Stickers

Stickers

A sticker is a standalone adhesive graphic where the design itself is the product, and you decide where it goes. Unlike a label or decal, a sticker isn't defined by the information it carries or by a specific surface it's made for. It's defined by its design.

Stickers are used for decoration, branding and personal expression, on anything from laptops and water bottles to helmets and packaging.

Sticker anatomy

Most stickers are built from five layers, from top to bottom:

  • Finish: The protective layer over the print. It can be glossy, matte or cracked ice. Some materials, like Kraft Paper, are uncoated.

  • Design: Your printed artwork, in CMYK. On transparent, metallic and other specialty materials, white ink is printed under the colors so they stay bright.

  • Material: The base film that carries the design, for example PP, PET or Kraft Paper.

  • Adhesive: The pressure-sensitive layer that sticks to the surface: Permanent, Hi-tack or Low-tack.

  • Backing liner: The protective layer over the adhesive. You peel it off just before you apply the sticker.

Stickers vs. Labels vs. Decals

Stickers, labels and decals are all adhesive graphics. What sets them apart is what defines the product.

Category

Defined by

The product is

Primary purpose

What matters most

Stickers

Design

The design itself

Decoration, branding, or personal expression

The design

Labels

Information

The information it carries

Identify, inform, instruct, or organize

Clarity and readability

Decals

Placement

The surface or environment it's made for

Perform on a specific surface or in a specific environment

Placement, material, and durability

Explore Stickers

Products: Compare our sticker products, their formats and how they're cut.

Materials & Finishes: Sticker materials, adhesives and finishes, and which ones work together.

Design Help: Get your file ready for print, with file requirements, bleed, cutlines, color and effects.

Related support

FAQ