Sticker and Label Printing

Stickers and labels are an essential branding element for any product. Working with a professional sticker and label printing company ensures that you are getting high quality, durable options designed to last while in use.

The word picture can mean a painting, drawing, or photograph. However, the term label has more specific definitions that need to be understood.

What is a Sticker?

Stickers are small cutouts of printed digital art with adhesive material on the backside. They are versatile visual communication tools and can be used on just about anything as a label or decoration. Often, they feature colorful graphics and cute emoji illustrations that appeal to people of all ages.

A sticker may have a text that provides information or a short message of encouragement. The text is usually crafted by a graphic artist to complement the aesthetic of the sticker. Moreover, some stickers have attractive monograms that showcase initials of personal names or business identities. They are the classiest and most aesthetically pleasing types of stickers.

Kindergarten and elementary students love attaching fancy stickers to their school bags, lunchboxes, books, and other things they bring with them on a daily basis. These stickers usually have Disney wallpapers or cartoon robot illustrations that are appealing to children. They also serve as rewards for their excellent work in the classroom.

Another popular type of sticker is the birthday one, which can be decorated with a happy emoji or clipart illustration. These are very easy to make and can be used as a unique gift for friends celebrating their special day. Bakeries also use fancy stickers to promote their brand and show off their logo on products they sell. Their stickers usually have stylish graphics that will match the overall look of their bakery.

What is a Label?

A label is an identifier that gives information about something. For example, a label on a jar of food tells us what’s inside. The word “label” can also be used to describe someone or something, such as a celebrity who is labeled a superstar. The word can even be applied to an activity, such as a job interview or a presentation.

A label may be made of paper, vinyl or another material. It may be tamper-evident, permanent, or removable and can be printed with a Sticker and Label barcode, UID identification, address, advertising, instructions, recipes, warnings and other important information. Labels for products and equipment need to be durable Sticker and Label enough to withstand a wide range of temperatures, oils, chemicals and other environmental conditions.

In addition, labels can be printed with Braille for people with visual impairments and pictograms for consumers where literacy is an issue. They can also contain important sustainability and certification information, such as organic food or energy efficiency class labels.

Labels can be supplied on sheets, rolls or fan-fold and can be manually applied to items or surfaces. Alternatively, they can be applied with the use of a label applicator to speed up the process. Some labels have protective overcoats or laminates applied to them either before application or afterward. Some labels have a peel-back backing for easy removal. This is especially common with price change labels, or piggyback labels, as found on Express mail envelopes.

What is the Difference Between a Label and a Sticker?

Labels and stickers share the same characteristics—they both have adhesive backing and can be attached to surfaces for branding purposes. However, there is a distinct difference in their functionality. Labels display information about products, whether it’s ingredients and directions or barcode/RFID labels for product tracking. Stickers, on the other hand, are more graphically designed and can be used for marketing to raise awareness of brands or products. They can also be used for identification and may include information about the object they’re stuck to, such as name tags or a logo sticker.

Because they’re handed out and may be used in environments where they will be exposed to wear and tear, stickers tend to be more durable than labels. They are printed on premium, thick vinyl and are often used for promotion by being included in packaging or handed out individually. Labels are more often used in production and are printed on thinner film.

Both types of stickers can be printed on paper or synthetic substrates using a flexographic or digital printing process. There are several different options for finishing, such as embossing, lamination and UV coating. MUNBYN can print both labels and stickers in small or large orders, as well as multiple formats. For highly designed and visual stickers, a digital machine can deliver the vibrant colors and stunning detail that’s necessary.

What is the Difference Between a Label and a Decal?

While they may seem similar at a glance, there is an important difference between a label and a decal. This difference is not just based on the material used but also in how and where they are applied. Decals are generally created to be used outdoors and are printed on a synthetic substrate, such as vinyl or poly. Labels, on the other hand, are often designed to be used indoors and printed on paper or BOPP.

Unlike labels, decals are less focused on providing product information and more about ornamenting a product with a logo or conveying a graphic message. This makes them more eye catching and can help to elevate the look of a product. They are also often produced on a higher quality vinyl base and can be used in more durable applications.

In contrast, a label is designed to communicate the necessary context of a product for safe and proper use. This can include ingredients, directions, and other government-mandated details. It is common for a well-designed product label to serve as a promotional tool and a way to differentiate the brand from its competition. This can be done through color, shape and other design elements that make the product stand out. Labels are also often made on a thinner BOPP film, making them easier to apply during production.