When it comes to creating custom stickers, there are a few main material options to choose from – sticker paper and vinyl stickers. While both can be used to make high-quality, durable stickers, there are some key differences between the two that are important to understand.
Sticker Paper
Sticker paper, also commonly referred to as label paper or adhesive paper, is a type of paper that has a sticky back, allowing it to adhere to surfaces. It typically consists of a paper material coated with a pressure-sensitive adhesive. Sticker paper is available in a variety of sizes, from standard 8.5×11 inch sheets down to smaller sizes like 4×6 inches.
The main advantages of sticker paper are that it is generally more affordable than vinyl stickers, and it is easy to print on using a standard inkjet or laser printer at home. This makes sticker paper a popular choice for quick, DIY sticker-making projects. Sticker paper also tends to be thinner and more flexible than vinyl.
However, sticker paper does have some drawbacks. It is not as durable or weather-resistant as vinyl, and the adhesive is not as strong. Sticker paper stickers are more prone to peeling, fading, or tearing over time, especially if exposed to elements like moisture, sunlight, or heavy use. The paper material is also more susceptible to damage from water, oils, and other liquids.
Vinyl Stickers
Vinyl stickers, on the other hand, are made from a synthetic plastic material called vinyl. This material is incredibly durable and long-lasting, able to withstand much more wear and tear than standard paper stickers. Vinyl stickers are resistant to water, fading, and even some solvents, making them ideal for outdoor use or any application where the sticker needs to stand up to heavy use.
Vinyl stickers are typically thicker and more rigid than sticker paper, with a more pronounced dimensional quality. This can give them a more premium, professional look and feel compared to basic paper stickers. Vinyl stickers also have stronger adhesive that creates a tighter bond to surfaces.
The main downsides of vinyl stickers are the higher cost and the fact that they require a specialty printer or printing service to produce. While sticker paper can be printed on at home, vinyl stickers usually need to be professionally printed, which adds to the overall cost. Vinyl is also not as easy to cut and shape by hand as standard paper.