Paper Stickers and Vinyl Stickers: What Is The Difference?
There is no arguing that stickers are a creative and colourful way to make your brand stand out. They can be used as a label for your product or as a promotional marketing give away. However, choosing the right material is pivotal to the success of stickers for your business.
How to Tell if a Sticker is Vinyl?
- Vinyl stickers will usually have a slightly more shiny, glossy, or plasticky appearance compared to a paper counterpart. Whilst it is possible to buy glossy paper stickers or matte vinyl stickers, paper stickers will never have the shine that vinyl does.
- Paper stickers are more easily marked and the design can run if water or oil touches the sticker whereas vinyl is more durable and longer lasting.
- Vinyl stickers are easily peeled off in one motion compared to paper which may break apart when peeled.
- Vinyl stickers will be more 'smooth' to the touch than paper stickers are, and often slightly thicker too.
Currently, there are several styles and materials for you to choose from. These include traditional paper stickers, vinyl stickers and die-cut stickers. Let us take a closer look at each sticker option to learn more about the pros and cons of each and the best applications for them.
Traditional Paper Stickers
Paper stickers are an eco-friendly choice and the least expensive. Custom paper stickers are usually printed and supplied in sheets. Stickers made in pre-cut paper are frequently cheaper than those made in custom paper sizes. Aside from being highly cost-effective, sticker papers are easy to make and have many purposes. Paper stickers and labels are available in a matte or gloss finish. You can even choose to have them in a permanent or removable adhesive, depending on how you intend to use them.
- Uncoated paper stickers - Stickers printed on uncoated paper have a rougher surface compare to those printed on other materials. They are easier to print on and absorb ink, pens and pencils, uncoated paper stickers always have a high-quality finish.
- Glossy paper stickers- Custom glossy paper stickers are sturdier than the uncoated paper stickers. Although they cannot be considered waterproof stickers, they can handle light wiping and occasional outdoor exposure without fading.
- Fluorescent paper stickers - These glow-in-the-dark paper stickers give you higher visibility. They are best used for drawing customers’ attention to limited time offers and important warnings and instructions.
- Correction paper labels - Also called opaque, block out labels, these types of paper stickers are used to touch up or cover up errors or outdated information. This spot-correction tool helps you cut cost and saves time from reprinting a new batch of stickers.
Paper stickers and labels are your best bet if you are on a tight budget, however, they are not waterproof. They cannot withstand extreme outdoor temperatures or too much sunlight, are likely to fade and can be more vulnerable to tearing. Paper stickers are, on the other hand, perfect for indoor use and temporary outdoor applications.
Waterproof Vinyl Stickers
If you are after high-end appeal for your brand, opting for vinyl labels for your products and promotional merchandise will work wonders. Vinyl stickers promise long-lasting durability, no-fade colour-quality, are waterproof and oil proof and can be used in extremely wet conditions.
Waterproof vinyl stickers are available in the following finishes:
- White matte vinyl and white gloss vinyl - They are a popular choice for toiletries or personal care products, such as perfumes, lotions, soaps, shampoo, potions and other products that can get wet in the shower or bathroom.
- Clear matte and clear gloss vinyl stickers and labels- Otherwise known as transparent sticky labels. They give you the modern “no label look.”They are often applied to glassware and aluminium products.
- Metallic vinyl stickers - A crafty way to make products, stationery or invitations look upscale, metallic vinyl stickers let you pick from gold metallic vinyl stickers, silver metallic vinyl stickers, gold brushed aluminium vinyl, silver brushed aluminium vinyl, mirrored gold vinyl and mirrored silver vinyl.
Because of these impressive qualities, waterproof vinyl stickers can be used for large surfaces and both indoor and outdoor areas. You can cut them to any size to suit whatever application you desire.
For professional sticker printing requirements, the StickerShop can help you. Give us a call on 01275 217100, email us at hello@stickershop.co.uk, or check out our website for our range of products and services and to chat with our team online.
For professional sticker printing requirements, the StickerShop can help you. Give us a call on 01275 217100, email us at hello@stickershop.co.uk, or check out our website for our range of products and services and to chat with our team online.
