Nowadays, stickers are widely used in society. Almost any industry likely requires them. However, if you’re unfamiliar with sticker printing, you might be unsure which sticker to choose for different applications. For example, what kind of sticker should you use for window stickers? What kind of sticker should you use for packaging? Which sticker should you use for cosmetics?
It’s important to understand that each sticker type has different functions, so if you don’t choose the material best suited for a specific application, the sticker’s durability may be affected. For example, using a glossy paper sticker on a shower gel bottle could be problematic. Shower gel is often stored in the bathroom, exposed to water and moisture for extended periods. Glossy paper stickers are made of paper and easily soften after contact with water, making them susceptible to damage. Below, we’ll introduce seven common sticker printing materials:
1. Window Stickers
Window or car stickers are one of the most common sticker types. Many major clothing brands, such as Supreme, often offer or sell car stickers to their customers. The goal is to encourage customers to place their company logo on their cars, both as a decorative sticker and to promote their brand. Common materials used for window stickers include transparent stickers and white car stickers. If you plan to apply the sticker to glass, transparent stickers are generally the best choice, as they maintain their appearance well. However, be aware that due to their transparency, printed colors may not be as vibrant as expected. If you prefer more vibrant and bright colors, consider using stickers with a white base ink, although this will be more expensive.
If your budget is limited, white-based car stickers are a cost-effective and common option. Not only are they affordable, but you can also choose between regular ink or UV ink, depending on your budget and needs.
2. Personal Care Product Packaging Stickers
Since personal care products often come into contact with water, stickers suitable for these products should ideally be waterproof and highly resistant. Low adhesion can cause the sticker to peel. Therefore, synthetic paper or PVC stickers are often used for personal care product packaging. Although PVC stickers are more expensive, they offer superior color quality and increased durability.
Another common sticker type is the Bright Silver Dragon sticker. These stickers are a type of waterproof sticker with a unique silver metallic sheen. They offer excellent water resistance and are also highly resistant to abrasion and scratching. Bright Silver Dragon stickers are easily colored, print beautifully, and maintain strong adhesion, making them a popular choice for personal care product packaging.
3. Food Packaging Stickers
Given the stringent quality and safety requirements of the food industry, traditional and safe practices are often preferred. For food packaging labels, stickers with permanent adhesive are often used to ensure they won’t peel or change. However, the best option is, of course, a waterproof adhesive, which ensures they remain in perfect condition under all conditions.
We recommend synthetic plastic stickers because they are waterproof, tear-resistant, oil-resistant, and stain-resistant. They also offer a smooth, elegant finish and are available in white and pearl. Printed products boast vibrant colors and excellent saturation. Because these stickers are adhesive-based, they are waterproof, moisture-resistant, tear-resistant, and freezer-resistant without the need for additional lamination.
4. Beverage Stickers
Like food stickers, beverage stickers require a permanent adhesive. Beverage stickers generally have even higher requirements, as they need to be waterproof and freezer-safe for extended periods. Therefore, in most cases, high-viscosity, transparent stickers are preferred. If applying to products with dark backgrounds, you can also choose stickers with white ink to make the printed colors stand out more vividly.
5. Craft Stickers
The best stickers for craft packaging are generally paper-textured stickers. These create a handmade, rough, and natural feel and appearance. However, it’s important to note that paper stickers lack a plastic coating and are easily damaged by water. If your craft will come into contact with water, it’s best to choose waterproof stickers. Some paper-textured sticker options include kraft paper and book paper.
6. Economical Stickers
Most common stickers, such as cartoon stickers, are printed on glossy stickers. This type of sticker is the cheapest to print and is therefore the most common choice. Even if you purchase thousands of stickers, the price is generally around $100. To ensure that glossy stickers adhere to a variety of products, it’s recommended that you request the printing company to use high-viscosity glossy stickers and apply a waterproofing treatment to increase their durability.
7. Luxury Stickers
When luxury brands consider using stickers, they typically hope that these stickers will not only not damage their brand image, but will even enhance their reputation. Therefore, they tend to add more craftsmanship and details to their stickers to highlight their uniqueness. Providing high-quality product stickers that complement their luxury products is their primary goal.
To create a sense of luxury, consider using textured and heavy-textured materials. Luxury stickers can also be enhanced through post-processing methods such as hot stamping, embossing, and UV treatment.