Stickers are a big part of branding. They tell us a lot about a product even before we use it. Word of mouth is so powerful and stickers are manifestations of that. When people see your brand stickers on someone else, there will be a growing awareness about your company. Just like a compelling logo crafted using a logo maker can become the face of a brand, stickers help in amplifying its reach.
But these sticker designs don’t just appear out of nowhere. They’re the result of meticulous design and planning by professionals such as graphic designers, illustrators, and print specialists. These experts use their skills to ensure each sticker is not only eye-catching but also communicates the right message.
Stickers come in many forms. There’s the standard paper, resilient vinyl, premium foil stickers, thermal stickers, many more.
Various industries, from food and beverage to tech and education, rely on these stickers. So, whatever industry you belong, stickers are insanely helpful. Here in this guide, you will know more about sticker materials, so you can decide which type works for you.
Why understanding sticker materials is important?
Picking the right sticker material is important because:
- It lasts longer: Some stickers can handle rain, sun, or rough use better than others.
- It looks better: The right sticker can make a product feel fancy or show it’s eco-friendly.
- It prints clearer: Some materials show off designs and words better.
- It can save money: Knowing your options helps you choose a sticker that’s good but not too expensive.
So, choosing the right sticker can make a big difference in how your product looks, lasts, and how much it costs.
Top sticker materials
Stickers might seem simple, but there’s a lot behind them. The material of a sticker decides how it feels, how it looks, and where you can use it best.
If you’ve ever noticed that some custom stickers shine in the sunlight while others are more muted or that some can handle rain while others can’t, that’s all because of the material.
Businesses, artists, and even everyday folks have many options when it comes to picking the perfect sticker material for their needs. Let’s dive into some popular choices and see what makes each one special.
Matte
Matte paper, with its smooth and subdued appearance, is often sought after for its non-reflective surface. This makes it ideal for situations where direct illumination is used, as it reduces glare, making the content easily readable. You can also replicated these type of design in other areas of your branding such as matte logos and business cards.
Beyond just readability, the texture is inviting to write on, making it perfect for labels that require handwritten information. Although it boasts a general-purpose adhesive, its outdoor durability might not compete with more robust materials. The ink retention on matte is commendable, serving as a dependable base for diverse printing methods.
Glossy
Sporting a bright and reflective surface, Glossy paper has a knack for amplifying the vibrancy of colors. It’s a favorite for promotional labels such as glossy logos or any application that aims to capture attention with striking visuals.
While the sheen enhances the design’s contrast and clarity when printed, its adhesive, depending on its quality, can be water-resistant to a degree. However, if longevity under outdoor conditions is the goal, it might fall short compared to vinyl.
Kraft
With its distinctive earthy brown hue and raw texture, Kraft Paper resonates with an aura of authenticity. This unrefined appearance is a match made in heaven for organic products or artisanal crafts, where its eco-friendly nature can shine. You can see such style in certain branding materials such as kraft logo designs, and flyers.
Printing on Kraft paper offers a unique challenge, as its brown base can modify color outcomes. Though it’s equipped with a general-purpose adhesive, weather resistance isn’t its strong suit.
White vinyl
For those on the hunt for resilience, White Vinyl steps up to the plate. It’s characterized by a smooth yet flexible texture and a resilience that makes it an outdoor champion, from bumper stickers to equipment labels.
Its robust adhesive can endure elements, ensuring the sticker remains steadfast. Moreover, its white base provides a canvas that captures ink brilliantly, resulting in vivacious color reproductions.
Clear vinyl
Clear Vinyl introduces a dimension of transparency that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing. This see-through quality is especially favored for window decals or product labels where the underlying surface or content plays a part in the design.
It pairs its translucency with a robust, water-resistant adhesive that finds its place both indoors and outdoors. The printing on clear vinyl is versatile, accommodating both transparent and opaque inks.
Static Cling Vinyl
Offering a different take on adhesion, Static Cling Vinyl relies on static electricity, shunning traditional adhesive. This thin and flexible material is a staple for window decals, particularly when change is frequent.
