Hurray! Your design is ready to become a sticker. You head to the MakeStickers' website, excited to put in your order. You know the size, shape, and quantity you need. But what about the material? You might ask yourself:
- "Will this sticker fade in the sun?"
- "What material is waterproof?"
- "Is there a material I can write on?"
Tired of being caught off guard and overthinking which sticker material is best? We get it! With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming. But it doesn't have to be.
Welcome to Materials Education 101: Stickers, a course on–you guessed it–the types of materials we carry for stickers, their individual features, and which ones are best for your unique needs.
Sticker vs. Label
Before we jump into the different materials we carry for stickers, we want to make sure we're all on the same page as far as what is a label and what is a sticker.
Stickers
Stickers are individually cut and are ideal for handing out at events, markets, or trade shows. Many sticker materials also feature a protective UV-resistant laminate, which helps protect the design's ink from fading in the years to come.
Labels
Labels are not individually cut, and instead are placed on a roll, making labels great for machine application. They can also be a more affordable option if you are ordering in large quantities. However, most label materials are not built to withstand the great outdoors, which is why we strongly encourage most labels for indoor use only. If you want to know more about labels and the individual characteristics of each material, check out Material Education 101: Labels instead.
Now that you know how we determine the difference between labels and stickers, let's dive in and talk about the four sticker material types we carry: glossy, matte, clear, and holographic.
Glossy
Glossy stickers are what most people picture when they think of stickers. Glossy stickers are printed on white material, and are waterproof, dishwasher safe, and resistant to scratches and fading, thanks to a UV-resistant laminate (which will keep your stickers vivid for longer). Glossy stickers are the best option if you need a material that can withstand the elements wherever it's placed, such as car bumpers, hard hats, or helmets.
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Bumper Stickers
Classic bumper stickers for when you want to express yourself as plainly as possible.
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Matte
Matte stickers are waterproof and dishwasher safe, thanks to a scratch-resistant laminate. However, the laminate is not UV-resistant. We recommend matte stickers for indoor use only. There are a few more noticeable differences between matte and glossy stickers, both in appearance and function. Glossy stickers feature a signature shine, whereas matte stickers feature a flat texture. Matte stickers are also one of the few materials you can write on! Thanks to their write-able surface, you can add a level of personalization to your sticker design.
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Custom Matte Stickers
Our Matte Finish protects from water while keeping your design vibrant with a classic feel.
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Thank You Stickers
Custom Thank You stickers on a roll. Add your personalized message and logo in just a few clicks.
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Clear
Waterproof, dishwasher-safe, scratch-resistant, and protected from the sun's rays (thanks to a UV-resistant laminate), clear stickers are very similar to glossy stickers. But unlike glossy, which is an opaque material, clear stickers offer an element of transparency. We also use white ink (placed strategically behind your design) on clear stickers, to give them a vivid appearance. Thanks to their see-through nature, clear stickers are ideal for glass surfaces and windows – but they can help your artwork or logo pop no matter where you place them!
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Water Bottle Stickers
Take hydration to the next level with customized water bottle stickers.
Holographic
If you want a sticker with a bit more pizazz and personality, we strongly recommend opting for holographic material! Reflective, rainbow holographic material can add a fun little extra something to your stickers' designs, illustrations, and logos–but without sacrificing quality. Holographic stickers, like glossy and clear, are also waterproof, dishwasher-safe, resistant to scratches, and feature a protective laminate against UV rays.
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Water Bottle Stickers
Take hydration to the next level with customized water bottle stickers.
Glitter
Take your design to the next level by adding some sparkle. Our custom glitter stickers combine the bright silver and rainbow sheen of the holographic material with the shimmer of glitter. With large flecks of glitter you can create an overall glimmery design or use white ink to create a bold contrast between solid ink and glittery accents. The glossy laminate on our glitter stickers makes them waterproof, dishwasher safe and great for outdoor use, as they are UV and scratch resistant.
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Band Stickers
A fantastic way to promote your band and the ideal addition to your merch table.
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Congratulations! You've successfully completed Materials Education 101: Stickers! You are now ready to order your stickers with confidence, knowing exactly what material is best for your needs.
Want to see these materials in action before putting in your order? We can help with that–order a sample pack of our materials to help you decide!
