Differences Between Stickers, Labels, and Seals: Features and Usage Guide

Stickers, labels, and decals are adhesive paper or film with various designs applied to the base material.

Since they are used in different scenarios, it is necessary to select the appropriate materials and adhesives during production. If you aim for branding or differentiation from competing products, incorporating special finishes or spot colors is essential to create something unique.

We produce a wide variety of sticker types by combining different materials and processing techniques. If you are considering creating original stickers or labels, feel free to consult with us.

Differences Between Stickers, Labels, and Decals

The main differences between stickers, labels, and decals are as follows.

Type	Description
Sticker	A printed material with adhesive applied to the back is widely referred to as a sticker.
Label	A paper or sticker used for product display or identification (regardless of whether it is adhesive or not).
Decal	Stronger adhesive than a regular sticker, with better water resistance and durability.

Next, we will provide a detailed explanation of each type.

What is a Sticker?

The term "sticker" originally meant a seal or stamp. In the past, items used to seal letters or secure container lids were referred to as stickers.

Today, printed materials with adhesive are widely known as stickers. The main difference from decals and labels is that stickers are intended for indoor use. Since they are used in environments not affected by weather, durability and weather resistance are not essential.

While not as durable as decals, stickers are cost-effective and offer a wide range of expressive possibilities. They are typically made of paper, film, or PVC, and different materials can create completely different atmospheres.

What is a Label?

The origin of the word "label" comes from the idea of a tag, paper, or shipping label, and today it is commonly used to refer to paper or stickers intended for product identification and display.

Labels may not always have adhesive on the back, but adhesive labels are used in the same way as stickers. Unlike stickers and decals, labels are not categorized by indoor or outdoor use.

In some product categories, there are legal requirements for labeling or affixing labels, and strict rules regarding the wording and content of the labels.

Uses and Differences Between Stickers, Labels, and Decals

The main uses for each type are as follows:

Use	Sticker	Label	Decal
Decoration/Gift	◎	○	○
Display/Classification	◎	◎	○
Sealing	◎	○	×
Outdoor Advertising	△	×	◎
Car/Bike Decoration	○	×	◎
Signage	×	×	◎
Product Packaging	◎	◎	○
Food Labeling	△	◎	×
Address Labeling	◎	◎	×
Personal Information Protection	◎	○	×
Promotional Items	○	△	◎

Uses of Stickers

Stickers have various uses and are widely used in everyday life. Below are some common types of stickers.

Decorative stickers are used to decorate notebooks or planners and add accents to gifts. They are also useful for labeling items such as documents, envelopes, and school supplies to make them easily identifiable.

Stickers are also used for sealing product packages and letters, serving as a sign of an unopened item.

Uses of Labels

Labels serve the purpose of displaying the name, ingredients, expiration date, and other details of a product to the consumer. They are also used to conceal specific information, such as addresses or personal information, and are widely used in business applications.

Here are some examples of label use:

Uses of Decals

Decals are commonly used for outdoor decoration and display due to their superior durability and weather resistance. They are used for promotions, decorations, and informational signage.

The primary places where decals are applied are as follows:

Since decals can be applied in prominent outdoor locations, they are highly effective for advertising, promotions, and branding.

Additionally, original stickers are often given as promotional items or event novelties, contributing to advertising, branding, and promotional efforts.

Since the required durability and functionality vary depending on the attachment location, it is important to choose the right materials and adhesive types for the purpose. We specialize in printing labels and stickers. If you are considering product labels or stickers, please contact us through the Contact page.

Two Options for Making Stickers, Labels, and Decals

There are two main options for making stickers, decals, and labels:

Option 1: Make it Yourself

If you need simple indoor stickers or labels, you can make them yourself. By purchasing specialized paper, you can easily create original stickers using a home printer.

However, the quality of the stickers you make will be different from those made by a professional printing company. Especially if you use a home printer, the ink may not be water-resistant, so be cautious around water.

Due to durability issues, making outdoor decals with a home printer is not possible. If you decide to make them yourself, it's best to limit them to personal use stickers only.

Option 2: Request a Sticker Printing Company

If you want to create stickers, labels, or seals for commercial purposes, it is recommended to request a professional sticker printing company. Since they will carefully listen to your intended use and final image, you can create high-quality stickers with high design flexibility and excellent functionality.

Furthermore, the items produced by a sticker printing company are cured by exposing the ink to ultraviolet light, making them water-resistant, which is one of their characteristics. By incorporating special processing or unique materials, you can also differentiate them from other stickers or products.

