Types of Stickers: How to Choose the Right Stickers for Your Project
Find the right stickers for any project with this complete guide to sticker types, materials, finishes, durability, and more.
What you’ll learn about stickers in this guide
From sticker formats and materials to finishes, adhesives, and durability, this guide covers the key factors to consider when choosing stickers. You’ll also learn which options work well for common projects and whether printing your own or ordering custom-printed stickers makes the most sense for your needs.
Table of contents
- Start with how you’ll use your stickers
- Choose the right sticker format
- Paper vs. film stickers: What’s the difference?
- When do you need waterproof or durable stickers?
- Permanent vs. removable stickers
- Choose the right sticker material and finish
- What type of sticker is best for your project?
- Should you order custom stickers or print your own?
- Sticker FAQ
Explore the sticker guide
Choosing stickers doesn’t have to be complicated
With so many types of stickers to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. Paper or film? Individual stickers or sheets? Matte or glossy? Permanent or removable? Luckily, narrowing down your choices is easier when you know what matters for your project.
The right sticker can do a lot more than decorate a surface. Stickers can add branding to product packaging, turn your artwork into something you can share or sell, personalize everyday items, promote your business, or simply make something feel more like your own. And the way you plan to use your stickers can help determine which type will work best.
That’s why it helps to start with a few practical questions. Where will your stickers go? Will they be exposed to water, weather, or frequent handling? How long do they need to last? And what do you want them to look like? From there, you can narrow down the format, material, adhesive, and finish that fit what you’re making.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the different types of stickers, explain the key differences, and show you what to consider for common projects and uses. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of your options and be ready to choose the right stickers for your project.
Not sure whether your project calls for a label or a sticker? Learn more about the difference between labels and stickers.
Start with how you’ll use your stickers
Before comparing sticker materials, formats, and finishes, think about what you need your stickers to do. A sticker for a product package may have very different needs than one going on a water bottle, storefront window, laptop, or giveaway.
Where your stickers will go, what they’ll be exposed to, how long they need to last, and how you plan to use them can all help narrow down your options. Answering a few simple questions first will make it easier to identify the sticker features that matter most for your project.
Where will the sticker go?
Start by thinking about the surface and environment where you’ll use your sticker. Product packaging, water bottles, laptops, windows, and other surfaces can have different requirements. Consider whether your sticker will be used indoors or outdoors and what type of surface you’re applying it to. These details can help determine which material, adhesive, and other features you’ll need.
What will the sticker be exposed to?
Next, think about what your sticker may encounter during everyday use. Water, moisture, oils, sunlight, frequent handling, and temperature changes can all affect how well a sticker holds up over time.
For example, a decorative sticker used indoors may not need the same level of durability as one applied to a water bottle or outdoor surface. If your project needs extra protection, look for sticker materials designed for those conditions.
How long does it need to stay there?
Some stickers are meant to stay put, while others only need to stick around temporarily. Knowing how long you want your sticker to remain in place can help you choose between permanent and removable options.
Permanent adhesive is generally a better fit when you want lasting adhesion. Removable adhesive can be useful for temporary applications or situations where you may want to reposition or remove the sticker later. We’ll cover the differences between permanent and removable stickers in more detail below.
What do you want it to look like?
The material and finish you choose can change the overall look and feel of your sticker. Depending on your project, you might want something clean and understated, colorful and glossy, transparent, or designed to catch the eye.
Think about the impression you want your finished project to make. Matte, glossy, clear, holographic, and metallic options can each create a different effect, and we’ll compare those choices later in this guide.
How will you apply or distribute your stickers?
Finally, consider how you’ll actually use your stickers. Are you applying them to product packaging, handing them out individually, selling them as merchandise, or offering several designs together?
How you plan to use and distribute them can help determine whether individual stickers, sticker sheets, or another format makes the most sense. It can also help you decide whether printing your own stickers or ordering custom-printed ones is the better fit.
