What is a sticker?

According to the New Oxford Dictionary, a sticker is "an adhesive label or notice, generally printed or illustrated".

In the adhesive industry, a sticker is a standalone graphic where the design is the product. Unlike labels, which communicate information, or decals, which are made for a specific surface, a sticker exists to show a design, and you can apply it wherever you choose. Stickers are the most popular product in the adhesive world.

Stickers are typically:

• Professionally printed

• Cut individually, die-cut or kiss-cut

• Delivered as individual pieces rather than on rolls

• Made of durable materials such as PVC, PET, PP or paper

Creative demand has led to many variations: sticker packs, holographic, transparent and glitter materials, glossy or matte finishes and more.

From a technical point of view, there are two core ways to cut a sticker:

• Die-cut: cut all the way through the material and the backing liner. See Die-cut Stickers

• Kiss-cut: cut through the top layers only, leaving the backing liner intact. See Kiss-cut Stickers

Everything else is a choice of material, finish, shape or format, not a separate product type.

• Artist merch and resale

• Brand promotion, giveaways and event handouts

• Fan art, culture and community identity

• Packaging inserts and thank-you stickers

• Personal expression and decoration on laptops, water bottles, helmets and gear

Stickers are the core product for most printing companies that work with adhesive products. Read more in How to use stickers as a branding asset.

Most stickers have five layers. Each one affects durability and appearance.

1. Finish (top layer)

A protective layer that seals the print. A laminate adds durability, UV protection, water resistance, texture and shine. It can be glossy, matte or have a special effect such as Cracked Ice. Some stickers are intentionally uncoated, with no laminate.

2. Design (colour layer)

The printed artwork. Most stickers are printed in CMYK. White ink is used on transparent, metallic and speciality materials to give opacity, contrast and accurate colours.

3. Material (base film)

The film the sticker is printed on. It decides durability, print quality, flexibility, outdoor performance and adhesion. Common materials:

• PVC (vinyl)

• PET (polyethylene terephthalate)

• PP (polypropylene)

• Paper, for indoor use

Speciality films include holographic and brushed metal. Each material has different strengths and uses. See What materials are available for your stickers?

4. Adhesive

The pressure-sensitive adhesive that bonds the sticker to a surface.

• Hi-tack: high-strength adhesive for difficult or textured surfaces

• Permanent: the industry standard, medium strength with a long-lasting hold

• Low-tack (removable): low-strength adhesive for temporary or repositionable use

5. Backing liner

The protective layer that covers the adhesive until you use the sticker. You remove it before applying.

Stickers are standalone graphics made to show art, identity or branding, and you can put them anywhere. They are one of the most versatile adhesive products and the starting point for many personalised printed products. Compare with What is a decal? and What is a label?, or look up terms in the Dictionary.