Custom Decals, Stickers, and Labels - The Master Guide

Decals, stickers, and labels may sound similar, but each option differs slightly. And though the difference may be slight in some cases, it can still affect which option is best for which scenario.

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In this article, we will define these differences clearly and show you each option&#;s benefits and disadvantages. By the end, we hope to give you a better understanding of the difference between decals, stickers, and labels so that you can make a more informed decision the next time you use one of these options in your packaging project.

Defining a Sticker, Label, and Decal

Now that you know each option differs from the other, what is a decal? What is a sticker? What makes them different? What are they best for? You might have many questions that now need answering, but let&#;s first focus on the basic definition of a sticker, label, and decal. A better understanding of each option will allow us to give a much more accurate answer to each preceding question.

To begin, let&#;s look at the sticker. Custom stickers are small pieces of paper, vinyl, or fabric with an adhesive backing. They are available in various colors, shapes, and designs, making them versatile for branding and decoration.

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Decals are similar in that they have a self-adhesive backing but are larger, more permanent, and often used for identification and branding. They are typically made from vinyl, are cut to a specific shape, and have clear backgrounds to blend in when applied to various surfaces.

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Finally, custom labels are also a self-adhesive option made from materials like paper, vinyl, and polyester, but their usage is neither for decoration nor identification. They are usually printed with text or images that contain information about a product, its content, or its usage.

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As you can see from the above definitions and images, stickers, labels, and decals are similar in that they are all meant to stick to surfaces. Still, their intended purposes are generally different, and these differences don&#;t end there, so let&#;s dive deeper.

Decal vs. Sticker vs. Label

We briefly mentioned the different intended purposes for each adhesive option, but they also differ in other aspects. Though there are definitely similarities between the materials used and the types, styles, and production processes, it is essential to note the differences too.

Below, we&#;ve provided a simple chart to showcase the main differences. However, we will also go more in-depth to give you a complete picture of why stickers, labels, and decals should be considered separate adhesive options.

Differences in Materials

First, let&#;s look at the materials. We also briefly mentioned materials in the definitions section, but we&#;ll look at this topic in more detail here.

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For stickers, various materials are possible, like glossy paper, matte, vinyl, or fabric. Stickers are the most versatile when choosing materials and have many options for different intended looks, durability, and costs. For example, paper stickers are the most affordable option but are less durable than vinyl stickers.

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Decals, however, typically use vinyl materials, which are durable,  weather-resistant, and highly customizable with colors and designs. This is necessary as decals are generally much larger and, depending on their usage, can be exposed to more weather elements than stickers.

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Labels use similar materials to stickers but are usually thinner for easy mass application onto products. Common labeling materials include Biaxially-Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP), vinyl films, or paper. However, other materials like holographic or metallic are still possible, though rare.

Design, Application, and Durability Comparison of Stickers, Labels, and Decals

Regarding design options, stickers, and labels are very similar. They come in various sizes and have many design possibilities to suit different needs ranging from small and round adhesives to large and rectangular or even full-color printed designs. Both options are also available as a die-cut (cut to the exact shape) or a kiss-cut (cutting the material and leaving the backing paper untrimmed).

Where the similarities end, however, are in their application and durability. Stickers are typically applied manually, whereas labels can be applied manually but are generally mass applied through a specialized machine. On top of this, stickers can last much longer than labels depending on the materials, as labels are produced much thinner to accommodate mass application.

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Decals are slightly different. As the largest of the three options and typically exposed to more outdoor elements, they are also the most durable. But unlike stickers and labels, decals are only available die-cut but can be designed in various shapes and sizes to work on surfaces ranging from glass, walls, metal, or sidewalks.

Source: Jan

Furthermore, leaning to its more prominent design, applying decals requires manual precision to ensure proper application with no lingering air bubbles. Therefore, it is highly recommended to seek the aid of professionals so that your decal is applied correctly!

Pros and Cons of Each Option

Now that you know the differences between stickers, decals, and labels, let&#;s examine the advantages and disadvantages to know which adhesive option works best for your next project. Below, we&#;ve compiled a list of the main pros and cons for each adhesive option:

When to Use Decals, Labels, or Stickers

With the benefits and disadvantages covered, you might still wonder when is the best time to use each option.

Stickers are best used to promote a brand. They are often included in product packaging to encourage customers to decorate their personal water bottles, notebooks, or laptops with your company&#;s branding. Stickers are also excellent for generating word-of-mouth and can even be sold as an individual product too!

Learn more on how to make and sell stickers online here!

Labels are used in many industries like food, retail, and pharmaceutical industries. They are meant to be put on the product or packaging itself and serve two purposes of brand identification and relaying important product information. Great product labels should attract attention while properly conveying product information to consumers, like expiration dates, ingredients, or usage instructions.

Finally, decals are for advertising a brand or displaying information. Because of their large and durable nature, decals are best utilized on signage, windows, walls, floors, large industrial equipment, or vehicles.

Similar, But Ultimately Different

Decals, stickers, and labels may be similar in some ways, but there are enough differences to warrant considering them separate entities. Each adhesive option has its own benefits, disadvantages, and ideal usage scenarios, so using these terms interchangeably needs to be corrected.

Here at PakFactory, we have many options for custom stickers and labels. So if you have any more questions or would like help on your next design project, please contact one of our packaging specialists today!

Having a custom sticker made with your company&#;s logo is a great way to spread brand awareness. Whether you&#;re spreading the word about your business, team, or brand, stickers are the perfect way to do it.

