Stickers are one of the most versatile marketing tools available. Whether used for branding, promotions, giveaways, or simply for decoration, they come in various forms and serve multiple purposes. In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of stickers, their materials, finishes, and how they are commonly used.
What Are Stickers? How Are They Different from Decals and Labels?
Before diving into sticker types, it’s important to clarify the difference between stickers, decals, and labels. We’ve written on this topic many times because it’s one of the most confusing parts of the sticker business! For some of our previous blog posts, check out:
A high-level overview of stickers, decals, and labels:
- Stickers – Typically used for marketing and promotions, stickers are decorative or branded designs printed on adhesive-backed materials that can be applied to various surfaces.
- Decals – Usually designed for OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) markings, such as warning labels, product identification, or industrial applications. They are often made from durable materials like polyester or vinyl and are built to withstand harsh conditions.
- Labels – Primarily used for product packaging, labels contain essential information like barcodes, SKUs, and branding. These are commonly found on consumer goods like shampoo bottles, food containers, and other retail packaging.
For this post, we will focus on stickers as a marketing tool.
Types of Marketing & Promotional Stickers
Marketing stickers and promotional stickers (which are essentially the same) can be categorized in several ways. Below, we’ll break them down by material color, material properties, cut style, and usage.
1. Sticker Materials and Colors
Stickers come in various base materials and finishes that impact their appearance and durability. Here are some common types:
Material Colors
- White Stickers – The most common base material, offering a bright, neutral background that makes colors pop. Ideal for vibrant, full-color designs.
- Clear Stickers – Transparent material that allows the background surface to show through. Great for a seamless, “floating” look on glass, packaging, or smooth surfaces.
- Silver & Gold Stickers – Metallic effects that make designs stand out, commonly used for promotional purposes to create a bold and eye-catching look. We call this product our shiny chrome stickers.
- Holographic Stickers – Eye-catching stickers with a rainbow-like reflective effect that shifts colors depending on the light angle. Popular for creative branding and collectibles.
- Glitter Stickers – Stickers embedded with a sparkly, textured finish for a fun and decorative touch. Commonly used in retail, fashion, and event promotions.
- Reflective Stickers – Made with light-reflecting materials that enhance visibility in low-light conditions. Frequently used for safety, signage, and outdoor branding.
Material Properties
- Paper Stickers – Paper stickers are a cost-effective option, primarily used for indoor applications. They are often made from wood pulp or other natural fibers, providing a smooth surface for printing vibrant colors and designs. Paper stickers are typically less durable than other materials and are prone to damage from moisture or abrasion, making them best suited for temporary use, promotional giveaways, or product labeling that doesn’t require long-lasting durability.
- BOPP Stickers (Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene) – BOPP stickers are made from a type of plastic film that is highly resistant to water, oil, and chemicals, making them ideal for labeling consumer goods like food packaging, beverages, or health and beauty products. The biaxial orientation process gives the material strength and flexibility, ensuring that it performs well under various conditions. BOPP stickers offer excellent print quality and are often used for short-term outdoor applications or on items that require resistance to moisture.
- Vinyl Stickers – Vinyl stickers are known for their durability and versatility, making them the go-to choice for both indoor and outdoor applications. They are made from a flexible plastic material that is resistant to water, UV rays, and abrasion, which helps them maintain their appearance for years even when exposed to the elements. Vinyl stickers are perfect for marketing and branding on vehicles, windows, and outdoor signage, and they can withstand both hot and cold temperatures, making them highly suitable for a wide range of applications.
- Polyester Stickers – Polyester stickers are made from a durable, synthetic material that offers exceptional resistance to heat, chemicals, and abrasion. This makes them ideal for use in industrial, automotive, or high-performance applications where other materials might degrade. Polyester is a strong and flexible material, often used for labels that need to endure tough conditions. It is also available in various finishes, including matte, gloss, and clear, making it suitable for both functional and decorative purposes. Polyester stickers are often used for product labeling, safety markings, and outdoor advertising where long-term durability is essential.
- Static Cling Stickers – Made from a non-adhesive material that clings to smooth surfaces using static electricity. Ideal for temporary window signage, reusable promotions, and easy repositioning.
2. Cut Styles for Stickers
The way a sticker is cut affects both its appearance and usability:
- Die Cut Stickers – Precision-cut to the exact shape of your design, with no extra backing visible. Die cut stickers offer a professional, custom look and are great for branding and promotional giveaways.
- Back Printed Stickers – Feature printing on both the front sticker side and the backing paper. The back print is great for adding hidden messages, branding, or extra information that’s revealed when the sticker is peeled off.
- Kiss Cut Stickers – Cut through the sticker material while keeping the backing intact, making them easy to peel and apply. Ideal for delicate designs or when including multiple stickers on a single sheet.
- Square Cut Stickers – Simple rectangular or square shapes, providing a clean and traditional look. Commonly used for product packaging, branding, or promotional handouts.
- Sticker Sheets – Multiple stickers arranged on a single sheet, making them convenient for bulk distribution or themed collections. Great for packaging inserts, promotional giveaways, or planner stickers.
- Transfer Stickers – Designed with no background, these stickers are applied using a transfer carrier to keep all elements aligned. Commonly used for logos, lettering, or intricate designs on windows, walls, and vehicles.
- Hang Tag Stickers – A combination of a sticker and a hang tag, these have an integrated hole for attaching to products like apparel, bottles, or retail items. They provide branding and important product details while allowing customers to peel off the sticker for use.
