What’s the difference between printable vinyl and sticker paper?
In short, printable vinyl is made from a vinyl base material with a special coating to accept inkjet ink.
Printable sticker paper, is made from 100% paper material that may or may not have a coating on top.
Both printable vinyl and printable sticker paper have an adhesive glue with a disposable paper backing sheet and are best suited for smooth, nonporous surfaces such as glass, metal, wood, and plastic.
Printable sticker paper and printable vinyl are not the same!
Below we give a detailed overview of each
| Feature | Printable Vinyl | Sticker Paper |
|---|---|---|
| Water-Resistance | Medium to High | Low |
| Cost | Medium to High | Low |
| UV-Resistance | Medium to High | Low to Medium |
| Application | Outdoor | Indoor |
| Removable | Sometimes | Rarely |
| Adhesive Strength | Varies | Varies |
| Material | Vinyl or Synthetic | Paper |
Table of Contents
What is Printable Vinyl?
Printable vinyl is a type of vinyl material that is specifically designed to be printed on using an inkjet or laser printer and is usually durable and water-resistant.
It has a smooth surface that allows for high-quality printing with vibrant colors and sharp details.
Printable vinyl is often used for creating custom stickers, decals, labels, and other adhesive graphics.
Printable vinyl sticker sheets come in a variety of finishes including glossy, matte, clear, holographic and more.
Click here to learn more about printable vinyl sticker sheets.
What is Printable Sticker Paper?
Sticker paper is a type of printer paper that has an adhesive backing and is often less durable than printable vinyl.
It is typically used for printing labels, stickers, and other similar applications.
Sticker paper is available in various finishes, such as glossy, matte, or clear, and can be printed with both inkjet and laser printers.
To learn how to make your own DIY printed stickers, click here.
Differences between Printable Vinyl and Sticker Paper
While both printable vinyl and sticker paper can be used for creating custom stickers, there are some key differences between the two materials.
1. Material Composition:
- Printable vinyl is made of a synthetic material called polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This makes it more durable and resistant to tearing or fading.
- Sticker paper, on the other hand, is made of paper with an adhesive backing. It is not as durable as printable vinyl and may break apart when peeled.
2. Printing Quality:
- Printable vinyl offers high-quality printing with vibrant colors and sharp details. The smooth surface of the material allows for precise and accurate printing.
- Sticker paper may not offer the same level of printing quality as printable vinyl. The paper texture can affect the sharpness and color vibrancy of the printed design.
3. Water Resistance:
- Printable vinyl is water-resistant and can withstand exposure to moisture without smudging or fading. This makes it suitable for outdoor applications or items that may come into contact with water.
- Sticker paper is not inherently water-resistant and may smudge or lose its adhesive properties when exposed to moisture.
4. Durability:
- Vinyl stickers are generally more durable than paper stickers. They are resistant to fading, tearing, and can withstand outdoor conditions.
- Paper stickers, while less durable, are still suitable for indoor use or applications that do not require long-term durability.
Which One Should You Choose?
The choice between printable vinyl and sticker paper depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here are some factors to consider:
1. Intended Use:
- If you need stickers for outdoor applications or items that may come into contact with water, printable vinyl is the better choice due to its water resistance and durability.
- For indoor use or applications that do not require long-term durability, sticker paper can be a more cost-effective option.
2. Printing Quality:
- If you prioritize high-quality printing with vibrant colors and sharp details, printable vinyl is the recommended choice (see image above). The smooth surface of the material allows for precise and accurate printing.
- If printing quality is not a top priority and you are looking for a more budget-friendly option, sticker paper can still provide satisfactory results.
3. Design Flexibility:
- Printable vinyl and sticker paper offer design flexibility as it can be easily cut into different shapes and sizes. This makes them ideal for creating intricate and detailed designs. For die-cut machine such as Cricut or Silhouette you will want to increase your cutters depth to make sure it cuts all the way through the vinyl and the backing sheet.
4. Application Method:
- Both printable vinyl and sticker paper can be applied directly by peeling off the backing and sticking it onto the desired surface.
Both printable vinyl and sticker paper have their own advantages and uses.
Printable vinyl is more durable, offers higher printing quality, and is water-resistant, making it suitable for outdoor applications and items that may come into contact with water.
Sticker paper, on the other hand, is more cost-effective and can still provide satisfactory results for indoor use or applications that do not require long-term durability.
Consider your specific needs and preferences when choosing between the two materials.
Royal Elements offers printable vinyl in a variety of finishes and quantities, available on our shop page.
Happy crafting!
Michael from Royal Elements