However, since detailed communication is required, the cost tends to be higher compared to self-made options. When creating stickers, it is important to choose the best method based on your budget and desired final image.
Our company specializes in creating unique and high-quality stickers, seals, and labels that add value to products. Feel free to contact us anytime through our Contact Page, available 24/7.

3 Key Points to Stand Out When Creating Stickers, Labels, and Seals

Here are some points where you can differentiate your stickers, labels, and seals based on their final appearance:

Point 1: Do a Color Proof (Sample)

If you want to ensure high-quality results and design accuracy, it is recommended to perform a color proof.

If you have to redo the stickers after they are completed, it can result in significant costs and time loss. Therefore, especially in cases where color accuracy is critical, such as corporate branding, it is a good idea to confirm the final color beforehand.

Although it incurs some additional costs, performing a color proof is beneficial for situations where high-quality results or precise color reproduction is required.

For more information about color proofing, please refer to the article below.

Sticker Printing Color Proofing | An Important Step to Avoid Color Recognition Issues

Point 2: Focus on the Printing Method

When requesting the production of stickers, seals, and labels from a printing company, focusing on the printing method can greatly affect the final quality of the product.

Here are some commonly used printing methods:

If you want high reproduction accuracy and clear results within your budget, letterpress printing is recommended. On-demand printing does not use printing plates, so its reproduction accuracy is generally lower compared to other methods.

Stickers created with offset printing provide the best results. They can reproduce very fine designs. However, this method is more costly, and it takes about 4-5 additional days compared to letterpress printing. The ability to discuss costs and results with the printing company is one of the advantages of outsourcing. Don't hesitate to ask questions and choose the method that best suits your needs.

For more information about letterpress printing, please refer to the article below.

What is Letterpress Printing? Differences and Advantages Compared to Offset Printing

Point 3: Incorporate Special Processing

By incorporating special processing, you can create unique stickers, seals, and labels. Some commonly used processing techniques include:

These processes can serve as a standalone design accent, and combining them enhances the overall design. By considering the compatibility of the material's texture and features with the processing, you can also create a luxurious or original effect. When applied effectively while considering the use case, you can differentiate your products from competitors.

Our company is a sticker printing company with a variety of processing technologies, including embossing and hot stamping. We can suggest the optimal method based on the image of the sticker you want to create. Feel free to contact us through our Contact Page.

Examples of Sticker, Label, and Seal Production

Here are some examples of stickers, seals, and labels created by our company.

Sticker Production Example: Hitsujiya Packaging Seal

This is a packaging seal for a sheep cake made by our company.

This sticker uses traditional Japanese and French colors to create a unique design. The packaging design also utilizes a retro feel suitable for Japanese sweets while showcasing the cuteness of the illustration.

The adhesive is set only on both sides (10mm) for easy application, ensuring it matches the characteristics of the product. This packaging seal combines design, functionality, and budget considerations, unique to a professional sticker printing company.

Label Production Example: Elgar Holdings LLC Food Label

This is a food label for whey protein created by our company.

Food labels have strict rules for text and design, so it is essential to check the latest laws before creating them. It is also important to make the label easy to read and durable, considering consumer convenience.

To further differentiate this label, we chose the brand's blue color (PANTONE) instead of black ink. This food label reflects our company's attention to both consumer convenience and unique design.

Sticker Production Example: note Inc. Novelty Sticker

Our company also produced novelty stickers for note Inc.

The material selected is Yupo 80µ film (solvent-based high adhesive), which is affordable yet highly water-resistant and durable with a matte finish similar to paper.

Additionally, we applied a matte laminate finish to protect the surface, considering its use in outdoor or high-stress environments. The matte laminate provides a smooth texture, giving it a luxurious feel.

Since it was die-cut to a custom shape, the sticker accurately reflects the brand image of the company, combining both its unique shape and design.

For Custom Sticker, Seal, and Label Production, We Recommend Requesting a Professional Sticker Printing Company

Although there is no clear definition for stickers, seals, and labels, there is a general distinction based on common understanding. Stickers are typically used indoors, seals are used for identification purposes, and labels are often used to identify the contents of a product.

Since the suitable materials and adhesives differ depending on the intended use and application, working with a sticker printing company allows them to provide recommendations tailored to your specific conditions.

Our company specializes in producing various types of stickers based on customer requirements. We are particularly focused on creating stickers that differentiate products from competitors and add value. If you are considering creating custom stickers, feel free to contact us.