Choose the right sticker format
Sticker format affects more than how your finished stickers look. It can also determine the packaging, how easy they are to peel and apply, and whether you receive one design at a time or several together on a sheet.
Some formats are ideal for handing out or selling individual stickers, while others make it easier to keep multiple designs together or apply larger quantities efficiently. Here’s how the most common sticker formats compare.
Die-cut stickers
With die-cut stickers, the cut follows the shape of your design through both the sticker and its backing. This gives each sticker its own finished shape instead of leaving extra backing material around the design.
They’re a great choice when the sticker itself is part of the presentation, such as branded giveaways, promotional stickers, artwork, or merchandise. Custom shapes can also help logos, illustrations, and other designs make more of an impact.
Kiss-cut stickers
With kiss-cut, the cut goes through the sticker material while the surrounding backing stays intact. You simply peel the sticker away from the larger backing when you’re ready to use it.
The extra backing can make stickers easier to peel, handle, and distribute. It can also provide additional space around the sticker for printed branding, messaging, or other design elements, depending on the product.
Sticker sheets
Sticker sheets keep multiple stickers together on a single backing sheet. They can include several copies of the same design or a collection of different designs, shapes, and sizes.
Sheets are especially useful for sticker sets, coordinated designs, packaging, crafts, planners, and other projects where you want several stickers conveniently grouped together.
Roll stickers
Roll stickers come on a continuous liner rather than individual backings or flat sheets. This format keeps larger quantities organized and makes it easy to peel stickers one after another.
They’re especially practical when you’re applying the same stickers repeatedly, such as adding branding or other information to products, packaging, bags, or boxes.
Which sticker format should you choose?
Comparison table
| Sticker format | Best for | Why choose it |
| Die-cut | Giveaways, merchandise, individual designs | Each sticker has its own finished shape |
| Kiss-cut | Easy peeling, handling, and distribution | Extra backing surrounds the sticker |
| Sticker sheets | Sets and multiple designs | Keeps several stickers together |
| Rolls | Repeated application and larger quantities | Easy to dispense one after another |
Paper vs. film stickers: What’s the difference?
One of the biggest decisions when choosing stickers is the material. Paper and film are two common options, and each has advantages depending on where and how you plan to use your stickers.
Paper stickers are often a practical choice for indoor projects and applications that don’t need extra durability. Film stickers generally work better for projects that may encounter moisture, frequent handling, or other conditions that call for a more durable material. Vinyl is one common film material for stickers, although specific film materials and performance can vary by product.
Neither option is automatically better than the other. Think about the surface, environment, expected wear, and look you want to achieve to decide which material makes the most sense for your project.
What are paper stickers?
Paper stickers use a paper-based face material and are a versatile choice for many everyday applications. They work especially well for indoor projects where exposure to water, weather, or heavy wear isn’t a major concern.
For example, paper stickers work well for product packaging, boxes, bags, envelopes, crafts, party favors, and other projects that generally stay clean and dry. Depending on the material and finish, they can also offer different looks and textures to complement your design.
Paper can be a particularly practical choice when durability isn’t the top priority and you want an easy way to add branding, information, or decoration to a project.
What are film stickers?
Film stickers use a flexible plastic-based material rather than paper. Film materials generally offer greater durability than paper, making them useful for stickers that may encounter moisture, frequent handling, or more demanding conditions.
That added durability can be helpful for water bottles, tumblers, laptops, outdoor gear, and other frequently used items. However, different films offer different levels of protection, so check the specific product features if your stickers need to withstand water, weather, or other challenging conditions.
Film can also be a good choice for branding, promotional stickers, giveaways, or merchandise when you want a more durable option.
Should you choose paper or film stickers?
