How to Get Started in Custom Sticker Printing

Whether you’re looking to step up your small business marketing or just want to express yourself, custom sticker printing is an affordable and fun way to do it. However, designing and printing stickers isn’t an easy task, especially for first-timers.

Getting the design right is critical to your sticker success. This is particularly true for stickers meant for business purposes.

Printing Method

The material and printing method used for custom sticker printing affects the durability, water resistance, and overall quality of your stickers. You will want to choose the appropriate material and printing method for your intended use and budget.

One option is screen printing, which uses synthetic screens to transfer the desired image on the paper. For each color, a stencil is created and the ink for that color is pushed through the screen onto the paper. This process is repeated for all colors used in the design. This is a manual printing technique that works well for small batches of stickers.

Digital printing is another option. It converts digital-based images directly to your preferred medium. This is a cost-effective and efficient printing technique that is suitable for smaller projects and businesses.

Offset printing is another common printing technique. It prints good-looking graphics on a wide variety of materials and is also suitable for large production runs. It separates the colors in a picture into the CMYK formatting: cyan, magenta, yellow, and key (black). Each of these are imprinted with different ratios of ink to produce the desired color.

When choosing your sticker printing method, make sure your design file is in CMYK format. It’s also important to ensure the text is legible and sized appropriately. It can be difficult to read text that is too small, and it’s best to avoid displaying critical information such as warnings or product details on small stickers.

Materials

Stickers can add an extra pop of color or information to items, and can be a fun way for customers to show off their brand loyalty. Whether used to label product packaging or seal invitations, custom stickers are a popular branding solution. These easy to apply stickers are an inexpensive and effective custom sticker printing way to promote your business and get the word out. They can be printed in bulk to save time and money, or as small, individual stickers to hand out.

Choosing the right sticker printing material is crucial. Some materials are more durable than others, and some are better suited for specific applications. Vinyl decals are the most common type of sticker material, and come in white or clear options. They’re great for indoor or outdoor use, and resist moisture and UV rays. They also conform well to curved surfaces such as a hard hat or motorcycle helmet. Other materials include custom sticker printing polyester, which offers a glossy and almost pearlescent look, or bright silver reflective stickers for a more eye-catching option.

Specialty material includes holographic and reflective stickers, as well as magnetic and static cling options. Lamination is also available, providing an additional layer of protection and durability to your stickers. Choose gloss or matte for the best finish; gloss provides a high-resolution shine, while matte provides a soft glow and prevents glare.

Printing Options

Whether your sticker designs are meant for product labels, gift tags or promotional materials for your small business, you have multiple printing options. Each option features different sizing, materials, and coating for a more versatile sticker print that can fit your business goals.

Stickers can be printed on glossy paper or vinyl for a more durable and long-lasting material that holds up to water, oil, and weather exposure. They can be die-cut or kiss-cut, allowing you to choose from different shapes for your stickers. They can also come with a clear or matte laminate to protect your stickers from tears, smudges and scratches.

You can also create a back print on your custom stickers, which offers an additional advertisement space that can help increase brand awareness or promote special events and campaigns. This option is ideal for companies that are looking to boost their brand visibility and engage with customers through social media.

Other sticker printing options include foil and felt, which add texture to your products for a more exciting unboxing experience. Textures can also elevate the design of your sticker designs and can be used for more creative, unique and eye-catching designs. For example, a textured paper sticker is more rugged and gives off a natural feel, while a silver sticker makes colors look metallic.

Pricing

Personalized stickers are a fun, creative, and cost-effective way to brand your business or promote a cause. They’re also a handy way to add contact information or tracking codes on products, envelopes, or packaging.

Depending on your specifications, sticker printing costs can vary significantly. The size, format, and materials used will all affect your overall cost. Our online calculator will show the total plus unit cost for your order once you’ve selected your specs. The larger your order quantity, the lower your per-sticker price will be.

The right shape communicates a lot about your brand and the message you’re trying to convey. Round stickers hone in on your design in the center, while square and rectangle stickers focus on a larger layout that’s easy to read from a distance. For designs that call for a more unique form factor, choose die-cut stickers to cut out your design into a shape that’s all its own.

Unlike expensive billboards, custom stickers can get your branding in front of thousands of potential customers for less. Use them on packaging, products, and merchandise to help grow your business and build a following. You can even hand them out during events and tradeshows as a way to generate interest and excitement for your company. Or, offer them as promotional freebies to your customers so they can put your branded stickers on their own items and promote your business for you!