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Choosing sticker materials

The right sticker material depends on where the sticker will end up – a dry box, a cold bottle, a car window or a laptop. Choose wrongly and it peels, wrinkles or fades. Here is how to match the material to the job.

Paper

Paper stickers are the most economical. They print well and can be written on, which makes them good for price labels, envelope seals, gift wrapping, school name labels and short-term promotions. They are not water-resistant – moisture makes them wrinkle and peel.

White vinyl

Vinyl is a flexible plastic that resists water, oil and handling. It is the go-to for product labels on bottles and jars, stickers that go in a fridge or bathroom, laptop and water-bottle stickers and outdoor use. Vinyl also copes better with slightly curved surfaces.

Clear vinyl

Clear vinyl lets the surface show through – useful for a 'no-label' look on glass jars and clear packaging, and for window stickers. White areas in your design need to be printed as white ink to be visible on clear material; otherwise light colours almost disappear. Ask the team when ordering clear stickers.

Lamination

A laminate layer on top of the print adds scratch and UV resistance and gives a gloss or matt finish. Choose it for stickers that are handled a lot, cleaned regularly or exposed to sunlight for long periods.

Choose the lead time that suits your date: Economy (around 5 working days, 10% off), Standard (around 3 working days, listed price), Express (next working day, +20%) or Same-day (eligible items in by 09:00 Mon–Fri, +30%). The clock starts once payment and approved artwork are both in.

Same-day is priced high on purpose. If you can give us a few days, Economy or Standard saves you money.

Quick guide

  • Dry indoor use, short-term: paper.
  • Wet, cold or oily products: white vinyl, ideally laminated.
  • Glass, clear packaging or windows: clear vinyl.
  • Outdoors or on vehicles: vinyl with lamination.
  • Needs writing on: paper or uncoated.

Also think about the surface: textured, dusty or very curved surfaces need testing. Order a small batch first, then scale up. Browse stickers and labels or read sticker printing.

Frequently asked questions

Are vinyl stickers waterproof?
Vinyl resists water well, and lamination adds protection.
Can I write on vinyl stickers?
Not easily with a normal pen. Use paper for labels you will write on.
Which material for jar labels?
Vinyl for anything refrigerated or washed; paper is fine for dry goods on a shelf.