Sticker and Label Printing Options
Tomato, tomahto – stickers and labels are not the same thing! Although similar, they both communicate different messages for your brand.
Stickers are typically used for promotional purposes and handed out individually or included in packaging. They can also be found on personal items like cars, laptops and water bottles.
Printing Methods
When ordering sticker and label printing, you have several options for material, size and printing method. Paper labels are an economical option and can be printed in high resolution, ensuring that your design stands out and maintains brand narratives. For higher durability, consider using Sticker and Label a plastic label material such as BOPP (biaxially oriented polypropylene). These labels are designed for pigment-based ink printers and are ideal for indoor or outdoor use. They can also be coated with gloss or matte varnish, giving your stickers and labels a smooth finish.
If you’re looking for a more premium look, you can use silk-screening to add a high-end touch to your sticker and label printing. This option allows you to print with a high level of detail and add color, embossing, and foil stamping. This is a great way to stand out from competitors and add value to your products.
Another option is digital printing, which uses a combination of flexographic and digital processes to create your stickers or labels. The flexographic process utilizes plates to imprint your design on the face stock with ink, while the digital printing method applies an image to the face stock using lasers or inkjet.
Materials
There are many different types of label materials to choose from for your labels and stickers. Usually, the decision of which material to use depends on where your stickers will be used and what they need to do. For example, some stickers need to be able to hold up to rough handling and harsh weather conditions while others need to convey warnings or instructions to the user. Some even need to be able to stick to curved surfaces.
Some common label and sticker printing materials include vinyl, polyester, and static cling. Vinyl is the standard outdoor sticker material and comes in Sticker and Label both white and clear, while polyester offers a more durable option for high-performance situations such as equipment and under-the-hood stickers. Static cling can be used for windows and glass, as it doesn’t require an adhesive to stick to the surface and is removable without leaving a mark.
Other label printing materials to consider include blank inkjet roll labels, thermal transfer ribbons, and pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA). Roll stickers are printed on a continuous sheet that is looped around a small cardboard core and can be easily dispensed from a sticker dispenser. They come in both matte and gloss finishes and can be die-cut to specific shapes and sizes. Thermal transfer ribbons are a common choice for label printers because they produce clear images that are easy to read and are compatible with most label printing methods.
Finishing Touches
Many finishing touches can be added to labels to make them stand out from the rest. For example, embossing is a technique that produces a soft finish on the label and makes it more attractive to touch. This type of finish is more than just an extra, as it also leaves a lasting impression on the customer and helps spread the word about your brand.
Another way to enhance the look of a sticker is with film lamination. This process adds a layer of protection to the label and makes it more resistant to heat and oil. It also gives the stickers a shiny or matte appearance and can be applied in various thicknesses depending on your preference.
Add a unique, personal touch to your gift wrapping and cards with custom stickers! They can be used to display a business logo on branded packaging and thank-you cards, or even as a seal for products wrapped in custom tissue paper.
Designing
As a design tool, stickers have a unique place in the marketing arsenal. They can be a great way to drive brand awareness organically, and they’re especially effective for creating custom, personalized customer experiences. A well-designed sticker can tell your brand’s story, foster curiosity and communicate all sorts of information about what you’re selling.
Stickers can be printed on almost any surface and in a variety of materials. The key factors in choosing a sticker material are cost, durability and water-resistance. It’s also important to consider how your sticker will be used. For example, if it will be placed in a high-traffic area, it’s important to choose a durable material that will stand up to repeated use.
As for the design, it’s best to keep things simple. Stickers are often small and can get lost in a crowd, so you want to be sure your message is easily understood by the viewer. Try to use universally recognizable images, colors and styles. For example, a sandwich and cup of coffee for a cafe or a spanner and wrench for a repair shop can communicate the essence of your business in a few seconds. You can also use humor in your sticker designs, which can add a fun, memorable element to your branding.