Stickers vs Labels: What’s the Difference?

Do you ever find yourself wondering about the differences between stickers and labels? Despite being very similar, the two can be used to serve different purposes. At The Packaging Company, we sell both custom stickers and labels. If you’re reading this wondering which one to buy, read along!

Stickers vs Labels: What’s the Difference?

Stickers material is three times thicker than Labels. Our stickers have a matte finish compared to the glossy surface of labels. Stickers are individually cut, whereas Labels come rolled on a liner. Knowing these basic differences will give you a head start in determining which product serves your need. Let’s dive right into each of them specifically.

Tell me more about Stickers?

Stickers are printed on premium thick vinyl and individually cut, which makes them easier to distribute. Stickers are a great way to promote your brand, and using thicker vinyl gives your logo the definition it needs. Our stickers have a slight matte finish, with a custom laminate that’s dishwasher-proof and weather resistant.

Stickers can be used as merchandise, tradeshow giveaways and packaging inserts (the little thank-you gifts that you put in customer shipments). This way customers can stick your brand to their favorite devices such as laptops, phones, and tumblers which will carry your logo everywhere they go. With our easy-to-use online design tools, you can create your custom design in under 5 minutes.

Tell me more about Labels?

Labels on the other hand are made with a thinner material named BOPP. Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene is a process of two plastic films stretched out in opposite directions and then bonded together. This process creates a durable product with better flexibility and finer detail in design.

BOPP is the perfect material to print as labels, it’s designed for pigment-based ink printers and produces a dry finish that captures your design in high definition. Like all plastic, BOPP is resistant to water, oil, and other chemicals.

The durable nature of BOPP material makes it a great addition to your packages. Logos and artwork can easily be printed on labels and put on top of containers to add character to an otherwise plain box. Our labels can also be put on top of different mediums such as glass, plastics, and mailers.

Labels can be used for multiples purposes. Products such as shampoo bottles and food containers like mason jars are perfect examples. BOPP material is also used in a lot of food packaging, so it’s safe to use for products containing food such as honey, coffee, and teas.

Other common label types include:

Product Labels – Most brands have their products labeled to help them stand out from other competitors.

Care Labels – These types of labels are used to instruct and educate the masses on how to use, maintain and distribute certain products.

Mailing / Shipping Labels – These labels are used to help get your products out the door and right to your customer.

Want to design your own Custom Stickers and Custom Labels?

You’re in luck. Creating your own stickers and labels is as easy as visiting our Custom Shop. There you’ll find the online design tools you need to create standout branded packaging, including custom paper tissue, boxes, and mailers.

Now that you’re an expert on the differences between stickers and labels, upload your artwork and get started on your custom stickers and custom labels. We can’t wait to see what you create.

Stickers vs. Labels – What's the Difference?

The two terms, "sticker" and "label," are a bit paradoxical. They're so similar yet they have distinct differences. Can they be used interchangeably? While there's no right or wrong answer, it doesn't hurt to dispel any confusion.

Let's explore accepted definitions, similarities and differences, and examples to help you differentiate each word and product. Then, keep reading for instructions on how to make your own.

How do you think of stickers? Review the information below and see if it aligns with your perception of stickers or labels.

Definition

Cambridge Dictionary A small piece of paper with a picture or writing on one side and a sticky substance on the other Dictionary.com A person or thing that sticks, an adhesive label Merriam-Webster One that adheres or causes adhesion, a slip of paper with adhesive back that can be fastened to a surface Oxford Dictionary An adhesive label or notice, generally printed or illustrated

Our Overview

Stickers are more often used for decorative or promotional purposes, and usually aren’t created with a specific destination in mind — they’re typically design-focused and adhere to smooth surfaces. Stickers are commonly printed on full sheet (8.5" x 11", or OL177) paper and given a custom shape (using an electronic cutting machine) which is usually crucial to the design.

Sticker paper doesn’t commonly feature a back slit (unless you opt for it) because if you’re using a cutting machine, the premature peeling that may occur can ruin your project. When you peel your sticker paper from your cutting machine's sticky mat, it's likely one side of the liner may separate during the process.

Examples

How to Make Your Own

This process works best with electronic cutting machines like the Silhouette Cameo, Cricut Explore, and Brother Scan N Cut.

Read through the information below to see if your view of labels matches up with the dictionary definitions or popular uses.

Definition

Cambridge Dictionary A piece of paper or other material that gives information about the object it is attached to Dictionary.com A slip of paper, cloth, or other material, marked or inscribed, for attachment to something to indicate its manufacturer, nature, ownership, destination, etc. Merriam-Webster A slip (as of paper or cloth) inscribed and affixed to something for identification or description, written or printed matter accompanying an article to furnish identification or other information Oxford Dictionary A small piece of paper, fabric, plastic, or similar material attached to an object and giving information about it

Our Overview

Labels are used for business applications such as product labeling and signage, and are created for a specific product, container, or use — these are typically information-based, have permanent or removable options, are printed on a variety of materials, and feature more aggressive adhesives that work better on trickier surfaces such as cardboard. Labels are usually printed on templates that already have the label cuts. If it’s a full sheet label, it will almost always include a back slit, or cut in the liner, which makes peeling easier.

Examples

How to Make Your Own

Pick your desired label shape and size.

Select a label material.

Choose your desired quantity.

Complete your order.

Use our free blank or pre-designed templates in Maestro Label Designer to create your design.

Print your design. Read through our printing tips before getting started.

Peel and apply when you're ready.

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