How to Choose the Best Sticker Paper (for DIY Stickers)
If you want to know how to choose the best sticker paper, there are 6 things you should consider.
You are in the right place!
Hi guys, i’m Rosie of Calisea.co, my sticker shop where I hand-make professional grade stickers.
You can still read the tips I put down for what I look for and what you should be looking for too when looking for the effect vinyl paper!
If you have read my articles, I mention I like using the PPD Vinyl Sticker Paper for sticker making.
If you haven’t already, I also compare a bunch of different vinyl papers in this article.
First things first; this paper is absolutely amazing and if you were considering buying this specific sticker paper for your sticker shop, I will give a breakdown as to why I love it.
Let’s get right into it!
1. Printing Quality
First, we will talk about the print quality and how well your ink prints onto the paper.
Make sure your print settings are set correctly for the type of paper you are using! That is how you will get fantastic printing results.
You want to make sure the ink dries fast on the paper, prints clear lines, and the colors are vibrant.
For the PPD photo vinyl paper, here are the print settings I use for my Canon Pixma Printer.
In my experience, my design prints so crisp and vibrant. The paper holds the ink so well.
Here is comparison of the PPD Vinyl Sticker Paper with another vinyl paper brand.
As you can see, the lines are crisp, colors are vibrant, and the ink dries quick. Overall I would give printing quality a 10/10.
I love how the colors come out, they are perfect!
2. Ink Retention
Now that we know it prints well, how well does the ink last overtime?
Will it fade in 3 months? Or will the colors dull in a year? Let’s find out.
Below is a photo of the same sticker being taken a year apart from each other.
It has been a year since these stickers have been printed and the ink is still as vibrant as when I first printed them. I would give it a 10/10 in retaining ink for a long period of time. Pretty impressive!
*Note: It is worth mentioning I use a protective UV-resistant laminate over my stickers to preserve their quality even longer. If you would like to learn how to laminate your stickers, please look at my tutorial.
3. Waterproof power
This is a big deal for a lot of stickers; to be waterproof.
Especially if you will be making stickers for water bottles, you’re going to want to make sure your vinyl sticker paper can survive at least some contact with water.
To test it’s waterproofing power, I went ahead and submerged the sticker under water for 30 minutes. To my surprise, none of the ink ran and the sticker was still in great condition.
I put one of my stickers on my car and it did not survive the morning condensation.
I would say if you’re putting these stickers on a water bottle and it won’t be submerged in water for long periods of time, this has great water resisting power.
If it is in contact with water droplets for too long, the ink may start running.
It’s worth mentioning that if you want your stickers to be truly waterproof, using a solvent ink over any other ink is necessary. However this option may be expensive for some.
Using a laminate over your stickers can also help make them resist water more.
4. Thickness
Let’s talk about thickness and why it may be important.
Thickness is measured by millimeters for vinyl stickers.
Thicker papers help your stickers be more durable and are less likely to tear.
Most sticker papers on their packaging tell you the thickness. PPD vinyl sticker’s manufacturer states their paper is 4.7 millimeters thick; that is a generally good thickness for vinyl stickers.
I would say the thickness is a respectable 8/10, as it is not the thickest material but still very tough when I try ripping with my hands.
5. Stickiness Power
How well does this sticker stick once you’ve stuck it on somewhere?
The paper claims it is “semi-permanent”, which usually implies it has strong staying power, but will till be able to come off with some ease.
I have had this sticker on my water bottle for quite some time and the edges have not peeled off ever since I’ve put it on.
As stated before in the waterproof section, I have also had some on my car and to my surprise none of them came off even with multiple car washes.
I would give overall stickiness a definite 10/10!
With great staying power comes with some residue though.
Sticker Residue
Another important part of sticker making is considering how well does the sticker come off and does it leave a residue?
I have left on this sticker for a year and a half, and it definitely left some residue.
The best way to take off stickers is with a thin credit card or using heat.
I would give it a 6/10 on residue removal, only because it has great staying power, so residue is expected.
Price
Now here is a big one; price! Price is definitely a factor when you choosing your perfect sticker paper.
Sticker making could get costly, so it is important to factor in how much this is going to cost you.
In my article, The Best Vinyl Paper for Stickers, I compare the price and qualities of 5 different vinyl sticker papers so that you don’t have to. I highly recommend you check it out.
If you are making stickers to sell, you may be tempted to grab the cheapest sticker paper for 50 sheets, however make sure you take a look at all of its qualities before grabbing the wrong paper.
The integrity of your stickers matter!
One thing I must mention is that make sure you are taking into account how much you are charging for your stickers versus how much it is costing you to make. You don’t want to undersell yourself, especially with the time and labor you put in! keep that in mind.
*Note: Just because something is experience doesn’t mean it’s better! Always look for all the other qualities luted above for an idea of it.
Conclusion
There you have it, those are 6 qualities to look for so you can choose the best sticker paper!
I am a firm believer that different things may work differently for other people, so please check out my article where I compare different types of sticker paper i’ve used!
That was my breakdown on the PPD Vinyl Sticker Paper.
Best part about this sticker paper is that it is absolutely cost effective and one of the best papers on the market (in my experience and opinion!) I use this paper a lot in my shop, it is definitely professional grade for businesses.
*Note: I do receive a small portion from purchases made through the links in this article which helps fund our small business. I will never recommend a product or service I don’t have 100% faith in.