Stickers can be a game-changer for small businesses. Whether you’re looking to brand your packaging, create promotional giveaways, or simply add a personal touch to your products, stickers offer a versatile and affordable solution. But how do you go about printing them? Let’s explore your options.
In a nutshell: To print stickers, you'll need a suitable printer (inkjet for vibrant colors or laser for durability), sticker paper (matte or glossy), and design tools like Canva or Adobe Illustrator. Print your design with the correct settings, and cut carefully using scissors or a craft cutter. If DIY seems daunting, outsourcing can provide professional results and a wider range of options.
What You’ll Need
1. A printer
Inkjet printers are ideal if you need vibrant colors for branding materials. These printers are generally more affordable but require high-quality ink and paper to avoid smudging and fading. Consider options like the Epson EcoTank or Canon Pixma series, which are popular for small-scale printing.
Laser printers are a better choice for those needing sharp, durable prints, especially on a larger scale. Laser printers, such as the HP LaserJet Pro, produce professional-grade stickers but come with a higher upfront cost. They’re excellent for waterproof or heat-resistant stickers.
2. Sticker paper
Matte or glossy stickers? Matte gives a more subtle, professional finish, while glossy makes colors pop—great for eye-catching designs. Should you make it waterproof? If your stickers might be exposed to moisture (think coffee cups or outdoor use), opt for waterproof paper.
3. Design tools
If your business is just starting, Canva is an intuitive and budget-friendly tool with plenty of templates and customization options. For more intricate designs, Adobe Illustrator offers advanced features, including vector graphics that ensure your stickers are crisp at any size.
4. Cutting tools
Scissors work well for small batches, but if you need to cut larger quantities or require precision, a craft cutter like a Cricut could be a great investment. These machines can handle intricate designs and shapes with ease. For straight cuts, consider using a paper trimmer as an alternative.
How To Design and Print Your Stickers at Home
Designing your sticker
Size and resolution. Aim for a resolution of 300 DPI to ensure your stickers are sharp and professional-looking. Use design software to set your dimensions.
Add bleed lines. A bleed area of about 0.125 inches ensures your design extends to the edge of the sticker after cutting, preventing unwanted white borders. Most design tools allow you to add this automatically.
Set up your printer
Adjust your printer’s settings to match the sticker paper type and size. For inkjet printers, set the paper type to ‘photo paper’ or ‘glossy paper’ to get the best quality. For laser printers, select a ‘label’ or ‘heavyweight’ setting. Calibrate your printer to ensure the colors in your design match the printed output.
Print!
Before printing on sticker paper, print a test page on regular paper to check color accuracy, alignment, and quality.
Load the sticker paper into the printer, ensuring it’s correctly oriented (check the manual for guidance). Print your design slowly to avoid misalignment or smudging—many printers offer a ‘high-quality’ or ‘slow’ print setting for best results.
Cut and stick
If you’re using scissors, carefully follow the outline of your design. If your stickers need extra durability, especially for outdoor use or heavy handling, apply a clear laminate sheet over your printed stickers before cutting. This will protect the design from fading and scratches.
Important: There’s a bit of trial and error here, especially with color matching, print alignment, and cutting precision. Allocate some time for testing and refining your process. For larger quantities, DIY can be time-intensive.
Read more about stickers here
Impack Solves Your Sticker Needs All In One Go!
If all of the above sounds too overwhelming to you, you might be better off having your stickers printed instead as your time might be better spent on other aspects of your business. Having custom stickers printed by Impack ensures your stickers are produced with high-end equipment, resulting in a polished, consistent finish that reflects well on your brand.
Outsouring your custom sticker needs with us also gives you access to a wider range of materials, finishes, and advanced printing techniques. For example, if you want to create stickers with a meticulous cut, give us a call.
Get Stand Out Packaging with Custom Sticker Sheets from Impack!
Enhance your brand’s identity with our fully customizable sticker sheets (we offer both custom vinyl and paper sticker options!) Perfect for adding a personal touch to your packaging, these stickers are designed for easy application and are available in a variety of sizes and shapes. Whether you're sealing packages or creating eye-catching labels, our uncoated stickers ensure a professional look every time.
