Matte stickers and glossy stickers have different surface finishes, thus resulting in different characteristics. Matte stickers are simple and elegant, while glossy stickers are brightly colored. How do you choose between the two? In this article, I will analyze their differences from multiple perspectives and help you choose the most suitable one.
Differences Between Matte and Glossy Stickers
Printing Effect
Both matte and glossy stickers are usually made of vinyl. The key factor that creates their different printing effects is the surface film. Matte stickers are covered with a matte film, which has a rough surface and features a frosted texture. As a result, the printed graphics on matte stickers are softer and non-reflective, thus delivering a premium printed finish. You can use them as decorations for high-end products.
The surface of a glossy sticker has a glossy film that makes the sticker as smooth as glass. The printed graphics on glossy stickers are colorful and have higher color saturation. However, when exposed to light, glossy stickers can cause glare. The graphics may appear blurry from certain angles.
Durability
The film on the surface of glossy stickers is harder and less likely to be scratched. At the same time, they have strong UV resistance and waterproof capabilities, so even when used outdoors, they won’t easily fade or turn yellow.
In contrast, the film on matte stickers is softer and more likely to be scratched. Matte stickers can’t be exposed to sunlight for extended periods; otherwise, they tend to fade and become brittle, thereby shortening their lifespan. Therefore, glossy stickers are more durable than matte stickers outdoors.
Writing Feel
The different textures of glossy and matte stickers determine their different writing experiences. The surface of glossy stickers is very smooth. When your customers write on glossy stickers, pens tend to slip, handwriting is prone to smudging, and the ink takes longer to dry. Matte stickers, on the other hand, have a rougher surface that keeps the pen from slipping, resulting in clean, sharp writing. That’s why matte stickers are the better option for writing.
If you are looking for a sticker for your project that is suitable for writing on, you can choose matte stickers. When you want to write on glossy stickers, you can use special ballpoint pens or markers. Therefore, your customers can not only use matte stickers as stickers, but they can also write or draw on them.
Stain-Resistance
You may think that matte stickers are more resistant to dirt than glossy stickers. Actually, it’s like this: glossy stickers have a smooth surface, so fingerprints or dust are visible when they adhere to the sticker, and make the surface look dirty. Matte stickers have a frosted surface, which makes fingerprints and dust less noticeable, so they look cleaner.
However, glossy stickers are more resistant to dirt than matte stickers. Glossy stickers are waterproof and dustproof. Water and oil stains on the surface are also easy to wipe off. In contrast, matte stickers are prone to attracting dust and oil. Once dust and stains adhere to the sticker, they are hard to clean off. Therefore, you need to think carefully about this when choosing between glossy and matte stickers.
Different Applications for Matte and Glossy Stickers
Matte Stickers
Industrial and Medical Equipment
Matte stickers have a rough, non-reflective surface, so they are ideal for use on industrial equipment or medical equipment. Workshops and hospitals are both high-light environments, so matte stickers must be chosen to ensure that staff can clearly see the instructions on the equipment. You can use it to create product manuals, warning signs, or matte car stickers. Therefore, if you want to customize stickers for industrial or medical equipment, matte stickers are the ideal choice.
Gift Packaging Box
Matte stickers generally adopt a minimalist design, so they are suitable for use on beautiful items such as gift boxes and vases. For example, on a wine bottle, if you don’t want the sticker to disrupt the bottle’s overall design, a rectangular matte sticker is recommended. These stickers are simple and elegant, displaying wine information while perfectly conforming to the bottle’s shape.
Writable Stickers
Some stickers are designed to write information. If your customers need to write information on the stickers, you can recommend matte stickers. They can write smoothly on matte stickers, but they can’t write on glossy stickers.
Glossy Stickers
Commercial Packaging
Glossy stickers are colorful and have many patterns, so they are suitable for product packaging labels. To attract consumers’ attention, a product not only requires high quality but also needs attractive packaging. Glossy stickers have a strong sheen, which can make your products stand out and promote your brand.
Besides being used for product packaging, glossy stickers can also be used to create advertising posters. Advertising posters require a sense of design or rich colors, and glossy stickers can meet these requirements. Not only can they highlight the characteristics of the advertised products, but the interesting patterns can also attract customers’ attention.
Outdoor Use
Glossy stickers are waterproof and dustproof, and are more suitable for outdoor use than matte stickers. The film itself is a protective layer. For example, we often use suitcases outdoors, so they are easily damaged by rain. If you want the stickers to last longer, it is best to use glossy stickers. Besides, glossy stickers are easy to care for and don’t collect dust.
Personalized Decorative Stickers
Glossy stickers are ideal for use as decorations. Holographic stickers are a perfect example. Its cool laser effect makes it perfect as a decorative sticker. If you are looking for decorative stickers for electronic products such as mobile phones and laptops, we recommend choosing glossy laser or clear stickers. They are designed to meet the personalized needs of customers.
Key Factors for Choosing Between Matte and Glossy Stickers
Service Life
Matte stickers and glossy stickers are suitable for different applications. Overall, glossy stickers last longer than matte stickers. To extend the life of matte stickers, it is best to use them indoors and avoid being exposed outdoors for a long time. In addition, whether you choose glossy or matte stickers, it is recommended to opt for thickened vinyl materials, which will make the stickers more durable.
Environmental Friendliness
If you are an environmentalist, you should confirm if stickers contain harmful substances. It is recommended to choose stickers that have passed REACH and RoHS testing, as they are free from certain heavy metals and toxic substances, thereby protecting the environment.
Transport and Storage
During transportation, both matte stickers and glossy stickers should be protected from moisture and high temperatures. They should also be kept away from alcohol and other solvents to prevent corrosion. In addition, glossy stickers have a smooth surface and tend to stick together when exposed to high temperatures. It is recommended that you store them separately. Matte stickers are softer and should be avoided from being pressed by heavy objects to avoid leaving indentations.
FAQ
Can I Customize Matte and Glossy Stickers?
Of course you can. Matte stickers and glossy stickers are suitable for different design methods, and our company has a professional design team. You just need to provide your design to our team’s designer, and they will discuss with you carefully to help you choose the right finish and printing methods. And help you customize the perfect stickers.
Are Both Matte and Glossy Stickers Waterproof?
Both matte and glossy stickers are made of plastic and are waterproof. If water droplets get on the smooth sticker, you can wipe them dry with a tissue, and they won’t leave any marks. However, if water splashes onto a matte sticker, water stains will remain on the surface.
Are Matte Stickers Prone to Scratching During the Printing Process?
Compared to glossy stickers, matte stickers are more prone to being scratched during printing. This is because matte stickers are made of a softer material, which makes scratches more noticeable.
Will Matte Stickers Lose Their Frosted Finish After Prolonged Use?
Yes. The frosted finish on matte stickers may fade over time. To make them more durable, you should avoid rubbing the surface frequently and protect them from exposure to direct sunlight for a long time.
Which Stickers Look Best on a Helmet or a Ski?
Glossy stickers are perfectly suited for use as personalized stickers, as they are colorful. For cool products such as helmets and skis, the unique gloss of glossy stickers can make these items more eye-catching. So, if you had to choose one sticker, it would have to be a glossy sticker.
Final Thoughts
Glossy and matte stickers have different characteristics, so you should choose the suitable one according to your needs. LIYANTIAN has extensive experience in custom sticker production, and our team offers free customization services to create the most suitable stickers tailored to you. If you have any requirements, please feel free to contact us.
