Custom Stickers: Answering the Most Common Questions
Designing a custom sticker can be intimidating – especially if it's your first time.
There can be a lot to consider, from making sure your design is high quality to staying within the designated lines to creating a sticker that stands out.
Fortunately, you’re not alone!
We’re going to answer the most common questions we get about custom stickers to help you understand everything you need to know before you design your masterpiece. Let’s get started.
20 Most Common Questions for Custom Stickers
Here are a few of the most common questions our customers ask about custom stickers. Click on the link to jump to your question.
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What is the Difference Between Face Application and Back Application?
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What is the difference between a permanent sticker and a removable sticker?
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What is the difference between a static cling and an adhesive sticker?
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How do I know if my document is the correct print resolution for custom stickers?
Q: Why do I need custom stickers?
A: To put it simply, custom stickers help elevate your brand. No matter what you’re selling, from kombucha to homemade honey, adding a custom sticker to your final packaging gives your product a luxurious, valuable, bespoke feel that customers love. You work hard to create high-quality products, and custom stickers are the perfect finishing touch for your passion project.
Q: Are the stickers durable outside?
A: Do you have a product that will see a lot of outdoor time? No problem - our stickers are durable outside for up to 2 years.
Q: What is the Difference Between Face Application and Back Application?
A: Stickers with a face application are printed with adhesive on the front of the sticker, while back application stickers have adhesive on the backside of the sticker. Face application stickers are popular for use on designs where they’ll be applied to the inside of a clear surface and viewed from the outside (or opposite side). An example includes stickers meant for display in a store window. Back application stickers, on the other hand, are ideal for placing on products or other surfaces (the most common example – a bumper sticker).
Q: What are some of the most durable sticker materials
A: If you want a sticker that will last for years, we recommend vinyl stickers. These stickers are perfect for outdoor use because they are durable and waterproof, and designed to resist abrasion, fading, smudging, and more.
Q: Can I make a sticker in a custom shape?
A: Yes! The sky's the limit when it comes to custom stickers. We offer die cut stickers which cut around the exact shape of your design – and they’re some of our most popular products. Thanks to our advanced equipment, custom stickers can be made to fit any design, shape, or imagery!
Q: Are the stickers waterproof?
A: Yes, our vinyl stickers are designed to hold up even in demanding environments. Our digitally printed stickers can withstand water exposure without bleeding or peeling.
Q: Are the stickers reusable and repositionable?
A: No, they’re not. Our stickers are meant to stay firmly in place without peeling or shifting. You want to have your design finalized before you place your custom sticker order. Check out this article for inspiration and more information on how to upload images without losing quality. If you need more design help, check out our design tool, which makes it possible to upload existing art and make edits or create something from scratch. If the sticker won’t look good or isn’t meeting Stomp’s quality guidelines, our technology will notify you. If you need additional guidance, you can check out our Artwork Tips or chat with a member of our art savvy support squad.
Q: What’s the difference between a sticker and a roll label?
A: While stickers are individually cut and designed to be applied as a standalone element, a roll label is provided on a 3” core and includes many stickers - perfect for printing things like product labels or stickers used at restaurants for to-go containers.
Q: What is the difference between a permanent sticker and a removable sticker?
A: Permanent sticker has a pressure-sensitive adhesive that does not allow removal from a surface it is applied to without causing damage to the sticker or leaving some sticky residue (dependent on the length of time on a given surface). The removable sticker has a low-tack adhesive that can be removed quickly and cleanly from a surface.
A: What type of art files do you accept for custom stickers?
Q: We accept JPG, GIF, PNG, BMP, PDF, AI, SVG, TIFF, and PSD file types.
Q: Can I order just a few stickers?
A: We have low minimum quantities that vary by product. Please contact us for amounts lower than those shown.
Q: What's your most common sticker size?
A: It all depends on which product you are ordering. We have a variety of sizes and shapes available for your specific needs. Those listed on our site are the most requested.
Q: What’s your most affordable sticker?
A: It depends on the specific product you are ordering and the size and quantity you need. Generally, higher quantities equate to lower cost per sticker.
Q: Why is white ink important on a clear sticker?
A: Ink is not completely opaque, so if there is no white behind your artwork, the sticker will resemble a stained-glass window. To prevent this, we print white ink on clear stickers behind your art to increase the opacity and make your art more visible.
Q: What do you recommend for white placement?
A: You have two different options for white ink on clear material. You can back the art elements of the stickers with white to put your design front and center, or you can add a thin white border around the artwork elements to “frame” your artwork. If you don’t like either of these options, you may also order white static material with face application. Suppose you are creating stickers to apply on the inside of a vehicle window facing out. In that case, we highly recommend adding a white halo around your art or using white material to increase the visibility of your design through tinted windows.
Q: What is the difference between a static cling and an adhesive sticker?
A: A static cling has no adhesive and only clings to surfaces like glass windows and mirrors. You know when you pull your laundry out of the dryer, and your sock is stuck to your pants? That’s basically how these work. Because of this, you wouldn’t want to apply a static cling outside where it will be exposed to the wind and the rain. Static clings are great for short-term applications. You often see static clings on glass cases in grocery stores to temporarily promote items.
Q: Can I get a discount for ordering multiple designs?
A: Absolutely! If your order is for the same size and the same material, you will receive a discounted price when submitting multiple designs.
Q: What is the caution zone?
A: The caution zone is the space between the design and the trim line. We strongly suggest an approximately 1/8” caution zone on all sides of your art, which is shown in our design tool. The material can move slightly during the cutting process and having that buffer will ensure that none of your art gets cut off in the process or looks off-center.
Q: What is a bleed?
A: A bleed is when the art is printed all the way to the edge of the finished product. We need your artwork to extend approximately 1/8” past the cut line to ensure there is no white line on the edge of your product when it is cut. If your art ends precisely at the cut line and the material shifts during the cutting process, this could result in a thin white line on the edge of your sticker. If the art is provided with bleed, the additional printed material removed during the finishing process hides any small movements.
Q: How do I know if my document is the correct print resolution for custom stickers?
A: Generally, we recommend that you save all graphic files at a resolution of at least 300 dpi (dots per inch). This resolution will provide the best print quality. If you got your image off the internet, it’s probably too small to work for printing stickers. If you need help determining what size your images should be, contact our support squad and we’ll be happy to help you out.
How to Make a Custom Sticker with Stomp
Ready to make a custom sticker with Stomp? Great! Here’s the process you’ll follow:
- Visit our custom stickers page to view our different types of stickers.
- Customize the sticker you choose. This includes selecting a material, size, and color.
- Upload your custom art.
- Order your stickers!
You can always contact us if you need any help during the sticker design process. Our team is passionate about helping customers bring their visions to life, and we’ll work with you to make sure your custom stickers are perfect!
Have any more questions that you would like answered? Contact our printing experts today.
- Marketing Team