Summary:
- Stickers serve as a great marketing tool, so selecting the right material ensures durability, aesthetics and cost-effectiveness.
- Paper stickers have low durability and aren’t waterproof so they’re best for short-term indoor use. Vinyl stickers are water-resistant and more durable—suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Laminated stickers are the most durable, best for extreme outdoor conditions and have the longest lifespan.
- Consider your brand aesthetic and budget when choosing a sticker material. A glossy finish creates a bold, vibrant look while a matte finish has an elegant, non-glare appearance. Paper stickers are the most affordable, followed by vinyl. Laminated stickers have a higher upfront cost but will last longer.
- Little Rock offers 3 vinyl sticker types (Permanent, Removable and High-Tack Permanent) with matte or glossy finishes. Order a free sample kit to test sticker materials before making a large order.
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A sticker can be a great marketing tool for your business—that’s why choosing the right material is essential for ensuring durability, aesthetic appeal and cost-effectiveness. There are many factors to consider such as exposure to elements, surface adhesion and the overall look and feel of your brand.
The Little Rock team breaks down how to choose the right sticker material to fit your marketing needs, plus which material type is better for indoor versus outdoor applications.
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Comparing Sticker Materials
There are three popular sticker materials to choose from: paper, vinyl and laminated options. Each sticker material type varies in terms of durability, finish, weather resistance and more.
Here’s a quick comparison of the three material types and the benefits they offer.
| Feature | Paper Stickers | Vinyl Stickers | Laminated Stickers |
| Durability | Low (easily tears, fades) | High (tear-resistant, waterproof) | Very High (added protection) |
| Finish | Matte or semi-gloss | Glossy, matte or transparent | Enhanced gloss or matte finish |
| Water Resistance | No | Yes | Yes (best for prolonged exposure) |
| UV Resistance | No | Yes (with UV coating) | Excellent (best protection from fading) |
| Weatherproofing | No | Moderate | Best for extreme conditions |
| Cost | Low | Moderate | Higher (but long-lasting) |
| Best Use | Short-term labels, packaging | General outdoor/indoor use | Long-term outdoor use, heavy wear areas |
This table provides a broad snapshot of everything you need to know about various sticker materials. Let’s dive a little deeper into which sticker materials are better for indoor or outdoor applications and why.
Outdoor Applications
For outdoor stickers, weatherproofing is crucial to prevent peeling, fading or deterioration due to rain, sunlight and temperature changes. You can choose from one of two vinyl sticker types suited to withstand the outdoor elements.
Vinyl Stickers: Flexible and water-resistant, making them ideal for cars, windows and signage. UV-coated vinyl can resist sun exposure but may still fade over time.
Laminated Vinyl Stickers: Offer the best protection with an extra-clear layer shielding against UV rays, scratches and moisture. As the most UV-resistant option, it can last 5+ years in outdoor conditions.
Indoor Applications
While outdoor stickers focus on durability, indoor stickers emphasize aesthetic appeal, adhesion and the ability to easily reposition on applications like walls, laptops and packaging.
Paper Stickers: Ideal for product labels, event name tags and packaging. This sticker material is not waterproof.
Removable Vinyl Stickers: Great for walls and laptops; easily repositionable without residue. This material typically uses a low-tack adhesive to allow for repositioning.
Brand Aesthetic & Budget Considerations
Beyond simply choosing your sticker material, you’ll also need to consider which material best suits your brand aesthetic and how much it’s going to cost to make. This is where the finish of your sticker is important. The good news is that most sticker materials can have a glossy or matte finish.
Stickers with a glossy finish tend to be more vibrant and eye-catching. This works well for bold or modern brands where the colours need to really stand out. Stickers with a matte finish reduces glare and offers an elegant feel. Luxury and minimalist brands often benefit from a matte or textured sticker.
In terms of budget, a good rule of thumb is this: the more durable a sticker is, the higher the cost. Paper stickers are the most affordable but wear quickly. A vinyl sticker has a mid-range cost with good durability. Laminated stickers have a higher up-front cost but are ideal for long-term applications and reduce the need for frequent replacements.
Choose Little Rock For All Your Print Needs
By considering durability, finish and weather-resistance, plus your brand aesthetic and budget, you can choose the perfect sticker material for any application. At Little Rock, we offer three different vinyl sticker options (Permanent, Removable and High-Tack Permanent) which can have either a glossy or matte finish. If you’d like a closer look at each of our sticker types, order a free sample kit to see how your product will look and feel before placing a larger order. Contact the Little Rock Printing experts if you have questions about our custom stickers or any other print products we offer.
