Not sure which sticker paper suits your project? This quick guide compares our three sticker materials, explains matte and glossy finishes, and shows when to add a laminate.
Paper, vinyl or washi?
Paper-based sticker paper
- Best for: indoor labels, packaging, shipping stickers and handwritten labels.
- Water exposure: not waterproof. Keep dry, or add a laminate.
- Printers: Matte 100 GSM, Glossy 90 GSM and Brown Kraft 80 GSM suit inkjet and laser. Glossy 80 GSM is laser only.
Vinyl sticker paper
- Best for: product labels, jars, bottles, Cricut print and cut, and stickers that need to last.
- Water exposure: the vinyl is waterproof and tear-resistant.
- Printers: most of our vinyl suits inkjet and laser, with best results on inkjet. Dedicated laser options are available in matte, glossy and clear.
Washi sticker paper
- Best for: planner stickers, journaling, scrapbooking and decorative labels.
- Water exposure: best for indoor use. Add a laminate if it may get wet.
- Printers: inkjet and laser.
Matte or glossy?
- Choose matte for an anti-glare finish that is easy to read, hides fingerprints and can be written on with pen or pencil. See White Matte Vinyl or White Matte Paper.
- Choose glossy for brighter colours, stronger contrast and a shiny finish that makes photos and artwork stand out. See White Glossy Vinyl or White Glossy Paper.
Specialty finishes
- Clear vinyl: see-through labels for jars, candles and glass. Choose Transparent Clear for a fully clear look, or Frosted Clear for a soft, semi-transparent finish. Home printers do not print white, so any white areas in your design will show through.
- Holographic vinyl: a rainbow shimmer for standout stickers and planner decorations.
- Metallic gold and silver vinyl: a premium metallic look for candle labels, packaging and branding.
- Brown kraft paper: a natural, handmade look for rustic labels and eco-style packaging.
When should I add a laminate?
Our self-adhesive laminating sheets are applied by hand over your printed stickers. No laminating machine is needed. They are not printable, so print your design first, let the ink dry, then apply the laminate.
- Add a laminate when stickers will be handled often, washed, used outdoors, or when you are using paper-based or washi sticker paper that may get wet.
- Crystal Clear Glossy, 80 Mic: everyday protection against water and scratches.
- UV-Resistant Crystal Clear Glossy, 120 Mic: thicker protection that also helps prevent fading in sunlight.
- Good to know: our laminate has a glossy finish, so it will give matte stickers a glossy look.
Want both in one order? Our print and protect bundles pair 50 sheets of vinyl with 50 laminating sheets: White Matte bundle or White Glossy bundle.
Still deciding?
Try our Premium Sample Pack. It includes matte and glossy paper, matte and glossy vinyl, frosted clear vinyl and holographic vinyl, so you can test each finish on your own printer before buying a full pack. The sample pack includes a laser-only glossy paper, so match each sheet to your printer.
Have a question about your project? Chat with our team live, Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM AEST, or contact us.