Stickers vs. Labels: What’s the Difference?
Learn how stickers and labels differ in materials, formats, and uses to find the right option for your project.
Stickers or Labels: Which Should You Choose?
Compare Custom Stickers and Custom Labels by use, format, materials, and durability to find the right option for your needs.
Stickers | Labels | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary use | Branding, giveaways, merch, promotions and outdoor applications | Product packaging, branding, ingredients, barcodes, and retail applications |
| Formats | Individual Stickers (Die Cut), Sticker Rolls (Kiss Cut) or Sticker Sheets | Supplied on rolls |
| Outdoor use | Water, oil, UV, and scratch resistant; up to 12–18 months outdoors | Laminated Labels are water and oil resistant; Paper Labels are for dry indoor use |
| Materials | White BOPP, Clear BOPP, Holographic BOPP, Glitter BOPP and Glow in the Dark polyester | White BOPP, Clear BOPP, Holographic Polyester, Glossy Paper, Matte Recycled Paper and Kraft Paper |
| Backing | Varies by sticker type and material, including split backing, non-split backing (peel-assist options available), and continuous roll backing. | Paper label backing, recycled paper backing, or PET Backing, depending on label material and application |
What Are Custom Stickers?
Explore Custom Sticker types and materials.
Custom Stickers are printed designs with adhesive backing that can be applied to a variety of surfaces. They're commonly used for branding, promotions, giveaways, retail merchandise, and everyday items like water bottles and laptops.
StickerGiant offers several Custom Sticker types:
Individual Stickers (Die Cut): Custom-shaped stickers cut around your design and supplied individually.
Sticker Rolls (Kiss Cut): Stickers kiss cut on a continuous roll for easy peeling and dispensing.
Sticker Sheets: Multiple stickers arranged together on a single sheet.
Backprinted Stickers: Individual Stickers with custom printing on the backing liner for promotions, QR codes, and additional messaging.
Available materials vary by sticker type and include White BOPP, Clear BOPP, Holographic BOPP, Glitter BOPP, and Glow in the Dark polyester. White, Clear, and Holographic materials are available with glossy or matte lamination where offered.
Sticker materials are water, oil, UV, and scratch resistant, making them suitable for indoor and outdoor use, with outdoor durability of 12–18 months.
What Are Custom Labels?
Explore Custom Label materials and backing options.
Custom Labels are printed adhesive labels supplied on rolls for product packaging, branding and product information. They’re commonly used on bottles, jars, cosmetics, food and beverage products, and retail packaging.
StickerGiant offers several label options:
Laminated Labels: White BOPP, Clear BOPP and Holographic polyester options with glossy or matte lamination.
Paper Labels: Glossy Paper, Matte Recycled Paper and Kraft Paper options for dry indoor applications.
PET Backing Labels: Available for Glossy and Matte White BOPP Labels that are 2" or larger. The clear 1.2 mil polyethylene terephthalate (PET) liner is designed for high-speed labeling machines and resists tearing, moisture and temperature changes for smooth, consistent application.
BOPP label materials are water and oil resistant, making them a durable option for products that may be exposed to moisture or frequent handling. Paper labels are best suited for dry indoor applications.
