When it comes to stickers, there are a few different materials to choose from, but two of the most popular are transparent stickers and vinyl stickers. The main difference between the two is the material they are made from.
Transparent stickers are made from a clear, see-through material that allows the surface it is applied to show through the design. This makes them ideal for use on surfaces where you want the design to blend in seamlessly. For example, a transparent sticker on a car window will not obstruct the driver's view.
On the other hand, vinyl stickers are made from a thicker, opaque material that is not see-through. They are often used for designs that require a bold, solid color or for outdoor use, as they are more durable and weather-resistant.
Both transparent and vinyl stickers are versatile and can be used for a range of applications, including branding, advertising, and decoration. The choice between the two comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of your project
Below is a chart that compares our vinyl stickers:
| Durability* | Water & Humidity Resistance | Adhesive Strength | Color Vibrancy | Recommended Uses | |
Standard Gloss |
3 years | Good | High | High | Glass / windows, laptops, car bumpers, promotional products (retail, trade shows, displays, POS) |
Standard Matte |
3 years | Good | High | Low | Glass / windows, laptops, car bumpers, promotional products (retail, trade shows, displays, POS) |
Super Gloss |
4 - 5 years | Good | High | Very High | Glass / windows, high-end promotional products (retail, trade shows, displays, POS) |
Super Matte |
4 - 5 years | Good | High | Low | Glass / windows, high-end promotional products (retail, trade shows, displays, POS) |
Permanent Gloss |
4 - 5 years | Excellent | Extreme | Very High | Helmets, hard hats, POS, bikes, skateboards, snowboards, plastic, industrial |
Permanent Matte |
4 - 5 years | Excellent | Extreme | Low | Helmets, hard hats, POS, bikes, skateboards, snowboards, plastic, industrial |
Reflective |
4 - 7 years | Excellent | Extreme | Very High | POS, industrial, outdoor applications with/without severe conditions |
Transparent |
3 years | Good | Low | High** | Glass / windows, packaging, promotional products (retail, trade shows) |
Super Gloss Transparent |
3 years | Good | Low | High** | Glass / windows, packaging, promotional products (retail, trade shows) |
Super Matte Transparent |
3 years | Good | Low | Low** | Glass / windows, packaging, promotional products (retail, trade shows) |
Soft Matte
|
2 months*** | Okay | Low | High | Food applications, boxes / packages |
High Gloss Sticker Roll |
2 months*** | Okay | Low | Very High | Food applications, boxes / packages |
Natural Uncoated Sticker Roll |
Varies**** | Very Low | Low | High | Food applications, boxes / packages |
*Estimate is based on outdoor exposure. This may vary depending on use and environmental conditions.
**Color vibrancy is dependent on the surface application. See: How do colors show up on transparent stickers?
***Estimate is based on outdoor exposure. After 2 months, colors will start to fade.
****As this stock is made of paper and has no coating, it isn't very durable. It is not waterproof or tear proof, and not recommended for outdoor use.