What is the Difference Between Stickers and Labels?

Melissa
Melissa
  • Updated

Not all sticky things are made alike, and our stickers and labels are no exception. With key differences in feel, look, and finishing, we've crafted our products to fit your needs and make your brand stick out in the best way possible! Whether you are showcasing your products, promoting your business, or adding a creative touch to your designs, understanding these differences will help you choose the perfect option.

When deciding between Stickers and Labels, there are a few key factors to consider:

  • Will your product be exposed to UV or require weather-resistant properties?
  • Are these promotional items for your business, or will they be applied directly to your product?
  • Does your sticker/label need to be water or oil-resistant?
  • Are you interested in specialty materials like Glitter or Glow-In-The-Dark finishes?

If you’re not quite sure where to start or feel torn between the two, don’t fret. We’re here to guide you to the best option for your needs!

Indoor or Outdoor Use: Durability That Matters

One of the biggest considerations is where your stickers or labels will be used. Will they be exposed to UV light, rain, or snow? Think about where they’ll live—on a car window or bumper, telephone pole, your dog sled for the Iditarod... 🦮❄️☀️☔️

If you’re wanting something to hold up to the elements, we recommend our Stickers. They’re built tough with features like:

  • UV protection to resist fading and peeling
  • Water, oil, and scratch resistance
  • Outdoor durability for up to 18 months
  • Temperature-resistant adhesive (-65°F to 200°F)

Labels, on the other hand, are generally designed for indoor applications, such as product packaging or food labeling.

Labeling Products or Promoting Your Brand?🏷️ 🗣

Next, ask yourself how you’ll use the product. Is it something you’ll hand out with a customer’s order, or will it live on the product itself? While the material for our BOPP stickers and labels is relatively the same (just about a hair difference in thickness), it all depends on how you’d like your item finished.

Individual Cut Stickers

Stickers come individually cut, making them perfect for giveaways, event promotions, or customer freebies. Popular options include:

Rolled Stickers

Rolled stickers are a practical choice for projects that require smaller designs or bulk quantities. Here's why they stand out:

  • Perfect for Small Designs: Kiss-Cut Stickers on rolls can be cut as small as 0.5", making them great for mini projects or intricate designs.
  • UV Resistant: Designed to withstand outdoor exposure, these stickers hold up against sun, rain, and other elements.
  • Easy Application: Finished on rolls with an easy-to-remove square backing for a seamless peeling and application process.
  • Holographic Fun: Add a dazzling rainbow effect to your rolled stickers with holographic material. This reflective sheen makes your designs pop and is perfect for catching the light and attention of your audience.

Labels

If you're focused on labeling your actual product, our Labels are designed with your aesthetic and performance needs in mind. They offer:

  • Versatile Material Options: Choose from matte or glossy white BOPP, holographic, and clear labels for a sleek, professional look.
  • Paper Labels: Great for food packaging or products that require tearable or biodegradable options, we offer Glossy Paper Labels, Matte Recycled Paper, and Kraft Paper.
  • Tamper-Evident Finishes: Micro perforations can create tamper-evident labels to boost product safety.
  • Custom Solutions: Whether you need oil-resistant labels for bath products or durable options for food packaging, we have a solution for you.

For more details, check out our Label Page to explore the full range of options.

Repel Water and Oil with BOPP 💦

For any stickers or labels that will come in contact with water or oil, we recommend one of our BOPP base material labels. These work great for the splash zone or if they are being placed on an oil or water-based product.

Waterproof or Water Resistant...what's the difference?

Glitter, Glitz, Glam, and Glow ✨🪩💚

For those who love a little sparkle or shine, Holographic options are available as individually cut stickers or rolled labels. But if you’re ready to go all out with Glitter or Glow-in-the-Dark materials, Stickers are the exclusive option. These creative options are great for making your designs stand out and sparking customer excitement.

Pro tip: Check out our guides for how to request eye-catching Glitter designs and how to create them yourself!

Need Help Choosing?

Still unsure whether Stickers or Labels are the best fit? Don’t worry—our team is here to help. Explore our product pages or reach out to us for personalized guidance. We’ll make sure your design gets the perfect finish, no matter what!

Get Stickers.png

Get Labels.png

Share Your Story