1. CREOPRINT PRINT GUIDE

    Which sticker material and adhesive do you need?

    The right sticker depends on much more than its size and shape. The surface it needs to stick to, whether it will be used indoors or outside, how long it needs to last and whether it should be removable all affect the material and adhesive you should choose.

    QUICK ANSWER
    Start with the surface, not the sticker.
    Smooth, clean surfaces are generally straightforward. Textured, curved, low-energy, dusty or frequently handled surfaces can require a different vinyl or stronger adhesive. If the sticker will be exposed to weather, cleaning or abrasion, the print and finish matter too.
    CHOOSING THE ADHESIVE

    Permanent, removable or high-tack?

    GENERAL PURPOSE
    Permanent adhesive
    A good choice for many everyday applications where the sticker is intended to stay in place. Common uses include product identification, equipment labels, promotional stickers, packaging and general business applications on suitable smooth surfaces.
    TEMPORARY USE
    Removable adhesive
    Designed for applications where the graphic will eventually need to be removed. It can be useful for temporary promotions, short-term window graphics, events and changing information. Suitability still depends on the surface and how long the sticker remains applied.
    DIFFICULT SURFACES
    High-tack adhesive
    A stronger adhesive intended for more demanding applications where standard vinyl may struggle to bond effectively. Typical examples can include bins, industrial equipment, some plastics and other difficult surfaces.
    THE SURFACE MATTERS

    What will the sticker be applied to?

    Adhesives behave differently depending on the surface. A sticker that performs perfectly on smooth glass may not be suitable for a textured wall or certain plastics. The surface should normally be clean, dry and free from dust, grease or contamination before application.

    Glass & windowsSmooth surfaces offer plenty of options, including standard, removable and specialist window graphics.
    Plastic & binsSome plastics can be difficult to bond to and may benefit from a more aggressive adhesive.
    WallsWall graphics require a material selected for the wall surface, finish and intended duration.
    Equipment & machineryConsider handling, cleaning, surface texture and the environment in which the equipment operates.
    CHOOSING THE VINYL

    Not every vinyl is designed for the same job.

    Vinyl stickers are available in different grades and constructions. The right choice depends on factors such as the shape of the surface, expected life, environment and application. Flat promotional stickers have very different requirements from graphics being applied to a vehicle or specialist surface.

    For straightforward flat applications, a general-purpose self-adhesive vinyl is often suitable. More demanding, curved or longer-term applications may require a higher-grade material designed specifically for that use.

    LAMINATED OR UNLAMINATED?
    Lamination adds an extra protective layer.
    A clear laminate can help protect printed vinyl from handling, abrasion, cleaning and environmental exposure while also changing the appearance of the finished sticker. Matt laminate gives a softer, lower-glare finish, while gloss laminate creates a shinier appearance. Whether lamination is necessary depends on the application and expected life of the sticker.
    COMMON APPLICATIONS

    A practical starting point.

    ApplicationWhat to considerTypical approach
    Packaging & brandingSurface, appearance and intended lifeGeneral-purpose sticker or label
    WindowsViewing direction, removal and durationWindow-specific or removable vinyl where appropriate
    Bins & difficult plasticsPlastic type, texture and outdoor exposureHigh-tack adhesive may be required
    WallsPaint, texture, condition and removal requirementsDedicated wall graphic material
    EquipmentCleaning, handling, surface and environmentDurable vinyl; laminate where appropriate
    VehiclesCurves, contours, expected life and removalVehicle-specific vinyl selected for the application
    OUTDOOR STICKERS

    Weather resistance is about the complete specification.

    For outdoor use, consider the vinyl, adhesive, printed image, protective finish and the surface being labelled. Rain is only one factor: sunlight, temperature changes, cleaning, abrasion and the condition of the surface can all affect performance. Tell your printer where and how the sticker will be used rather than choosing solely on appearance.

    COMMON QUESTIONS

    Sticker materials & adhesives FAQs

    Are vinyl stickers waterproof?
    Vinyl itself is suitable for many applications where moisture is present, but outdoor durability depends on the complete construction, including the adhesive, print, finish, surface and environment. For demanding outdoor applications, tell us exactly where the sticker will be used.
    Do I need high-tack stickers?
    Not always. High-tack adhesive is useful for certain difficult surfaces, but standard permanent adhesive is suitable for many everyday applications. The surface the sticker will be applied to is the deciding factor.
    Should outdoor stickers be laminated?
    Lamination can provide additional protection from handling, abrasion and environmental exposure, so it is often worthwhile for more demanding applications. It isn't automatically necessary for every sticker.
    Can stickers be applied to painted walls?
    Yes, but wall surfaces vary considerably. Paint type, texture, age and condition can all affect adhesion and removal. A material intended for wall graphics should be chosen rather than assuming a standard sticker vinyl will be suitable.
    What's the difference between permanent and removable sticker adhesive?
    Permanent adhesive is intended to form a lasting bond to a suitable surface. Removable adhesive is designed for applications where the sticker may need to be taken off later. Neither option is suitable for every surface, so the intended use and duration should be considered before choosing.
    Why won't some stickers stick properly to plastic?
    Some plastics have low-energy surfaces that are more difficult for adhesives to bond to. Surface texture, contamination and the type of plastic can also affect adhesion. A high-tack or specialist adhesive may be more suitable for these applications.
    READY TO CHOOSE YOUR STICKERS?

    Explore Creoprint stickers & labels.

    Browse our sticker printing options or talk to us if you're unsure which adhesive, vinyl or finish is suitable for your application.

    Sticker PrintingAsk Creoprint
    PRACTICAL PRINT ADVICE

    Creoprint produces custom stickers, labels and vinyl graphics for businesses and individuals, from straightforward promotional stickers to more demanding commercial applications. If you're not sure what material you need, tell us what the sticker is being applied to, where it will be used and how long you need it to last.