Let’s face it- most people think labels and stickers are the same. You might even be guilty of using the terms interchangeably, like calling every soft drink a ‘Coke’ or every tissue a ‘Kleenex.’
But labels and stickers are not two words for the same thing. They’re different in how they’re made, how they stick, and how they’re used in the real world.
As leading printers in Reno, we’ve seen firsthand how stickers and labels play their unique role in printing projects, and we’re here to break it down for you. Join our Reno, NV, print shop as we dive into the world of custom labels and stickers, focusing on what separates the two.
Table of Content
Labels Explained
Stickers Explained
Comparing Labels and Stickers
How to Choose Between Custom Labels and Stickers
Labels Explained
So, what exactly is a label?
A label is a piece of paper, plastic, fabric, or another material that you stick onto a product, container, or surface to provide important information. Mostly, labels are designed with a specific purpose, like listing ingredients, displaying barcodes, or showing off a brand logo. Think of them as the little information tags that tell you what you need to know about an item.
Typical Materials and Types
Labels can be made from different materials, depending on what they’re needed for. The most common ones are paper, polyester, and vinyl.
- Paper labels are affordable and great for everyday products.
- Polyester labels are tougher and can handle harsh conditions.
- Vinyl labels strike a balance between durability and flexibility, so they work well both indoors and outdoors.
There are two formats of labels- sheet labels and roll labels:
Sheet Labels
Sheet labels are exactly what they sound like- labels that come on an A4 sheet. These are typically used for smaller projects like office tasks, crafting, or small business needs.
Generally, sheet labels can be printed on a standard desktop printer. They’re user-friendly, easy to manage, and quicker to produce in small batches.
Roll Labels
Roll labels are wound around a cardboard spool, designed specifically for use with dedicated label printers. They’re perfect for projects requiring each label to be unique, like barcodes or shipping labels, as the roll format allows quicker and more efficient printing.
However, keep in mind that some roll-label printers are limited to black and white or offer only a few color options. If your project needs vibrant, full-color labels, make sure to verify your printer’s capabilities before you start.
Labels in Reno, Nevada, are essential across various industries—such as retail, manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals—that require clear, consistent communication with customers.
Stickers Explained
At its simplest, a sticker is just a piece of material with an adhesive back and a design, image, or text on the front. Unlike labels, stickers are all about fun and creativity, letting you showcase a cool design or promote something you love. You can stick them on your laptop, water bottle, or even your car to add some personality and flair.
Typical Materials and Types
Stickers are often made from vinyl or coated with UV varnish or a glossy laminate to protect them from harsh environments.
Also, how stickers are cut can make a big difference in how they look and feel. Two popular options are die-cut stickers and kiss-cut stickers:
Die-Cut Stickers
Die-cut stickers are precisely trimmed to the shape of your design without any extra backing or border around the edges. If you’re creating custom shapes like cars or characters, defined die-cut stickers are the way to go.
Kiss-Cut Stickers
On the other hand, kiss-cut stickers are partially cut through the top layer of material.
They’re surrounded by a border of backing material to make it easier to peel off and apply. Kiss-cut stickers are great if you want to include additional design elements or information on the backing or if you need additional protection for more intricate designs.
Stickers are used everywhere. In marketing, they’re an awesome way to promote a brand- like those stickers you get at events or with a purchase. They also offer a unique opportunity to personalize your products or packaging with designs, quotes, or images that resonate with your target audience.
Plus, stickers are a go-to for creative projects, school activities, or even political campaigns, where they help spread a message or show support.
Comparing Labels and Stickers
When deciding between personalized labels and stickers, it’s important to understand how they differ in design, adhesive properties, and application. Let’s break down these key distinctions to help you make the right choice:
Differences in Design and Customization
Labels in Reno, NV, usually focus on functionality and providing essential information. They’re often designed to fit specific templates or brand guidelines.
Custom stickers are all about creativity and expression. You can go wild with colors, shapes, sizes, and everything else in between. If you want to add a personal or promotional touch, stickers give you more creative freedom in design.
Adhesive Properties
Custom labels usually have stronger, more permanent adhesives since they’re meant to stay put and provide important information, sometimes for the product’s entire life cycle.
Stickers can vary in adhesive strength. Some are made to be easily removable or repositionable, while others are designed to stick around for a while, especially those made with durable materials like vinyl.
Application Process
Applying labels is often straightforward, more so in manufacturing settings where machines do all the work. Once a label is on, it’s typically there to stay, which can make removal tricky and sometimes require special tools or solvents.
Stickers, however, are usually applied by hand and are designed for ease of use. Many stickers can also be peeled off without much hassle.
How to Choose Between Custom Labels and Stickers
Deciding when to use labels or stickers for your business can have a significant impact on your branding, customer engagement, and overall marketing strategy. Our Reno, NV, print shop has compiled a guide to help you make the right choice based on your specific needs and goals.
Consider the Purpose
Start by defining the primary purpose of the item you need. Are you looking to convey critical information like product details or safety information? If so, go with customized labels.
However, if your goal is to create brand awareness or add a creative touch to your products, stickers are a better choice. A fun, attractive sticker can capture attention and keep your brand front and center with customers.
Evaluate the Environment
Consider where and how the label or sticker will be used. Labels are typically more durable and designed to withstand moisture, heat, or abrasion.
Although stickers are also available in durable materials – they’re often intended for shorter-term use or more casual applications. Stickers are great for indoor use or on items that won’t face extreme conditions.
So, if your product or promotion will be in a tough environment, you might need a label, but if it’s something that won’t be exposed to the elements, a sticker might be just fine.
Think About Design and Customization
Another important factor is the level of customization you require. Labels are often more standardized, following specific brand guidelines to ensure consistency across all products.
Stickers offer more creative freedom. You can experiment with playful, die-cut designs to make your brand stand out and forge a deeper connection with your audience.
Budget Considerations
Finally, account for your budget. Labels that must meet regulatory standards or require high-quality materials can be more expensive. That said, they’re often necessary for compliance and can enhance the perceived value of your product.
Stickers are usually more budget-friendly, allowing you to make a big impact without a significant investment. The key is to use them wisely in marketing campaigns or as part of your overall brand experience.
Print Premium Die-Cut Labels with Digiprint
There you have it: a comprehensive rundown on the differences between stickers and labels. We hope this post gives you some useful insights to share at your next gathering—or when it’s time to choose the perfect product for your needs.
Ready to take your branding to the next level? Print your premium die-cut labels with Digiprint today! Get started today and see the difference quality makes.
