Choose vinyl for durable, water-resistant stickers and product labels, and paper for low-cost indoor labels. Die-cut stickers are cut to shape through the backing; kiss-cut stickers are cut through the vinyl only, leaving a backing border. Roll labels suit hand or machine application on products; sheets suit small runs. Send vector artwork with about 1/8 inch of bleed and check the proof.
Stickers and labels look simple until the first batch arrives peeling, faded or cut through the logo. A few choices up front prevent that.
Materials
| Material | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Matte or gloss vinyl | Stickers, durable product labels | Water and scuff resistant, especially laminated |
| Clear vinyl | Bottles, windows | White ink needed for opaque areas |
| Paper | Indoor labels, packaging seals | Cheapest, not water resistant |
| BOPP film | Product labels on bottles and jars | Common for food and cosmetics labels |
| Holographic and specialty | Branding | Higher cost |
Cuts and formats
| Format | Use |
|---|---|
| Die-cut | Single custom-shaped stickers to hand out |
| Kiss-cut | Stickers that peel easily, with a border |
| Sheets | Several designs per sheet, small runs |
| Roll labels | Product labeling by hand or applicator |
Getting the file right
- Vector artwork where possible; 300 dpi at final size otherwise.
- Bleed of about 1/8 inch beyond the cut line.
- Keep text and logos inside a safe zone of about 1/8 inch inside the cut.
- Convert fonts to outlines, and check colors in CMYK.
- Approve the digital proof carefully; it is your last chance.
Pricing
Price per sticker drops sharply with quantity, and turnaround options change price. Compare suppliers at the quantity you will really order. If you print in-house, a thermal transfer printer gives durable labels; see our label printer guide.
Browse labels and printing.
Common questions
What is the difference between die-cut and kiss-cut?
Die-cut stickers are cut through both the sticker and backing to the shape. Kiss-cut stickers are cut only through the sticker, leaving a larger backing.
Are vinyl stickers waterproof?
Vinyl with a laminate resists water and scuffing well. Check the printer's outdoor rating if they will face sun and weather.
What file format do printers want?
Vector files such as AI, EPS, SVG or PDF are best. High-resolution PNG at 300 dpi at final size works for most printers.
What is bleed?
Extra artwork beyond the cut line, often 1/8 inch, so color runs to the edge when the cut shifts slightly.