Posted By TeckWrap Craft On March 23, 2023
Sticker Paper For Printer: Which One To Use?
Sticker papers are heaven sent for crafters and hobbyists. Gone are the days when printing requirements had to be sent out to be done by professionals. Gone too are the days when the only sticker papers available were dull, generic and of poor quality.
Sticker papers have gone a long way and is considered a staple or a must have for every crafter, novice or otherwise. And variety and accessibility is as easy as a few strokes in your keyboard to direct you to your favorite e-commerce platform.
Sticker Paper Classification
Depending on your printer requirement, there will be a sticker paper to suit your needs.
To give you a rundown on what will work well for your projects, see the different types of sticker paper available according to classification:
- Sticker paper type
- Sticker paper size
- Sticker paper thickness
Sticker Paper Type
Sticker paper manufacturers have gone beyond the dull and staple plain white stickers and have explored a variety of colors to suit any project.
White Sticker Paper
White sticker sheets come in the following varieties:
- Satin sticker paper
- High gloss or glossy sticker paper
- Matte sticker paper
White printable sticker paper can be used in most simple printing projects like shipping labels, file folder labels and gift sticker labels and compatible for use with inkjet printers.
This type is ideal for home or school project use, to be adhered on flat and smooth surfaces. This is the most cost effective paper sticker to create custom stickers but is not water resistant and may not be smudge proof. Crafters add a layer of transparent tape on top of the cut stickers to make the printed stickers more durable.
Avery sticker paper is popular because this brand comes in different full sheet labels in different label sizes, ideal for straightforward printing that is easy to peel and adheres to flat surfaces like cardboard boxes. This brand is available for purchase online and price varies according to label size.
Kraft Sticker Paper
Kraft sticker printer paper is considered specialty printable adhesive paper, and they print easy on both inkjet and laser printers.
You may use this type to create diy sticker sheets for wedding favors. Free templates are available online in the design software of many electronic cutting machines. You may also want to explore Maestro Label Designer® for your design requirements.
They are also ideal for custom labels used in small businesses for commercial purposes like selling baked goods that use plastic or glass containers. These self adhesive stickers add a homemade appeal that customers like.
Kraft sticker sheets come in light and dark shades and available in full sheet size of 8.5 x 11.
Colored Sticker Paper
Sticker sheets have come a long way. Now we have ready to print colored sticker papers that come in popular colors to suit everyone’s fancy. Inkjet printer and laser printer friendly.
Printable sticker paper of this type perfect for color coded projects or for use in color themed events and easily available for purchase online.
Vinyl Sticker Sheet
Vinyl sticker paper has changed the rules of the game, and brought printing to an entirely whole new level. This printable sticker paper is by far the best sticker paper available.
How so, you may ask. Well, you can print stickers that look professionally done by commercial printers for your craft making endeavors.
Partner your vinyl sticker paper with your favorite cutter plotter and create wonderful custom decals or custom cut stickers to use as your own stickers or to sell for commercial purposes.
They come in white matte, white glossy and transparent or clear sticker paper. Vinyl stickers become water - resistant and smudge proof after they are laminated and can easily be applied on glass or plastic.
The sky’s the limit with the unlimited creative ways you can print your own custom decals, templates aplenty online to get you started.
Vinyl sticker paper also comes in 8.5 x 11 sheet labels usually in packs of 15’s, available for purchase online. Price may vary slightly from other paper stickers in the market.
But it’s a good investment should you be considering using it for commercial purposes. Customers interested in purchasing custom decals usually order by full sheet or by sticker piece. Selling it either way will command a good price since customization is very popular nowadays.
Magnetic Sticker Sheet
Sticker manufacturers have been very creative and have even introduced magnetic sticker sheets into the sticker sheet market. Prior to this, one had to purchase magnetic sheets and sticker paper sheets separately, and had to apply the printed sticker sheet on top of the magnetic sheet.
Now you can simply print your designs directly onto the magnetic sticker sheet. You can use a manual cutter to cut the magnets according to size. Refrigerator magnets as giveaways or souvenirs are the perfect projects for this type of sticker.
Sticker Paper Size
Printable sticker paper comes in letter size (8.5 x 11) or A4 size (8.3 x 11.7). Price may vary according to size so better stock up on both if you plan on doing many projects. Check to see if your supplier offers plastic clamshell case for a minimum order. This will ensure your items arrive in pristine condition.
If you are creating full sheet printed stickers, the sheet size may matter depending on your project requirement. But if you are creating small individual stickers, like planner stickers for example, any sheet size can do.
And if you are going to print the same design on multiple labels, it might also be more practical to purchase presized sticker labels, akin to the shipping labels available for sale. They also come in sheets.
Sticker Paper Thickness
Like I mentioned earlier, sticker papers have come a long way. Sticker papers of old would be as thin as normal writing paper. Now sticker sheets come in a variety of thickness.
Depending on the printer used, printing on thicker sheets might cause some problem, so best to check the specs of your printer if it can accommodate your sticker sheet label.
You will probably use the thicker variety for special projects and will likely to revert to using the more standard sticker type on a regular basis. Rule of thumb, stock up on extra packs because printing mishaps do happen, and you don’t want to get caught with nothing to use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Whatever stage you are as a crafter or hobbyist, you are bound to explore and stretch your creative boundaries. And perhaps you are looking to extend your interest in exploring creating stickers from paper sheets.
May the above mentioned list of printable sticker paper options help you get started in choosing the necessary supplies. Most e-commerce platforms and online craft shops will have these supplies. Or you may check if your nearby craft store or dollar store may have them in stock.
Happy crafting!
Related Blog Post
How to Attach Colors in Cricut Design Space?
Can You Iron On Permanent Vinyl?