You can use the flexibility of making your company logo sticker to bring your brand&#;s visual identity into harmony, produce one-of-a-kind marketing collateral, or meet your specific demands. Customized logo stickers also allow you to choose the right shape, which helps highlight the logo design. Thereby matching the brand personality that the company is aiming for.

Therefore, the article aims to outline the top 3 most popular logo sticker types so that you can choose the most suitable one for your business.

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1. Circle Stickers For Standard And Classic Logo

Define and Benefits

Circle stickers are exactly what they sound like: sticky stickers that have a circular form. Round stickers are a popular form, and you can use them for various purposes. Because it does not have clear sides, it is a significant symbol of an endless cycle that stands for completeness, eternity, infinity, and unlimited possibilities. Since many well-known companies are now offering their products and services all over the world, and since the earth is round, it makes sense that they would favor the use of circular designs for their logo. 

Price

Businesses on a tight budget will find that circle stickers are a suitable option since they are often less costly. The reason is that they can be mass manufactured just as rapidly. Also, the round shape makes cutting these stickers a simple process.

Usability

For either round or square company logos, they are an excellent choice. Because most logos are round, circular stickers are both a standard and a classic choice. A round logo sticker is perfect for product labels, from bottles and boxes to candles and cosmetics. Round labels with your brand are the perfect finishing touch for every package. These may also be used as a decorative and functional method of closing packages, making a good first impression on your customers.

Circle Stickers are great for Standard and Classic Logo

2. Die Cut Stickers Highlight Every Edge Of Your Logo Design

Define and Benefits

Stickers are &#;Die Cut&#; if they are cut to follow the shape of your design. Die-cut stickers, as opposed to circular ones, may be made in any form. You may design your own sticker die cuts with any shape, including sharp corners, rounded edges, undulating lines, and more. Both the sticker and the back are shaped to the form, ensuring that there is no leftover surplus of material. So, there is nowhere for debris, dust, or moisture to get trapped. This makes die-cut stickers more robust and long-lasting.

The cut to the shape of die-cut stickers is what make them unique. This distinguishes them from any other stickers that have uniform shapes such as circle, rectangle or square stickers. Using this technique may help your logo design stand out from the crowd. It gives your design a degree of individualization you wouldn&#;t normally obtain if it were a circle logo sticker.

Price

Die-cut stickers are valued more highly than their conventional equivalent since they seem more expert and are more challenging to produce. However, they do have aesthetically pleasing benefits that might make the additional investment worthwhile for your company&#;s brand.

Die Cut vs Oval sticker with the same design

Usability

Stickers formed using a die cutter may be made in any form the customer desires. This makes them appropriate for any company&#;s logo. Because of their uniqueness compared to the other forms, these logo stickers are frequently used by creative enterprises and businesses. These kinds of organizations always want to make breakthrough in their products and presence; thus, die-cut stickers are ideal for their needs. 

If you choose die cut sticker for your sticker logo design, it can catch people&#;s attention immediately. This is because people are naturally drawn to things that are strange or unusual to them. 

You can distribute promotional stickers with your business&#;s logo to spread the word about your company.  

More fantastic suggestions for die-cut logo sticker ideas:

• Stick on packaging of shipping products
• Use as tamper proof sticker on product packaging
• Giveaways at company events

Stickers made specifically for your company will attract more attention than generic ones. Die cut stickers, or the very similar type &#; kiss cut stickers, are one of these. You can make them perfectly fit in whatever form you choose so they are the perfect selection for giveaways stickers with your brand image or message on.

3. Clear is the Rising Sticker Type For Modern Company Logo

Define and Benefits

Clear-backed custom stickers are a fantastic marketing tool for showcasing your company&#;s products. They let you spotlight your goods in a wholly original manner without sacrificing form. Stickers made from transparent material may have their designs printed on both the front and reverse, making them ideal for use on reflective surfaces. You may place the transparent stickers anywhere you want, whenever you like since they come off cleanly every time. Custom transparent stickers stand out due to their unique ability to display a high-quality image against a transparent backdrop. Glossiness is a standard feature of clear stickers. This ensures a high-quality appearance and a polished logo.

Price

Manufacturers use technology to manufacture clear stickers that are both ultra-clear and of the highest quality. Therefore, the cost is more than standard stickers (like round and triangle stickers that have white backing).

Tips to design clear sticker with logo

Experienced designers love working with clear labels since they provide more freedom regarding layout, transparency, and striking components. If your product logo labels seem more &#;etched,&#; try using white ink with your design and apply them on a transparent object (like a beer or wine bottle).

Due to the vinyl&#;s transparency, your logo design can pop on a clear sticker. Some examples of the possible use of this material are as follows:

• Create see-through effects by including transparent sections in your design. Keeping the material in its present state is all required to achieve that goal.
• Make colors that are completely opaque on a transparent background. Because of this, you can make the colors appear &#;natural&#; and vivid even when using a transparent basis. To do that, you can print white in between the vinyl and your artwork.
• Make a stained-glass impression by printing your chosen colors directly onto the material. You will get truly stunning effects with this method.

Clear is the Rising Sticker Type For Modern Company Logo

Closing thoughts

Even though other typical sticker shapes (such as square or rectangle stickers) are still utilized for business logos, the three sticker types we mentioned above are the most popular based on a statistic of thousands of our orders.

Circle stickers are the most classic option that any business can choose for their logo design. Die-cut stickers are for companies that want to make a great impression on customers. Meanwhile, clear stickers, which emerged recently, are prominent, easy to use, and very flexible as they can suits other needs like product labels and glass door signs.

To turn your logo designs into the real ones, visit our website. We are proudly to offer you custom stickers in various shapes and sizes, ensuring good quality and super fast shipping.

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