You would have often heard the words stickers, labels and decals being used synonymously. There are multiple similarities between them yet they are distinct because of a few differences in their manufacturing and their uses. Keep on reading to know what sets them apart and enables you to distinguish between them so that if you are looking for any of them, you can make better-informed decisions.
Let’s begin with the basic definitions to help you find out the main difference between them:
What Is A Sticker?
Custom stickers are individual graphics that are printed on vinyl, paper or fabric with an adhesive on their back. It is pre-cut into its final shape with its protective backing intact. The custom sticker sheets have multiple stickers that are easy to peel and apply to smooth surfaces for decorative as well as promotional purposes. They are most commonly used for:
- Product branding
- Promotional giveaways
- Laptop and water bottle stickers
- Event merchandise
- Personalized gifts
What Is A Label?
Custom labels are mainly used for informational purposes. They are made of thinner material so that they can be wrapped around a tight surface without lifting. They are used to share information about a product like its nutritional value, product names, ingredients, facts, usage instructions, barcodes, pricing, and regulatory information. Brands can order custom labels to increase awareness about their products and gain the trust of customers by displaying all required details of the products.
What Are Decals?
Custom decals are durable adhesive graphics that are designed for long term application. They are usually made of premium vinyl material because they are intended for permanent use. The large size of custom decals for windows makes them an amazing promotional tool for a brand.
Main Differences Between Stickers, Labels And Decals
The difference in seemingly synonymous terms becomes clear when they are compared with each other. They can be distinguished from one another on the basis of:
Purpose with their alluring appearance. Businesses mostly use them for brand merchandise to increase their visibility in the market. They can also be used for personal use to adorn the gifts or bring a quirk to items of daily use.
Then, what is a decal sticker used for? It is used for a long-term visual display to enhance the visibility of the brand. The decals are placed in areas where there is high traffic to ensure a certain message is communicated to a vast number of people. They gain the attention of the customers immediately because of their large size and alluring visuals.
Labels focus on communicating purpose. They are an important addition to the product packaging because they display the details of the items to make shopping easier for the customers, as they help them choose their desired option.
Materials
The material selection is most important because it affects the performance. Custom sticker makers often go for paper or vinyl as the base material. Paper is an amazing environmentally friendly and economical option that can be used indoors. But vinyl is a better option for outdoor use because of its moisture resistance. This is the reason that decals are also made of premium vinyl. They have high flexibility and can bear conditions like sunlight and humidity by adhering permanently to the surfaces they are attached to.
Labels are available in paper, vinyl, polyester and BOPP materials. The material choice depends on where the product will be stored and how frequently it will be handled.
Durability
Different adhesive products are designed to last for varying time spans. The paper stickers and labels have good adhesion as long as they are kept indoors without being exposed to high and humid temperatures. Vinyl versions provide better protection against moisture as well as scratches.
Decals have the highest durability which is why they can be used for outdoor purposes. Custom decals for walls are a great option for displaying brand messages in places where there are frequent temperature changes because they can resist damage caused by UV rays or moisture.
Application Method
Stickers are the simplest to use out of all options. They can be peeled easily from the backing and then applied directly to the surface. Decals require transfer tape when the design contains separate letters or highly intricate designs. This method keeps every element aligned to create a professional finish.
Labels are also attached on the basis of stick-and-peel but they are mostly available as rolls because a large number of products require labelling each day. The custom labels on roll increase the efficiency of the workflow because of their practical nature.
Get a quick overview to find out the difference between decals and stickers and labels:
Real World Uses of Stickers, Labels, and Decals
Still wondering what decals are used for? Or what purpose do stickers or labels serve? Then read on to find out how they are practically used every day in industries or personal life
Retail and E-commerce
Adhesives are a key component of products in marketplaces. Labels are essential for product names, ingredients, barcodes, pricing, expiration dates, and other information customers need before purchasing a product. They are sometimes also a requirement of regulatory authorities to ensure compliance with safety standards.
Stickers are used to elevate the experience of the customers with their attractive looks.
Brands use custom sticker rolls to make their products visually attractive to increase their sales and promote their products at the same time.
Food and Beverage Businesses
Packaging builds the first impression of the customers, especially when it comes to edibles. Labels are used for food and drinks to display nutritional facts or storage details according to the requirements of regulatory authorities. Custom labels for water bottles are usually made of BOPP because of its moisture resistance properties that allow it to be used in refrigerators. Stickers are used for seasonal promotions or limited edition items, but they are not a replacement for the main label.
Fashion Industry
Apparel uses custom labels for clothing to share important information like the size of the product, fabric composition and washing instructions to ensure customers choose the best product for themselves. They not only build a professional image of teh brand but also create ease for the customers during the shopping process.
Vehicle Branding
Custom decals for cars are a popular option because of their large size and ability to bear all kinds of weather conditions. They increase the brand visibility by acting as a moving billboard wherever the vehicle goes. Its huge dimensions make it impossible to ignore which is why decals are considered to be a one-time investment for promoting a brand.
Customization Options
Brands can add a personal touch to their adhesive products in order to stand out. The options for custom sticker printing are endless. One can experiment with the type or shape of the sticker and even choose perfect finishing options that elevate the entire look of the product. Some of the options include:
- Die-cut and kiss-cut shapes
- Matte/ gloss finishes
- Metallic and holographic effects
- White ink printing
- Embossing/ debossing
- Permanent or removable adhesives
- Laminated finishes for extra durability
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Use it for the proper adhesives for the right products to get the best results. Like, choose custom decals for trucks instead of stickers so that they can fulfill their intended purpose perfectly. Do not make the following mistakes if you seek the best results:
- Using paper products outdoors. The quality of paper stickers and labels can decline quickly in extreme conditions which is why vinyl is a better choice for outdoor use.
- Replacing labels with stickers. While stickers can enhance packaging, they don’t provide the structured information required for retail products.
- Choosing decals for temporary promotions. A removable sticker may be a more practical option than a long-lasting vinyl decal if it is meant to be displayed for a short period of time.
- Ignoring the application surface. Curved bottles, textured walls, and vehicle paint each require different materials and adhesives for the best results.
Be mindful of the following pros and cons when you are selecting an adhesive product:
Final Remarks
It is easy to make the best choice for your brand when the difference between stickers, labels and decals is clear. Just consider where the product will be applied, how long it needs to last, and the purpose it will serve to find out which adhesive product the product requires. You can order any of these from one trusted place in Canada. Custom Stickers Pro is the largest wholesale supplier of custom stickers, labels and decals. Brands dealing in different products can choose us because we have an amazing customization range that can be used to serve versatile purposes. Just give us a call or send an email to reach out and get the best stickers, labels or decals for your brand.