What is a Sticker?

Stickers are the “hero” on their own and the most popular product in the adhesive world.Unlike labels, which communicate information, or decals, which often serve a functional or large-format purpose, stickers exist purely to showcase a design.

They are typically:

• Professionally printed

• Individually cut (die-cut or kiss-cut)

• Delivered as standalone units rather than on rolls or continuous sheets

• Produced on vinyl or other durable synthetic materials (such as PET, PP or PE)

Over time, creative demand has generated many variations: sticker packs, holographic materials, clear stickers, matte or glossy finishes, glitter effects and more.

However, from a technical industry perspective, there are only two core types of stickers:

Individually cut all the way through both material and backing liner.

Cut through the top layer only, leaving the backing liner intact.

Everything else is considered a material-, finish-, shape choice or format variation, not a separate product type.

Stickers have a wide range of use cases. Common examples include:

• Artist merch and resale

• Brand promotion, giveaways and event handouts

• Fan art, culture and community identity

• Packaging inserts or thank-you stickers

• Personal expression and decoration, customization and self-expression, like laptops, water bottles, helmets and gear

Stickers are the foundational product for most printing companies focusing on adhesive products.

All stickers share a similar five-layer structure that defines their durability and appearance:

1. Finish (Top layer) - A protective layer that seals and protects the print. Laminates add durability, UV protection, water resistance, texture and shine. A laminate can be glossy, matte or have a special effect, like Cracked Ice laminate. Some stickers are intentionally uncoated (no laminate).

2. The design (Color layer) - The printed artwork. Most stickers are printed in CMYK, with white ink used when printing on transparent, metallic or specialty materials, since it ensures opacity, contrast and accurate color reproduction.

3. Material (Base Films) - The foundational film that the sticker is printed on.Materials define the sticker’s durability, print quality, flexibility, outdoor performance and adhesion.Examples include PVC, PET, PP and specialty films like holographic or brushed metal.Common materials include:

• PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)

• Vinyl / PVC

• PP (polypropylene)

• PE (polyethylene)

• Paper (indoor use)

Each material has different strengths, environmental characteristics and application purposes.

4. Adhesive Layer - The pressure-sensitive adhesive that bonds the sticker to a surface. Adhesive types vary based on performance needs:

• Hi-tack: high-strength adhesive for difficult or textured surfaces

• Permanent (industry-standard): medium-strength, long-lasting hold

• Low-tack (Removable): low-strength adhesive for temporary or repositionable applications

5. Backing Liner - The protective layer covering the adhesive until use. Removed before application.

Stickers are expressive, decorative, standalone graphics designed to showcase art, identity or branding.They are one of the most versatile and widely used adhesive products, forming the foundation for many custom printed applications.