If your stickers will primarily stay indoors and away from moisture and heavy wear, paper may be all you need. For projects that need greater durability or may encounter moisture and frequent handling, film may be the better choice.
| Paper stickers | Film stickers | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Everyday indoor applications | More demanding applications |
| Durability | Best for lighter-duty use | Generally more durable |
| Moisture | Best when kept clean and dry | Better suited for exposure to moisture* |
| Common uses | Packaging, bags, boxes, envelopes, crafts | Water bottles, laptops, gear, giveaways |
| Choose when | Extra durability isn’t a priority | You need a sticker that can handle more wear |
*Water resistance varies by product. Look for stickers specifically designed for the conditions they’ll encounter.
When do you need waterproof or durable stickers?
Not every project needs the same level of protection. A sticker on indoor packaging has very different demands than one on outdoor equipment or an item you handle every day.
Think about the conditions your stickers will encounter before choosing a material. Water and moisture are important, but so are sunlight, temperature changes, oils, abrasion, and frequent handling. Choosing a sticker designed for those conditions can help your design look its best and last as long as you need it to.
Waterproof vs. water-resistant stickers
Waterproof and water-resistant may sound similar, but they describe different levels of protection. Water-resistant stickers can withstand some exposure to water or moisture, while waterproof stickers provide a higher level of protection against water.
Always check the specific product features rather than assuming a sticker is waterproof based on its material alone. Choosing a film material, including vinyl, doesn’t necessarily mean your finished sticker will be waterproof.
Learn more about the difference between waterproof and water-resistant materials and when you might need each.
Stickers for outdoor use
Outdoor stickers may need to withstand more than occasional moisture. Depending on where you use them, outdoor stickers may encounter rain, sunlight, changing temperatures, and other environmental conditions.
Look for stickers specifically designed for outdoor use and check which conditions the material can withstand. A vinyl film option may be appropriate for some outdoor projects, but the individual product specifications should ultimately guide your choice.
Stickers for frequent handling
Water isn’t the only thing that can wear down a sticker. Stickers on laptops, notebooks, equipment, storage containers, and other frequently handled items may experience rubbing, scratching, oils from hands, and everyday wear.
For these projects, consider a more durable material or construction designed to hold up to frequent use. This can help the sticker stay polished even with frequent handling.
Permanent vs. removable stickers
How long you want your sticker to stay in place is another important consideration. Some projects call for a strong, lasting hold, while others benefit from a sticker that can be removed when it’s no longer needed.
The adhesive helps determine both how securely your sticker stays in place and what happens when it’s time to take it off.
When should you choose permanent stickers?
Permanent stickers are designed for applications where you want the sticker to stay securely in place. They’re a good choice for projects where long-term adhesion is more important than being able to easily remove or reposition the sticker later.
That can include product branding, packaging, promotional stickers, equipment, storage containers, and other applications intended to last. The strength and performance of an adhesive can vary by product, so always check that the sticker is suitable for your surface and intended use.
When should you choose removable stickers?
Removable stickers are designed to come off more easily when you no longer need them. This makes them useful for temporary promotions, windows, seasonal decorating, short-term organization, and other projects where you may eventually want to remove or replace the sticker.
Depending on the product, removable stickers may also be designed to come off cleanly without leaving behind adhesive residue.
Consider the surface before you stick
Adhesive is only part of the equation. The surface you’re applying your sticker to can also affect how well the adhesive performs and how easily it can be removed.
Smooth, clean surfaces generally give adhesives the best opportunity to make good contact. Texture, coatings, moisture, dirt, oils, and other surface conditions can affect adhesion. If removability or surface protection is especially important, check the product recommendations before applying your stickers.
Want to learn more? See how permanent and removable adhesives compare and what to consider when choosing one for your project.
Choose the right sticker material and finish
Once you’ve narrowed down the practical details, think about how you want your stickers to look. The material and finish you choose can affect how colors appear, how much light the sticker reflects, and how the design works with the surface underneath.
Your choice might come down to the style you prefer, but it can also depend on your design and where the sticker will be used. Here are a few common options to consider.
