MATERIALS
MATERIALS & FINISHES
White or clear? Matte or gloss? Laminated or not?
The right material depends on what you’re using it for, where it’s going and how long you need it to stay there.
Not sure what you need?
WHITE & CLEAR
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WHITE AND CLEAR VINYL?
White vinyl has an opaque white base, so printed colours stay visible regardless of the surface underneath.
Clear vinyl allows the surface underneath to show through, giving a more seamless appearance.
Which one works best depends on your design and what you’re applying it to.
WILL CLEAR STICKERS WORK ON DARK SURFACES?
Not always.
Standard printed colours on clear vinyl are translucent, so the colour of the surface underneath can affect how the design looks. On dark surfaces, some colours may become difficult to see altogether.
That’s where white ink can be useful.
WHAT IS WHITE INK?
White ink allows us to print white onto clear or coloured materials – something a standard CMYK printer can’t do.
It can be used on its own for white designs or printed underneath colour to create an opaque base.
This means coloured artwork can remain much more visible when applied to clear, dark or strongly coloured surfaces.
MATTE & GLOSS
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MATTE AND GLOSS?
Gloss has a smooth, shiny finish and tends to make colours look particularly vibrant.
Matte has a softer, lower-sheen appearance with less reflection.
Neither is necessarily better — it mostly comes down to the look you want and the product you’re using it for.
WHICH ONE SHOULD I CHOOSE?
For bright colours, product labels and a classic vinyl finish, gloss is a good all-round choice.
For a softer, more understated finish, matte may suit the design better.
If you’re unsure, tell us what you’re making and we’ll point you in the right direction.
LAMINATION
WHAT DOES LAMINATION DO?
Lamination adds a clear protective layer over the printed surface.
It helps protect the print from handling, moisture, scratching, UV exposure and general wear.
It’s particularly useful for products intended for longer-term or outdoor use.
DO I NEED LAMINATION?
Not necessarily.
For wedding favours, packaging, event stationery and many short-term indoor uses, it may be completely unnecessary.
For items that will be handled frequently, used outdoors or exposed to more demanding conditions, lamination can provide useful additional protection.
The individual product page will tell you what options are available.
CAN EVERYTHING BE LAMINATED?
No.
Very small or intricate products aren’t always suitable for lamination because of the way they’re produced and cut.
If you need a particularly small laminated sticker, contact us before ordering and we’ll check what’s possible.
WATER & WEATHER
ARE YOUR STICKERS WATERPROOF?
Many of our vinyl stickers are waterproof, but it depends on the particular material.
Check the individual product description for the intended use.
And importantly:
Waterproof doesn’t automatically mean weatherproof, dishwasher-safe or suitable for prolonged submersion.
Those are different things.
ARE THEY WEATHERPROOF?
Some materials are suitable for outdoor use, particularly when paired with the appropriate laminate.
Sunlight, rain, temperature changes and prolonged exposure are considerably tougher on print than sitting nicely on a favour bottle indoors.
If you’re ordering for outdoor use, choose a product specifically intended for it or ask us first.
CAN THEY GO IN THE DISHWASHER?
Only if the individual product specifically says so.
Waterproof adhesive vinyl can tolerate water, but a dishwasher adds heat, detergent, pressure and repeated washing into the equation.
If dishwasher resistance matters, check before ordering.
SURFACES
WHAT WILL YOUR STICKERS STICK TO?
Smooth, clean surfaces generally give the best results.
Glass, plastic, metal and many smooth packaging surfaces are usually straightforward, although suitability depends on the particular adhesive and material.
Textured, dusty, porous, oily or heavily curved surfaces can be more challenging.
WILL THEY STICK TO FABRIC?
Standard adhesive stickers aren’t designed as a permanent solution for clothing or fabric.
They may stick temporarily, but for something intended to stay on clothing, an iron-on/heat transfer material is usually the better option.
WHAT ABOUT PAINTED WALLS?
This depends heavily on the paint, surface and vinyl being used.
Some removable vinyls may be suitable, but adhesion and removal can vary – particularly with freshly painted, textured or delicate walls.
If you’re unsure, test a small inconspicuous area first.
CAN I USE THEM ON BOTTLES?
Absolutely — but measure the bottle first.
Bottle shapes and sizes vary far more than you’d think, particularly miniatures.
There is still, apparently, no international committee making sure everyone’s limoncello bottles are the same size.
Send us measurements or a photo if you’re unsure.
TRANSFER DECALS
IS A TRANSFER DECAL THE SAME AS A STICKER?
No.
A printed sticker is a piece of adhesive material with your design printed onto it.
A transfer decal is made from individually cut vinyl lettering or shapes. Transfer tape holds everything together while it’s applied, then the tape is removed so only the design remains on the surface.
There’s no surrounding sticker background.
WHAT SURFACES WORK BEST FOR TRANSFER DECALS?
Smooth, clean, non-porous surfaces usually work best.
Glass, mirrors, acrylic and many smooth painted or finished surfaces are common applications.
If you’re planning something unusual, send us a photo first.
STILL NOT SURE?
You don’t need to become an expert in vinyl to order a sticker.
Tell us what you’re making, where it’s going and what you need it to survive.
A photo is even better.