Creating DIY stickers can be a fun and rewarding project, whether you’re looking to personalize your items, start a small business, or simply get creative.
But achieving professional-looking results starts with choosing the right printer.
In this post, we’ll explore two popular printer types—inkjet and laser—and their pros and cons for printing stickers.
We’ll also share why we use both the HP DeskJet 3755 and HP Color LaserJet Pro M478f-9f at Royal Elements and how they perform with our Royal Elements printable vinyl sticker paper.
Key Features to Consider for Sticker Printing
Before diving into specific printer models, let’s look at what you should consider when selecting a printer for DIY stickers:
Print Quality: Crisp and vibrant prints are essential for high-quality stickers.
Ink Longevity: Stickers are exposed to wear and tear, so you’ll want inks that resist smudging and fading.
Speed and Efficiency: A fast printer can save time if you’re printing in bulk.
Media Compatibility: Make sure your printer can handle printable vinyl and other sticker materials.
Inkjet vs. Laser Printers for Stickers
| Feature | Inkjet Printers | Laser Printers |
|---|---|---|
| Color Vibrancy | Superior for intricate designs and colors | Limited vibrancy |
| Speed | Slower | Faster, ideal for bulk printing |
| Water Resistance | Requires laminate for waterproofing | Naturally waterproof with toner-based ink |
| Material Handling | Compatible with more materials | Can cause curling due to heat |
Both inkjet and laser printers are suitable for sticker printing, but each has its strengths depending on your needs:
Inkjet Printers
Advantages:
Superior color vibrancy and detail—ideal for designs with intricate details and bright colors.
Compatible with a wide variety of printable materials, including vinyl, photo paper, and cardstock.
Disadvantages:
Ink can smudge or bleed if exposed to moisture (unless you use a protective laminate).
Slower printing speeds compared to laser printers.
Laser Printers
Advantages:
Fast printing speeds, perfect for large sticker batches.
Toner-based printing ensures the ink doesn’t run or bleed, even when exposed to water.
Disadvantages:
Prints at high heat, which can sometimes cause printable vinyl to curl.
Limited color vibrancy compared to inkjet printers.
Why We Use Both the HP DeskJet 3755 and HP Color LaserJet Pro M478f-9f
At Royal Elements, we’ve tested several printers for sticker printing and found that using both an inkjet and a laser printer gives us the flexibility to handle a wide range of sticker projects. Here’s why we recommend these specific models:
HP DeskJet 3755
Why We Love It:
Compact and affordable, making it a great entry-level inkjet printer.
Produces vivid, high-resolution prints that are perfect for colorful sticker designs.
Compatible with Royal Elements’ printable vinyl and offers consistent results.
Best For: Small batches, intricate designs, and projects requiring bright, detailed color output.
HP Color LaserJet Pro M478f-9f
Why We Love It:
Lightning-fast printing speeds, ideal for bulk sticker orders.
Toner-based ink doesn’t smudge or bleed, ensuring waterproof results without the need for additional lamination.
Extremely reliable for heavy-duty usage and produces sharp text and graphics.
Pro Tip: While the heat from the laser printer can cause some curling on printable vinyl, using a heavy object to flatten the sheets post-printing resolves this issue quickly.
Best For: Bulk orders, waterproof stickers, and projects where durability is key.
Royal Elements Printable Vinyl: Compatible with Both Printer Types
Our Royal Elements printable vinyl is designed to work seamlessly with both inkjet and laser printers, giving you the freedom to choose the printer that best fits your needs. Here’s why it’s a great choice for DIY stickers:
Waterproof Options: Pairing it with a laser printer or using a laminate sheet ensures your stickers can withstand water exposure.
High Adhesion: Sticks well to a variety of surfaces, including glass, metal, and plastic.
Versatile Compatibility: Works with inkjet and laser printers without sacrificing quality.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to DIY stickers, the choice between an inkjet and laser printer depends on your priorities. If vibrant colors and fine detail are your main goals, an inkjet printer like the HP DeskJet 3755 is a great option. On the other hand, if speed and waterproof prints are more important, a laser printer like the HP Color LaserJet Pro M478f-9f is the way to go.
Want to get started on your sticker journey? Check out our high-quality printable vinyl at Royal Elements and pair it with the right printer to bring your designs to life!
