When customizing reflective stickers and decals, simply choosing a pattern is not enough. Different materials and printing methods will make stickers have different reflective effects. So, how can you customize the best reflective stickers and decals? You need to learn some key factors. This article will introduce these factors and help you find the right solution.
Reflective Stickers and Decals Principle
You may assume that reflective stickers and decals require electricity, but do not be deceived by their name. Reflective stickers and decals do not require electricity. They work on the principle of retroreflection, reflecting light to its source.
In fact, this type of sticker reflects light because it contains many small glass beads or microprisms. These glass beads and prisms form a reflective structure that reflects the incident light. Most road signs and warning signs we usually see on the road all use reflective stickers.
Custom Specifications
Reflective Stickers and Decals Materials
PVC Reflective Stickers and Decals
PVC reflective stickers and decals are soft and have good toughness. If you’re looking for stickers for curved items like helmets and bicycle frames, PVC reflective stickers are a good choice. Because these stickers are soft, you can bend them freely to ensure they can adhere to the helmet perfectly. In addition, these reflective stickers can be die-cut into various shapes and applied to the surface of your products.
PET Reflective Stickers and Decals
PET reflective stickers and decals are more rigid and have a flatter surface than PVC reflective stickers and decals. Consequently, they are resistant to tearing and are suitable for items such as glass and windows. Additionally, PET reflective stickers and decals have excellent weather resistance, so your customers can use them outdoors for a long time. They will not easily fade or become brittle, even when used in extreme temperatures.
If you are looking for stickers, like bumper stickers or reflective license plate stickers, PET reflective stickers can be a good option. Since cars are used outdoors for extended periods and are exposed to wind and sun, you should choose durable reflective stickers for them. PET reflective stickers and decals are UV-resistant, which can reduce damage caused by sunlight.
PC Reflective Stickers and Decals
PC reflective stickers are known for their strength and durability. During use, you will find that they are resistant to curling and wrinkling. Due to their puncture resistance and impact resistance, they are not easily torn. You can apply them to items that are frequently subject to wear and tear, such as trucks or industrial equipment. They not only maintain a stable shape over time but also provide strong reflective performance. However, due to their rigidity, they are not suitable for curved surfaces.
Reflective Sticker and Decals Shapes and Sizes
Size
Before determining the size of reflective stickers and decals, you should first determine the applications. The size of reflective stickers used on a bicycle frame will be different from that used on a motorcycle frame.
You can determine the right size in the following ways: First, you can measure the dimensions of your product, including its length, width, and height. You can also choose standard sizes, roughly estimate the length and width of the product, and select reflective stickers of a similar size. If you are worried about the accuracy of the size, you can send us the actual product, and we will customize the sticker according to your product.
Shapes
Common shapes for reflective stickers and decals include round, square, rectangular, and oval shapes. Each shape is available in three sizes: small, medium, and large. Additionally, you can customize die-cut stickers.
- Round reflective stickers and decals: Round stickers have smooth curves, so they look softer. They are suitable for products such as small bottles and ballpoint pens.
- Square reflective stickers and decals: Square stickers look neat, simple, and elegant, so they are more suitable for creating minimalist reflective stickers and decals. You can stick them to the product packaging to display information.
- Rectangle reflective stickers and decals: Rectangular stickers have more layout space and can accommodate more text. If your customers want to customize reflective stickers and decals with text, you can recommend rectangular reflective stickers to them. For example, reflective mailbox stickers and product information stickers.
- Die-cut reflective stickers and decals: Die-cut stickers refer to stickers that can be customized into irregular shapes according to your customers’ preferences. This type of reflective sticker is suitable for customers with special needs. If your customers want to customize logos for their brands, die-cut reflective stickers and decals will be a good choice.
Reflective Stickers and Decals Printing Methods
Digital Printing
Reflective stickers and decals produced by digital printing are colorful and have a vivid visual effect. If you want to customize stickers with complex patterns, you can choose digital printing. For example, you can print brand logos, cool stickers, or reflective journal stickers. These reflective stickers require high color saturation and an eye-catching design, so digital printing is an excellent choice for customers with these needs.
