the printer uses will determine their opinion on whether or not your sticker needs a laminate. For instance, some equipment requires a laminate to protect the sticker during outdoor use. Other equipment is made to print inks that withstand the outdoor elements.
All the equipment we use is suited for outdoor use. The inks we print do not fade or scratch off after exposure to the sun, wind, or rain. Therefore, we believe laminates are not necessary to achieve a quality sticker.
In conclusion, we offer laminates as an option because some brands enjoy the look of a quality laminate. They transform the sticker. A matte finish will add an interesting element. While a glossy laminate will provide depth to the design.
Our sticker samples will help you decide which material is best for your brand
Purchase a sample pack to check out the various material options for yourself!