It demands smooth surfaces like glass for optimal performance. Typically, designs on static cling are kept simple, emphasizing legibility.
Distinguished by its sheen, Polypropylene (BOPP) stands out as a resilient choice for product labels. Its prowess shines in environments rife with moisture or oil, such as food packaging or beauty products. Not only is it water, oil, and UV-resistant, but it also boasts a strong adhesive. However, its rigidity means it isn’t as flexible as some alternatives. This material is a printer’s friend, delivering clarity and high-quality print outcomes.
Rugged environments call for rugged materials, and Polyester answers that call. Its sturdiness is evident in its feel, which translates to an impressive resistance to tears and chemicals. Common haunts for polyester labels are machinery and outdoor equipment. Its formidable adhesive ensures longevity, even under harsh conditions. When printed, polyester retains ink with finesse, resulting in lasting designs.
The world of squeezable containers, think ketchup bottles, demands a material that can bend without breaking, and Polyethylene fits the bill. Its inherent softness and pliability make it unique, often showcasing a matte-like finish. This flexibility extends to its adhesive, which can handle the stress of constant squeezing. Printing on polyethylene requires a delicate touch, ensuring inks don’t crack or distort due to the material’s elasticity. This kind of stickers are perfect for ketchup bottles and other condiment containers.
Bring technology and efficiency to the forefront. Specifically crafted for heat printers, these labels remain dormant until they encounter heat, which prompts them to reveal their design.
Their practicality is unmistakable, becoming an industry standard for tasks like shipping parcels for e-commerce sites or barcode labeling on grocery store items. The immediacy of their printing process ensures that as soon as they’re heated, the intended design or information springs to life.
With a glint that catches the eye, foil stickers encapsulate luxury. Their metallic sheen exudes a sense of premium quality. Whether they’re gracing the edges of a posh wedding invitation, serving as seals on official certificates, or elevating the aesthetics of luxury cosmetics’ product labels, they carry an unspoken message of exclusivity.
The allure of foil doesn’t merely reside in its appearance; it’s a declaration of importance and distinction. That’s why you can see this style in gold logo designs and other branding and marketing items.
Protection and longevity are the calling cards of laminated stickers. Beneath the surface of any regular sticker, an invisible shield emerges when laminated. This clear protective layer stands as a guardian against potential adversaries: be it the persistent rays of the sun on beach gear labels, the unpredictability of water on diving equipment stickers, or the daily wear and tear on children’s toys.
The lamination ensures that what lies beneath, whether a precious memory or crucial information, remains untouched and preserved.
Elegance can often be felt, not just seen. This is the mantra of textured paper labels. These stickers and labels beckon to be touched, with their tactile surfaces ranging from subtle bumps to deliberate grooves.
Found caressing the surfaces of luxury items, like boutique wines or artisanal cheeses in gourmet stores, their textured nature evokes a sense of sophistication. They serve as a tactile reminder that what they adorn is no ordinary product, but one of distinction.
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Tamper-Evident and Security Labels
Ensuring security with a subtle yet unmistakable message, tamper-evident and security labels operate silently. Their primary task? To indicate intrusion. Whether safeguarding a brand-new smartphone box in a tech store or a limited-edition artist’s album, when someone endeavors to remove them, they retaliate either by breaking apart or by leaving behind a telltale residue.
Their presence is a silent yet potent deterrent, signaling that any attempts to tamper will not go unnoticed. In a world where security is paramount, these labels act as vigilant gatekeepers.
Design your own sticker logo
Stickers tell a story, capture attention, and create lasting impressions. Choosing the right material for them is an essential step in ensuring their effectiveness. Now that we know how sticker materials affect its performance, you now get a good idea which one works for you.
But branding doesn’t stop at stickers. Business cards, flyers, posters, Facebook posts, and LinkedIn banners all play a pivotal role in carving a brand’s identity. If you’re looking to craft a compelling brand, start with a good logo. Here is our sticker logo maker.
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Written by DesignCrowd on Friday, October 6, 2023
DesignCrowd is an online marketplace providing logo, website, print and graphic design services by providing access to freelance graphic designers and design studios around the world.