3. How Stickers Are Used
Stickers serve countless purposes in marketing and branding. We call these sticker uses. Here are some of the most common uses:
- Logo Stickers – Logo stickers feature your company’s emblem or brand symbol, providing a simple yet effective way to spread brand awareness. These stickers can be used for a wide range of purposes, from giveaways at events to being added to products, helping businesses create a consistent and recognizable brand presence in customers’ minds.
- Brewery Stickers – Ideal for craft breweries, these stickers often feature unique designs or logos that promote beer brands. Brewery stickers help boost brand recognition and make an impact in a competitive market.
- Branding Stickers – These stickers are essential for companies looking to increase visibility and strengthen their brand identity. They typically feature company logos, brand messages, or mascots. Whether given away at trade shows, added to product packaging, or used in marketing campaigns, branding stickers help build a memorable connection with customers.
- Waterproof stickers – Made from durable vinyl or polyester materials, waterproof stickers are resistant to water, rain, and even submersion. They’re perfect for outdoor use, such as on water bottles, gear, or vehicles, ensuring that the design stays intact and vibrant even when exposed to harsh conditions. These stickers are ideal for both promotional purposes and personal items like laptops or camping gear.
- Giveaway Stickers – These stickers are often used as promotional items to increase brand visibility and engage potential customers. Typically handed out at events, trade shows, or as part of a marketing campaign, giveaway stickers are an affordable and fun way to encourage interaction with your brand while offering a little something for people to take home.
- Bumper Stickers – Bumper stickers are large, durable stickers typically applied to cars or other vehicles to showcase a message, brand, or cause. They’re great for spreading awareness and promoting your business or message to a broader audience. Bumper stickers are often weatherproof, making them suitable for outdoor use where they’re exposed to the elements.
- Outdoor Stickers – Designed to withstand the elements, outdoor stickers are made with weather-resistant materials such as vinyl or polyester. Whether used for marketing, safety warnings, or general decoration, these stickers are built to resist fading, peeling, and other weather-related damage, making them perfect for outdoor signage, vehicles, windows, and more.
- Laptop Stickers – Laptop stickers are a popular form of personal expression, often used to showcase interests, passions, or brand affiliations. These stickers are typically made from durable, waterproof materials, ensuring they stay intact even with frequent use and handling. Whether used to decorate a personal laptop or to promote a brand, laptop stickers can make a bold statement while adding a touch of personality.
- Water Bottle Stickers – Water bottle stickers are designed to adhere to reusable bottles, often showcasing fun designs, logos, or motivational quotes. Made from waterproof, durable materials like vinyl, these stickers can withstand frequent washing and exposure to water, making them perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, gym-goers, or anyone looking to personalize their water bottles while promoting sustainability.
- Branded Packaging Stickers – These stickers are used by online retailers to enhance the unboxing experience. They’re often added as inserts inside boxes or on packaging, serving as a personal touch that not only reinforces brand identity but also helps connect with customers long after they’ve made a purchase. Branded packaging stickers make an impact on the overall customer experience and can encourage repeat business and social media sharing.
Sticker Finishes & Durability
Beyond materials and shapes, stickers also come with different finishes that impact their look and feel.
1. Glossy vs. Matte Finish
- Glossy Stickers – Have a shiny, reflective surface that enhances color vibrancy.
- Matte Stickers – Offer a softer, non-glare finish for a modern look.
2. Weatherproofing & Durability
- UV Coating – Protects stickers from fading in sunlight.
- Waterproof Laminates – Prevents damage from water and moisture.
- Scratch-Resistant Finishes – Ensures longevity for high-contact surfaces.
Do Stickers Need a Laminate for Outdoor Durability?
A common misconception is that a laminate is necessary to make stickers suitable for outdoor use. While laminates can enhance appearance and provide extra protection, they are not required for durability if the right materials and printing processes are used.
When a Laminate is Not Necessary
If a sticker is printed on vinyl or polyester using UV screen printing or UV digital printing, it will already have excellent outdoor durability. These materials and printing methods naturally resist water, sunlight, and wear, making the sticker long-lasting without a laminate.
When a Laminate Might Be Useful
While not required for durability, laminates can serve aesthetic and functional purposes:
- Glossy Laminates – Enhance color vibrancy and provide a high-shine finish.
- Matte Laminates – Reduce glare and offer a more subtle, modern look.
- Textured Laminates – Add unique tactile effects, such as soft-touch or brushed metal finishes.
- Extra Protection – If a sticker will be exposed to extreme conditions (e.g., high abrasion areas), a laminate can provide an additional protective barrier.
By understanding the role of laminates, consumers can make informed decisions about whether they truly need one for their specific sticker application.
Why Choose Comgraphx for Your Sticker Needs?
At Comgraphx, we specialize in high-quality outdoor stickers using vinyl and polyester materials. Our printing processes, including UV screen printing and UV digital printing, ensure that our stickers will not fade for several years, even in the harshest outdoor conditions.
Unlike many sticker printers that rely on laminates for durability, our stickers are engineered to withstand exposure to sunlight, rain, and temperature fluctuations without additional coatings. This makes them perfect for outdoor marketing, branding, and promotional applications.
Whether you need custom logo stickers, bumper stickers, or specialty promotional stickers, Comgraphx is the expert in durable, high-impact sticker solutions. Contact us today to get started!
Conclusion
Stickers are an essential tool for marketing and branding, with countless material, cut, and usage options to choose from. Whether you need durable outdoor stickers, eye-catching promotional stickers, or unique custom finishes, there’s a perfect sticker for every application.
Interested in custom stickers for your business? Contact us today to explore your options!
