The Ultimate Guide to Stickers
The Ultimate Guide to Stickers: A Clear, No-Nonsense Tour
Stickers show up everywhere — laptops, shop fronts, vehicles, packaging. But not all stickers are built the same. This guide breaks down the main types, what they’re good at, and how to choose the right one for the job.
1) Vinyl Stickers
Best for: multi-purpose branding, product labels, equipment tags, vehicles.
Vinyl is the workhorse. It’s durable, weather-resistant, and sticks well on smooth surfaces. Add a laminate and you’ve got extra UV and abrasion protection. Great for long-term outdoor use and high-touch items.
Why choose vinyl
- Strong outdoor performance (rain, sunlight, temperature swings).
- Clean print quality for logos, text, and small details.
- Optional matt or gloss laminate for added durability.
2) Window Stickers
Best for: shop windows, glass doors, point-of-sale, opening hours, seasonal promos.
Made for glass. Choose internal face-apply if you want the design to read correctly from outside but stick on the inside of the glass. Go external if you need to apply from outdoors. Static-cling options are great for temporary use and easy repositioning.
Why choose window stickers
- Face-apply (inside-glass) or standard (outside-glass) to suit access.
- Static-cling for removable campaigns and frequent changes.
- Translucent or solid print areas to control light and privacy.
3) Transparent Stickers
Best for: premium packaging, product seals, minimal branding, glass.
Clear vinyl lets the surface show through. Perfect when you want a “printed-direct” look. Add a white ink layer behind key elements for contrast on dark surfaces, or leave areas fully clear for a subtle finish.
Why choose transparent
- Minimal, high-end look with the substrate visible.
- White under-print available to boost legibility and colour pop.
- Ideal for glass, bottles, and cosmetics.
4) Metallic Stickers
Best for: premium branding, certificates, luxury packaging, special editions.
Metallic and foil finishes catch the light and add perceived value. Works brilliantly for seals, badges, and limited runs. Pair with bold typography for maximum effect.
Why choose metallic
- Instant “premium” feel without complex print methods.
- Gold, silver, and coloured foils available.
- Strong shelf impact on packaging and gifts.
5) Reflective Stickers
Best for: safety markings, vehicles, bikes, helmets, night-time visibility.
Reflective films bounce light back to the source, so details are visible in low light. Think safety, wayfinding, and transport branding that must be seen at dusk or after dark.
Why choose reflective
- Excellent visibility in low-light and night conditions.
- Ideal for fleet, construction, and events.
- Pairs well with bold, high-contrast designs.
6) Screenprinted Stickers
Best for: spot-colour logos, high volumes, extreme durability.
Screen print lays down thicker ink layers for strong, flat colour and long life. It shines on brand colours that must be exact, and it’s cost-effective on larger runs with limited colours.
Why choose screenprint
- Ultra-solid spot colours and sharp edges.
- Superb longevity for outdoor and industrial use.
- Great unit pricing at scale when colours are limited.
7) Large-Format Stickers
Best for: walls, floors, vehicles, windows, event branding.
Supersize your message. Large-format vinyl can transform spaces fast — from shopfronts and vehicles to exhibition walls. Choose the correct adhesive (permanent vs removable) and surface profile (flat vs textured) for a clean install and tidy removal.
Why choose large-format
- High impact, high visibility for campaigns and fit-outs.
- Surface-specific options (floor-rated, low-tack, high-tack).
- Vehicle-grade films for curves and panels.
Choosing the Right Finish
Matt: reduces glare and fingerprints — ideal for indoor labels and premium packaging.
Gloss: adds shine and colour depth — great for bold, high-impact graphics.
Laminated: optional topcoat that improves scratch, UV, and chemical resistance.
Practical Tips That Save Headaches
- Measure the surface (and check curves) before finalising size and shape.
- Test adhesion on tricky surfaces like low-energy plastics and powder-coated metals.
- Design for distance: larger type, simpler layouts for moving viewers.
- Outdoor use? Choose vinyl with laminate for longer life and easier cleaning.
- Removability: pick low-tack or removable adhesives for short-term campaigns.
