How to Pick the Right Custom Stickers Material to Avoid a Costly Mistake

Choosing the suitable material for your custom sticker needs is crucial to ensuring good quality, durability, and longevity.

No matter how good your design is, picking the wrong type of stickers could make it look dull and mismatched in colour.

A simple mistake can be costly if you overlook every tiny detail.

So, which sticker material will meet your needs without breaking the bank? How can you ensure that these tools will stand the test of time?

Knowing which material to use can directly impact the appearance, durability, adherence, and costs of printing custom stickers.

According to a report, around 90% of information transmitted to the brain is visual. Our brains process visuals 60,000 times faster than text alone.

In this post, let's explore the maze of sticker materials to help you choose the appropriate one for your business or personal projects.

Let us start!

Why Sticker Material Matters More Than You Think

 

Sticker materials are often one of the most overlooked elements when printing stickers. While colours, designs, and appropriate placement may grab our attention, the materials will determine their durability.

Imagine placing logo stickers on products exposed to water and cold and then having them peel off and fade in days.

It is one of the costly mistakes many make because they fail to consider the purpose and environment before ordering.

So, how do you make the best choice? The first step is to understand each type of sticker material.

Type of Sticker Materials With Their Unique Properties

 

Selecting the appropriate sticker materials always starts with knowing what's available. So, here are some common materials you need to consider:

Paper: Paper-based stickers are the most affordable material but are limited for indoor use only since this is nonwaterproof. Perfect for mailing labels, packaging, personal projects, product labelling, and more

When choosing this material, understand that its overall appearance will depend on the type of sticker paper and finishes you pick. Do you want kraft paper that exudes sustainability, glossy paper for a vibrant appeal, or classic paper that is based off-white? 

Vinyl: Vinyl-based stickers are known for their sturdiness, are weather-resistant, and are perfect for outdoor use. You must choose this material if the environment of your product is often exposed to water, moisture, heat, winter, and other extreme temperatures.

This material is ideal for labelling products and belongings or personalising car windows, outdoor gears, and other smooth surfaces for outdoor applications.

Polypropylene (PP): This material is known for its durability, flexibility, lightweight, waterproofness, and cost-effectiveness. It is a great choice for bulk printing to label cosmetics, food, and other products.

Polyester (PET): This material offers a premium, long-lasting option and high resistance to chemicals, heat, and UV exposure. It is often used to label microwaves, electrical appliances, electronics, etc. It can also complement gift wrapping, wine labelling, cosmetics, and more.

What to Consider When Choosing the Right Sticker Material

 

Different stickers are created for different purposes. It pays to know which material will work best for your needs. Consider the following factors:

Environment: Where do you intend to use the stickers? Is it for outdoor or indoor use? Will this tool be exposed to water, moisture, heat, or extreme temperatures? If so, vinyl or polyester are likely ideal. Paper is a great option if the sticker is for indoor application only.

Application Surface: Different surfaces work better with a specific material and adhesive. Sticker paper may not adhere to metal, plastic, or glass surfaces. Nevertheless, vinyl is versatile and more suitable.

Budget: As mentioned earlier, paper-based stickers are inexpensive but limited to indoor use only. Vinyl and polyester can be more expensive, but they are worth the cost for durability and longevity.

Lifespan: Regarding the longevity of stickers, vinyl and polyester are best for long-term use, while paper is suited for short-term application.

Aesthetic Preferences: Finishes such as glossy, matte, transparent, hologram, or others can affect the overall appearance of your stickers.

Tips on How to Choose the Best Sticker Material For Your Brand

 

Look for a Reliable Sticker Printing Company

Research and find a reliable sticker printing expert near you online, or ask a friend for a recommendation. Read reviews and compare prices, turnaround time, and shipping. Every tiny detail matters in your research.

Printing stickers can be done at home or in the office. However, the materials you have or the equipment you use might give different results than you want. It's best to rely on someone who uses state-of-the-art technology and can advise you to ensure your vision will come to life as expected.

Request a Sample Pack

Request a sample pack before ordering in bulk to avoid a costly mistake. These sample materials allow you to test how each type of sticker looks and performs on your intended surface. You can also better judge and compare their various finishes and textures.

Experiment With Finishes

Finishes can create a different look on your stickers than a plain one. Glossy finishes can make the design vibrant, while matte finishes exude elegance and a modern look. Transparent gives a clean and minimalist look, while holograms complement authenticity and security appeal.

Final Thoughts

Taking the time to understand material options and their unique strengths is crucial to avoiding a costly mistake. This gesture helps you create cost-effective, memorable stickers and offers a high return on investment. Always remember that vinyl or polyester is worth the investment for durability and outdoor use. For inexpensive indoor applications, paper stickers are most recommended. Considering these factors helps you avoid the disappointment of a sticker that peels off easily, if the colours start to fade, or if the stickers fail to adhere as expected.