How Do Stickers vary from labels?
Stickers and labels are very broad terms that are used interchangeably. At their core, stickers most commonly refer to outdoor quality stickers that last for several years outside. Labels most commonly refer to short-term materials used to identify a product on a retail shelf. Labels will have a bar code or other SKU number to identify the product. They are made with paper or BOPP materials and are not suited for outdoor exposure.
In this post, we will be exploring the various types of stickers. These products come in all shapes, sizes, gloss levels, and cutting techniques. Let’s dive in!
The cut style for outdoor stickers
There are several sticker products that might be useful. These products are differentiated by the cut style and finished look. Some examples of different cut styles are die cut stickers, kiss cut stickers, straight cut stickers, sticker sheets, and transfer stickers.
- Die cut stickers are stickers are individually cut stickers with unique shapes, often contouring to the design of the sticker.
- Kiss cut stickers are individually cut to shape, but peel off of a square or rectangular sheet.
- Sticker Sheets are similar to kiss cut stickers but have 2 or more stickers on the same square or rectangular part.
- Transfer Stickers are cut in a very detailed way with no excess material around the design. These stickers have a transfer carrier that holds the sticker together during application.
Other types of sticker terminology
In addition to the various types of cut techniques, there there are several other types of stickers commonly mentioned. Some examples include:
- Vinyl stickers: These stickers are made of durable vinyl material and are often used for outdoor applications, such as on cars or outdoor signs. The most common type of vinyl sticker is a die cut sticker.
- Clear stickers: These stickers are transparent and can be used to add a design to windows or other surfaces.
- Glossy stickers: These stickers have a shiny finish that can add visual interest to the stickers.
- Matte stickers: Stickers with a matte laminate or clear coat that help to flatten the overall finish of the sticker.
- Reflective stickers: These stickers are made with reflective material that reflects light, making them visible at night or in low light conditions.
- Glow-in-the-dark stickers: These stickers contain a phosphorescent material that absorbs light and glows in the dark.
- Holographic stickers: These stickers contain a holographic film that creates a multi-dimensional effect when viewed from different angles.
- Static cling stickers: These stickers are made with a special material that allows them to stick to surfaces without the use of adhesive. They can be easily removed and repositioned without leaving a residue.