Screen Printing
Screen printing is more suitable for outdoor reflective stickers and decals, such as reflective license plate stickers, reflective wheel rim stickers, and reflective road sign stickers. These stickers are used outdoors and exposed to the sun and rain for a long time, so they tend to fade and get scratched.
However, reflective stickers and decals that are produced by screen printing have strong weather resistance—they are UV-resistant, scratch-resistant, and durable. If your customers want to customize reflective stickers for outdoor use, screen printing is a good choice.
UV Printing
The biggest advantage of UV printing is instant drying. Reflective stickers and decals that are produced by UV printing are waterproof, so they don’t fade easily. In addition, this printing method ensures that the images of reflective stickers are sharp. Even at night, these reflective stickers and decals are visible. Therefore, you can print reflective number stickers and die-cut stickers with this printing method.
Reflective Stickers and Decals Customization Tips
Color Design
Common colors for reflective stickers and decals include black, white, blue, red, yellow, and silver. However, these colors cannot be combined arbitrarily. Different applications should use different colors. If you want to make safety warning reflective stickers, it’s best to choose high-contrast colors such as red, yellow, and orange. These colors are not only eye-catching during the day but also visible at night.
If your customers need dark-colored reflective stickers and decals, you should add a light-colored reflective border to the sticker edges when designing them; otherwise, these stickers will be invisible at night.
File Printing Requirements
Bleed
The purpose of the bleed is to ensure that the pattern and color of the reflective sticker extend to the edge of the sticker, preventing the white border from showing after cutting. Therefore, when you are making reflective stickers, you need to add a 3mm bleed around the sticker. For smaller reflective stickers, you can add a 2mm bleed around the edges.
Safe Area
The purpose of a safe area is to prevent the patterns on the reflective stickers and decals from being cut off during trimming. That’s why a safe area is reserved inside the cutting line when producing reflective stickers and decals. For example, when designing reflective lettering or barcode stickers, you need to leave a safe area of at least 3mm inside the cutting line. What’s more, the smaller the sticker size, the more important the safe area becomes.
Cut line
The cutting line is where the machine cuts the sticker. This line must be a solid vector line with a thickness of 0.01mm. The cut line should be a solid color, not a mixed color; otherwise, the machine may mistake it for a part of the design. Besides, the cutting line should be designed as a closed, rounded corner. If the cutting line has sharp corners, the reflective stickers and decals will easily curl.
FAQ
Are Reflective Stickers and Decals Waterproof?
Reflective stickers and decals are waterproof. When creating reflective stickers, we use waterproof plastic films. Furthermore, we use a waterproof pressure-sensitive adhesive to ensure that reflective stickers and decals won’t peel off during use.
Will the Lettering on the Reflective Stickers and Decals Remain Visible at Night?
Yes. Most reflective stickers and decals are visible at night. When light shines on the reflective stickers and decals, they reflect the light, so people can see them at night. However, stickers that are not made of reflective materials are unable to reflect light.
What Materials Do I Need to Provide for Customizing Reflective Stickers and Decals?
If you want to customize reflective stickers and decals and have already prepared your design, please send it to us. Meanwhile, please inform us of the size, shape, and printing method of your reflective stickers. Additionally, if you don’t know how to design reflective stickers and stickers, you can consult us, and we can provide free design services for you.
Are Reflective Stickers and Decals Priced According to Size?
Yes, reflective stickers and decals are mainly priced by size. Generally speaking, the larger the size of reflective stickers and decals, the higher the price. In addition, the printing method and materials also affect the price of reflective stickers and decals.
How to Clean Reflective Stickers and Decals?
If you want to clean the reflective stickers, you can wipe the sticker with a damp sponge gently, then wipe off the water with a dry cloth. Please don’t use solvents such as alcohol to wipe the stickers, because they may damage the reflective stickers and decals.
Final Thoughts
Customizing reflective stickers and decals is a complex process. To get suitable reflective stickers, it’s important to understand the key factors involved. If you are struggling with how to customize reflective stickers and decals, we invite you to contact us. LIYANTIAN has a professional team that can help you design the perfect reflective stickers and decals.
