Stickers do a lot of work for a brand: product labels, box seals, inserts, mailers and giveaways. Getting them printed is easy once you know the four choices every sticker order comes down to.
1. Die-cut or kiss-cut
- Die-cut stickers are cut through the sticker and the backing, so each one is its own shape. Great for giveaways and packaging inserts.
- Kiss-cut stickers are cut through the sticker only, leaving the backing intact around it. They are easier to peel and work well on sheets and rolls.
2. Sheets or rolls
Sheets are handy for hand application and retail packs. Rolls are the format for anything applied in volume, by hand or by machine, such as product labels and box seals. If a co-packer will apply them, ask them which roll specs their line needs before you order. Our guide to roll labels for machine application covers what to ask.
3. Material
- Paper is cost-effective for dry, indoor use.
- Vinyl and film hold up to moisture, oil and handling, which matters for supplements, beverages and anything kept in a fridge.
- Clear film lets the product show through, often with a white layer behind the graphics so colors stay bright.
- Holographic and metallic materials add shelf impact, and custom versions add brand protection.
4. Finish
Gloss makes colors pop, matte feels premium and hides fingerprints, and a protective laminate keeps the print from scuffing. Special effects like foil or embossing make a logo stand out to the touch.
Preparing your artwork
- Send vector files where you can, and high-resolution images (300 dpi at final size) where you can’t.
- Add bleed around the design so the cut never shows a white edge.
- Give your brand colors as Pantone references so they match across stickers, labels and packaging. See Pantone matching.
- For die-cut shapes, include the cut line as a separate path.
Ready to print? Send a brief with the size, quantity and finish, and a real person will reply.
