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.

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.

Source: PakFactory

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.

Source: PakFactory

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.

Source: PakFactory

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.

Source: Unsplash

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.

Source: Jason Leung

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.

Source: Natasha Kendall

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.

Source: Олександр Луценко

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!

The post Custom Decals, Stickers, and Labels – The Master Guide first appeared on PakFactory Blog.

The post Custom Decals, Stickers, and Labels – The Master Guide appeared first on PakFactory Blog.

If you’re looking for an affordable, fun and creative way to showcase the personality of your budding business or an indie artist looking to begin selling something online, designing a sticker is an excellent avenue for you! According to eRank, which tracks trending products on the giant e-commerce marketplace, Etsy, stickers were one of the most searched terms on the website, showcasing this demand.

Source: Unsplash

Custom stickers are so versatile, with their ability to stick on any surface like a laptop, notebook or phone case and their ability to adopt any genre or style. The only limitation is your creativity and imagination, so in this article, we will go over five easy steps to start selling your DIY stickers online!

What are Custom DIY Stickers?

Before we get into the steps of how to make your own sticker, it is essential to know what a custom sticker is. Now, you might think a sticker is a sticker; you peel it and put it on a surface and done! Though you are not wrong in this sense, there is more to it than that.

A custom sticker is an individually cut piece of adhesive paper or plastic that can have up to five moddable layers manufactured to fit your needs. These layers include:

1. Laminate (optional): For protection
2. Ink: Features your custom design typically made via the CMYK color system.
3. Media: The paper or plastic your design is printed on
4. Adhesive: The sticky part of a sticker
5. Backing Paper: The paper that protects your sticker and makes it easy to peel and apply.

Why Make Custom Stickers?

As mentioned earlier, stickers are so versatile, and there is a big market for them online. Whether it’s your illustration or photograph, anything can become a custom sticker to sell online. You can even have different sizes, shapes and unique finishes that work better for various items and audiences.

Source: PakFactory

With the limitless possibilities for creativity, stickers can fit into any style or genre you want, and finding a consumer base that enjoys your particular style isn’t a challenging task. Even from a business cost perspective, making stickers in small orders or larger batches can cost less than $1, and shipping isn’t very costly either, with a rigid envelope the only thing you need.

So if the above facts convinced you to start your voyage into selling your stickers online, let’s cut to the chase and get into how you can quickly get started!

How to Make Stickers Ready for Online Sale

Designing and selling stickers online is relatively straightforward, but like all good things, you still need to overcome a few challenges. The most challenging part regarding DIY stickers comes at the beginning of the five steps.

1. Designing Your Sticker

Finding a unique aesthetic can take time and effort. We suggest tapping into your hobbies, interests, artistic styles that inspire you, or symbols that represent your business or personality when creating a design.

Source: Unsplash

Once you’ve found that, you can design your stickers to match those inspirations, and we suggest that any design you create be done via the CMYK color system, as this is the standard for print materials.

Learn more about CMYK here.

2. Select a Printing Method

When choosing how to print your stickers, you have two options: print at home or have the professionals do it for you.

• Printing at home requires more work and time, but it allows you to have control from start to finish and prints stickers on demand. However, you will need the proper equipment, and there are naturally fewer customization options on materials and finishes when making stickers at home. 
  
  You’d need a Cricut machine to cut your stickers. Start with calibrating your Cricut machine via the software included with the device. We recommend a few test cuts first, as printing at home involves some trial and error to get perfect.
  
  Once you’ve calibrated your machine, choose your file on your computer, connect it to your printing machine and print using your sticker paper. Apply any lamination or finishes before using your Cricut device to cut the stickers. To help you start making stickers at home, we’ve provided a sticker dieline template below for you to try!

• The other option is to use a printing or manufacturing company. With professional help, you can eliminate the guesswork and hassle while giving more freedom to customize your design. Professional printing companies can create high-volume orders in less time at affordable prices and offer higher-quality finishes and unique templates unavailable at home.
  
  So if you need a custom sticker or label, PakFactory cuts the hassle and gives you a high level of customization you won’t find making custom stickers at home.

3. Where to Sell

Once you’ve completed your sticker design at home or through a professional printing company, it’s time to decide where to sell your products online. Thankfully, there are plenty of options.

Etsy requires making, shipping and managing orders on your own while providing very little customization for your storefront. Each new product comes with a recurring $0.20 listing fee and a 5% commission for each transaction. However, Etsy is simple to set up, and a considerable audience uses this platform, making it an excellent way to get your brand out there.

For Redbubble, selling is easier as you don’t need to make or ship the products. Redbubble allows you to upload your artwork stickers for free and they will handle the production and fulfillment. However, when a customer buys an item, you will need to pay for the manufacturing and shipping costs, which results in a lower profit margin.

With Shopify, you can customize your online storefront with branding, designs and promotions. A monthly fee is required to keep your shop running. But the challenge is that you will need to promote the store via social media, online influencers or email marketing. Do note that many online sellers utilize multiple platforms to diversify and extend their range.

4. Pricing Your Sticker Design

Once you’ve decided where to sell your stickers, how do you calculate pricing? When you’ve put a lot of time and effort into designing the perfect sticker, deciding on a fair price can seem complicated. The best way to determine a reasonable price is to look at your competitors.

Most stickers online will sell between $2-6, but factors like size, materials used (like holographic paper), and design complexity should be considered. Ideally, you need to make a small profit, so calculate the time spent and materials used to create your sticker when deciding upon a fair price.

5. Shipping Your DIY Stickers

The final step is to send your stickers! We mentioned Redbubble handles this, but if you are using other options, you must consider the best way to get your stickers to customers. Thankfully, shipping stickers is a breeze! You only need a stamp and a rigid mailer to protect your stickers from damage.

But if you wish to get a bit extra fancy to distinguish yourself from competitors, online sticker shops are known to create fun packaging to accompany their stickers. Consider handwritten thank-you cards, branded stickers or other custom inserts for extra flare.

Source: Unsplash

Cuts and Types of Stickers You Can Make

First, you must decide on the type of sticker you want to make before you can look into posting them online. For this, there are two main cuts for stickers: die-cut and kiss-cut.

Die-cut stickers conform to the exact shape of a sticker. This can be as simple as a circle or as intricate as the shape of a leaf on a tree. With this method, the sticker and the backing paper are cut to the shape of the actual sticker.

Kiss-cut stickers are when the cut is made only on the sticker layer. When the sticker is removed, the backing paper remains, allowing for sheets of stickers with multiple designs.

Sticker Materials and Finishes

Alongside the different cuts you can have for your sticker design, stickers can also have different looks and feel depending on what they are printed on. Matte, for example, may highlight finer details, while holographic may make work better with bolder designs. Below are some popular choices:

• Glossy Paper or Vinyl
• Matte
• UV Coating
• Hot Foil Stamping
• Holographic
• Scratch Off

We recommend experimenting with different finishes to find the best one that suits your sticker design.

A Sticker for All Occasions

Making sticker designs are a great way to showcase your creativity, personality and artistry while being an excellent product to sell online. Stickers are versatile for all industries, genres and styles and work not only for indie artists and small businesses but for larger businesses too.

So if you want to begin making custom stickers to sell online, look no further than PakFactory. To start your journey today, speak with one of our professional packaging specialists for more information on custom stickers and labels!

The post How to Make and Sell Stickers Online in 5 Easy Steps first appeared on PakFactory Blog.

The post How to Make and Sell Stickers Online in 5 Easy Steps appeared first on PakFactory Blog.