Matte Stickers
Matte stickers have a smooth, non-glossy finish that reduces shine and reflection. This can give designs a softer, more understated look and make text and fine details easy to see without glare.
Matte can work especially well for minimalist designs, illustrations, product packaging, and projects where you want the sticker to complement the overall design rather than add extra shine.
Glossy Stickers
Glossy stickers have a shiny, reflective finish that can give colors and graphics a vibrant, polished appearance. They’re a good option when you want your design to feel bright and eye-catching.
Consider glossy stickers for colorful artwork, logos, promotional stickers, packaging, and other designs where you want the graphics to make an impact.
Clear Stickers
Clear stickers let the surface underneath show through, which can help your design look like it was printed directly onto the item. They’re especially useful when you want your branding or artwork to be the focus without an opaque background surrounding it.
Clear stickers can work well on bottles, jars, windows, packaging, and other smooth surfaces. Keep the color of the surface in mind, since it may affect how your printed design appears.
Holographic & Metallic Stickers
Want your stickers to make more of a statement? Holographic and chrome silver films add eye-catching effects that can make artwork, branding, and other designs feel extra special.
Holographic film reflects light to create a colorful, shifting effect, while chrome silver film adds a metallic look. These materials can be especially fun for merchandise, giveaways, promotional stickers, or packaging where the sticker is meant to get noticed.
Matte vs. glossy stickers: Which should you choose?
Neither finish is necessarily better. The choice mostly comes down to the look you want and what works best for your design. Choose matte when you want a softer, low-shine appearance, or glossy when you want more shine and a brighter, polished look. For a closer look at these two finishes, see our guide to choosing between matte and glossy.
What type of sticker is best for your project?
Now that you know what separates one sticker from another, start with where and how you’ll use your stickers, then prioritize the features that matter most. Here are a few common projects and what to consider for each one.
Best stickers for product packaging
For product packaging, consider both presentation and performance. Paper stickers can work well for boxes, bags, envelopes, and other packaging that stays clean and dry, while film options may be better when you need added durability or moisture resistance.
Then think about the look and application. Matte, glossy, clear, holographic, and chrome silver options can create different effects, while individual stickers, sheets, or rolls can suit different packaging needs.
Best stickers for water bottles and tumblers
For water bottles and tumblers, durability should be a priority. Look for stickers specifically designed to withstand water, moisture, frequent handling, and any other conditions they’ll encounter.
Be sure to check the individual product specifications and care instructions. A waterproof sticker isn’t necessarily dishwasher-safe, and the material alone doesn’t tell you everything about how a finished sticker will perform.
Best stickers for giveaways and merch
When you’re handing out or selling stickers, the sticker itself becomes part of the experience. Individual die-cut stickers are a natural choice for logos, artwork, and designs you want to distribute one at a time, while sticker sheets can turn several coordinating designs into a set.
This is also a good opportunity to have fun with the look. Glossy, clear, holographic, or chrome silver options can help create a distinctive finished sticker, depending on your design and the effect you want.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore ways to use stickers to promote your business.
Best stickers for windows
Clear stickers can be a great option for windows when you want the glass to remain visible around your design. Depending on the project, removable options can also be useful for temporary promotions, seasonal messages, or decorations that will eventually come down.
For any window application, check whether the specific sticker is intended for the surface and environment where you’ll use it, particularly if the window is exposed to outdoor conditions.
Best stickers for laptops
For laptops, consider a durable film that can hold up to rubbing, scratches, and everyday handling. If you expect to change your stickers regularly, also consider the adhesive and whether you want a permanent or removable option.
Should you order custom stickers or print your own?
Once you know what kind of sticker you need, there’s one more decision to make: will you print your stickers yourself or have them professionally printed? Both options let you create stickers with your own designs, but the best choice depends on your project, quantity, material needs, and how involved you want to be in the printing process.
Printing your own gives you the flexibility to make stickers when you need them, while ordering custom-printed stickers takes the printing and cutting off your to-do list. Here’s what to consider when choosing between the two.
