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Choosing the Right Material for Your Stickers (Made Simple)
Let’s be honest: choosing sticker materials can feel confusing the first time around. Glossy, matte, holographic, transparent... What’s the difference, and how do you know what’s right for your design?
Here’s the good news: once you understand a few basics, it’s actually really fun to pick your finish. Each material gives your art a different personality, and when done right, it can make the difference between a good sticker and one that people can’t stop talking about.
Let’s break it down in a simple, clear, StickerApp style.
TL;DR: Every material and laminate gives your design a unique personality. Glossy pops, matte gives a premium feel, holographic shines, transparent blends beautifully into the background.
Try them out and make your next batch your best yet.
Material first, laminate later.
Step 1 in the sticker world is to learn that stickers consist of two visual layers: the actual sticker material and a laminate. Both help determine the finished look of the sticker through their distinct characteristics - glossy or matte, plain print or sparkly, etc.
Let’s start with the materials:
White Vinyl
Versatile, classic, and built to last.
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Look: White, crisp base that makes colors pop with sharp detail and perfect contrast.
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Great for: Just about everything: from branding and art prints to laptop stickers and product labels. It’s the go-to choice when you want a timeless classic that works for any style or purpose.
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Why this is your must-have: White vinyl is our most popular and versatile OG sticker material for a reason: It delivers, speaks the truth, and doesn’t fool around.
Pro tip: Pair it with your choice of laminate: glossy for vibrant shine, matte for a soft, premium finish, or cracked ice for a fun twist. Either way, your design is in good hands.
Holographic
Shiny, shifty, and impossible to ignore.
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Look: Multi-colored rainbow effect that reflects all the light from every angle.
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Great for: Adding depth and movement to your design. Perfect for highlighting both details or text. If you’re going for eye-catching, this is it.
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Why this is your must-have: Holographic captures light and color like no other material, making your stickers instantly collectible - the kind of stickers people grab, share, and proudly show off.
Pro tip: Use the holographic effect selectively by applying it to specific areas of your design. You’ll still get maximum wow-factor without overwhelming your art.
Transparent
Subtle, sleek, and seamlessly stylish.
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Look: A see-thru material that lets your design blend beautifully with any surface.
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Great for: Designs with objects that have natural transparency (glass, jars, windows, etc.), quotes, or if you want the focus to stay on your art, and not on the background.
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Why this is your must-have: Transparent stickers create that floating, printed-on look that feels professional and fun. They’re versatile and ideal if you want to play around with different transparencies.
Pro tip: Try using white ink to control which parts of your design stay see-through and which stay opaque. It’s the secret to getting crisp colors and a perfectly balanced transparency effect.
Pixie Dust
Sparkly, dreamy, and pure magic.
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Look: A smashed glitter finish that shimmers beautifully under any light.
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Great for: Fantasy art, cosmetics, stationery, or anything that deserves a touch of sparkle. Perfect for pastel tones, gradients, or designs with a magical vibe.
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Why this is your must-have: Pixie Dust gives your stickers a unique, premium sparkle that catches eyes and hearts alike. It’s playful yet elegant, making every sticker feel like a tiny treasure.
Pro tip: Pair it with glossy laminate for maximum shine and protection. Light colors and soft gradients really make the glitter pop!
Kraft Paper
Earthy, warm, and authentic.
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Look: Eco-friendly and uncoated brown Kraft paper sticker with a natural texture.
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Great for: Designs with earthy tones or minimalist line art. Perfect for packaging, candle jars, or coffee bags.
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Why this is your must-have: Kraft paper adds instant character and texture to your design. It’s uncoated, recyclable, and pairs beautifully with any CMYK color for a rustic look. Ideal for anyone wanting that “crafted with care” feel.
Pro tip: Keep your design simple and let the paper shine through. The material itself adds personality, so a little ink goes a long way.
Mirror
Reflective, sleek, and full of shine.
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Look: A full-on metallic look that mirrors its surroundings and bounces light beautifully.
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Great for: Modern designs, tech-inspired art, logos, or anything that calls for a clean, high-end finish.
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Why this is your must-have: Mirror gives your stickers a shiny, professional look that demands attention. It’s sharp, stylish, and adds instant oomph to your designs, turning simple artwork into standout pieces.
Pro tip: Try it with glossy laminate for an ultra-smooth, reflective effect. Use darker colors or black ink to create striking contrast against the mirror shine.
Sticker materials: Honorable mentions
No list is complete without a bonus round! Right next to the top 6 materials already mentioned, here are five great alternatives we can’t not mention:
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Prismatic: A true eye-catching material. If you’re ready to take sticker effects to the next level, look no further.
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Glitter: Pixie Dust’s bolder cousin. Bigger glitter particles, bigger contrast, maximum impact. An absolute banger!
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Glow-in-the-dark: These stickers glow insanely well in the dark, with a vibrant green color. Super-charge them with a light source for a longer glow time.
There you have it! A LOT more can be said about our materials. If you’re eager to learn more, make your way to our materials page.
Moving on to part 2 - the icing on the cake, the top choice for your stickers:
Let's continue with the laminates:
Glossy
The classic crowd-pleaser.
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Look: A sleek, high-shine finish that makes colors pop and details stand out.
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Great for: Designs where you’re aiming for bright colors and high contrast. Fully UV-protected, preventing your stickers from fading in sunlight.
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Why this is your must-have: Glossy laminate adds an extra layer of protection while enhancing color depth and clarity. It’s durable, waterproof, and UV-protected, keeping your stickers looking fresh and flawless longer.
Glossy laminate is available on all materials (except for the uncoated Kraft paper sticker).
Matte
Understated and sophisticated.
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Look: A non-reflective finish with a soft touch that gives your stickers a refined, modern feel.
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Great for: Brands and artists that want a premium and exclusive look. The laminate helps reduce both color and material effect; ideal if you’re after a more subtle finish.
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Why this is your must-have: Matte laminate reduces glare and fingerprints while offering an exclusive look and feel. It offers the same durability as the glossy laminate, but it’s not UV-protected, meaning it works best for indoor use.
Matte is a favorite for Etsy sellers and lifestyle brands - it photographs perfectly every time.
Cracked Ice
Icy, colorful, and brilliant.
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Look: A cracked holographic effect that scatters light into shimmering shards, much like sunlight hitting freshly cracked ice.
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Great for: Eye-catching stickers, winter-themed art, or designs that deserve a bit of drama, with its sun-catcher look.
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Why this is your must-have: Cracked Ice turns any sticker into a statement piece. It’s dazzling yet elegant, giving your designs movement, depth, and that cool-factor you can’t fake.
Use cracked ice with contrasting colors or bold shapes to make the fractured holographic effect really shine. The results are chef’s kiss.
Laminate Cheat Sheet
Here’s a quick overview of which materials pair with which laminates:
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Glossy = All materials.
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Matte = Vinyl, holographic, transparent, mirror.
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Cracked Ice = Vinyl, holographic, transparent.
Ready to find your perfect match?
Choosing your sticker material doesn’t have to feel like guesswork. Think of it as part of your creative process - one that can completely elevate your design and your brand.
Upload your art to StickerApp.com and explore our materials in real time. You’ll see exactly how your design looks on each surface before you print. No surprises, just perfect results.
Because when you choose the right material, you’re not just printing stickers, you’re building a brand that sticks.