When should you print your own stickers?
Printable stickers are a good choice when you want the flexibility to create and print your designs at home or work. They can be especially convenient for smaller projects, frequently changing designs, or last-minute ideas.
Avery printable sticker options include materials for different projects, such as matte paper, glossy clear film, and water-resistant durable film. Your printer, intended use, and desired look can help you narrow down which option makes the most sense.
Just remember that you’ll be responsible for printing and, depending on the product and design, potentially cutting or separating the finished stickers yourself. Want to make your own? See how to make and print your own stickers in four easy steps.
When should you order custom-printed stickers?
Custom-printed stickers are a convenient option when you want your finished stickers professionally printed and ready to use. You upload or create your design, choose your sticker specifications, and Avery handles the production.
This option can also give you access to materials and effects you may not be able to produce with a home or office printer. Avery custom sticker materials include white and clear films as well as chrome silver and holographic options, with matte and glossy finishes available for select materials.
Custom printing can be especially useful for business branding, packaging, giveaways, merchandise, events, and other projects where you want a consistent, finished result without printing everything yourself.
What should you consider when choosing?
Start with the needs of your project rather than assuming one option is always better. Think about:
- Quantity: How many stickers do you need now, and will you need more later?
- Material and finish: Is the look or performance you want available as a printable material, or do you need a custom option?
- Convenience: Do you want to handle the printing yourself or receive finished stickers ready to use?
- Timing and flexibility: Do you need the ability to print new or changing designs yourself?
- Format: Do you need individual stickers, sheets, rolls, or another specific format?
See how to make stickers with Avery, including the steps for ordering custom stickers or printing your own.
Find the right sticker for your project
With so many sticker options to choose from, finding the right one comes down to what you need it to do. Think about where your sticker will go, what it will be exposed to, how long it needs to last, and the look you want to create. From there, you can narrow down the format, material, adhesive, and finish that make the most sense for your project.
Whether you’re adding your logo to product packaging, turning your artwork into stickers, decorating a water bottle, or creating something completely your own, the right combination of features can help bring your idea to life.
Ready to get started? Explore Avery printable stickers to create and print your own, or order custom-printed stickers made with your design.
Sticker FAQ
Still have questions about choosing or using stickers? Here are quick answers to some common questions about sticker types, materials, finishes, and more.
The best sticker depends on where you’ll use it and what it needs to withstand. Consider the surface, exposure to water or weather, expected wear, how long it needs to stay in place, and the look you want. Those factors can help you choose the right format, material, adhesive, and finish.
Die-cut stickers are individually cut to the shape of the design, including the backing. Kiss-cut stickers are cut through the sticker material while leaving the surrounding backing intact, which can make them easier to peel and handle.
Not necessarily. Film materials, including vinyl, can offer greater durability and moisture resistance than paper, but that doesn’t mean every film sticker is waterproof. Check the specific product features to make sure your sticker is designed for the conditions it will encounter.
Standard paper stickers generally aren’t designed for exposure to water. If you need stickers that can withstand water or moisture, look for a material specifically described as water-resistant or waterproof.
There isn’t one material that’s best for every situation. Durable film materials are generally better suited for demanding conditions than standard paper, but performance varies by product. Consider whether your stickers will encounter water, weather, frequent handling, abrasion, or other conditions when choosing.
Neither is inherently better. Matte stickers have a softer, low-shine appearance, while glossy stickers have a shinier finish that can make colors appear more vibrant. The better option depends on your design and the look you want to create.
Some removable stickers are designed to come off cleanly without leaving adhesive residue, but removability varies by product and surface. Check the product specifications if clean removal is important for your project.
Print your own stickers when you want the flexibility to create stickers as you need them and handle the printing yourself. Custom-printed stickers are a convenient choice when you want professionally printed, ready-to-use stickers or access to materials and effects that may not be available for home or office printing.