What Are Hologram Stickers? Features, Types, and Examples

Hologram stickers are commonly used as bonus items with snacks or as eye-catching elements on product packaging. Their shiny, reflective finish adds a sense of exclusivity and is highly effective in drawing attention to a product.

In this hologram sticker guide, we’ll explore the key features, visual impact, and different types of hologram stickers. If you're considering making one, this article is a great starting point.

We are a printing company specializing in stickers and labels. From product labels to custom stickers, we offer a wide range of solutions. Feel free to contact us using the link below.

What Are Hologram Stickers? Key Features Explained

Hologram stickers are specially processed stickers that use light interference and reflection to create unique visual effects. Depending on the viewing angle, the way light hits the surface changes, giving the design a dynamic and shifting appearance. With their sense of depth and glossy finish, hologram stickers make a strong visual impact—making them ideal for use on product labels and packaging.

Key Features of Hologram Stickers

Hologram stickers are known for their distinctive shine, created through special processing that reflects light in various directions. The surface features fine textures that scatter light, producing a sparkling effect. The material feels smooth and glossy to the touch.

Since the color shifts depending on the viewing angle, hologram stickers can create vibrant, eye-catching designs that stand out.

Common Uses for Hologram Stickers

Hologram stickers are widely used for their signature sparkle and visual appeal.

Because holographic materials have a naturally strong impact, they work especially well with simple designs. They can also be applied selectively to certain areas, offering a different look compared to full-surface hologram processing.

Applications	Contents
Product Label	・Adds a sense of luxury and exclusivity to product labels ・Ideal for cosmetics, perfume labels, wine packaging, and stickers for limited-edition products ・Helps attract consumer attention and can boost sales
Novelty stickers	・Used for corporate events and promotional campaigns ・Perfect for campaign stickers with serial numbers or limited-edition giveaways

If you're interested in how to create novelty stickers or promotional stickers, check out the article below.

How to Create Novelty Stickers: Methods and Marketing Tips

How Hologram Stickers Enhance Your Product Appeal

Here are the two main effects of using hologram stickers.

Effect 1: High Visual Impact

Hologram stickers stand out thanks to their unique shimmering effects that change with the angle of light. Compared to standard stickers, they are more visually striking, and their depth and luster make them easy to notice—even in small sizes.

The way the design shifts with light reflection also helps set your product apart from others. For example, when used as product labels, hologram stickers can catch the shopper’s eye on store shelves and increase the chances of them picking up your product.

In short, hologram stickers are perfect for situations where you want to attract attention and create a strong visual impact.

Effect 2: More Visually Striking Than Regular Stickers

Hologram stickers offer a more glamorous and eye-catching appearance compared to regular stickers. Because of their refined look, they’re not only ideal for product labels but also perfect for enhancing items like membership cards.

The shimmering holographic effect can help elevate the perceived value of your brand or service. If you're looking to create a design with extra impact, hologram stickers are an excellent choice for achieving a more premium finish.

Types of Hologram Stickers

There are several types of holograms available.
Here are the five main types of hologram sticker materials we offer.

We will introduce the characteristics of each.

Hologram Type No.1

Hologram Type No.1 is our most popular and highly recommended hologram material.
Unlike other types, this hologram has a smooth surface without any texture, resulting in a clean and sleek finish.

Its simple appearance makes it easy to adapt to a wide range of designs, making it a highly versatile option.

While it still shines with a rainbow-like effect when viewed from different angles, the overall gloss is more subdued compared to other holograms. The silver-based pattern adds a calm and refined look, giving your product an elegant and sophisticated feel.

Hologram Type No.2

Hologram type No.2 features a bold design with evenly scattered large dots, creating a sparkling and glamorous effect.

Because of its coarse, eye-catching texture, it may feel a bit overwhelming for those who prefer minimalist designs.

That said, its strong presence makes it an excellent choice for designs that aim to stand out with impact and brilliance. If you're looking to add a vibrant, showy touch, this hologram sticker is a perfect fit.

Hologram Type No.3

Hologram type No.3 features a fine pattern of small, scattered dots. It’s a more refined version of the Hologram No.2 material, offering a softer and more delicate reflection of light.

Depending on the viewing angle and position, the colors subtly shift, giving it a simple yet dimensional shine.
Similar to Hologram No.1, its smooth and elegant finish makes it a great choice for designs that aim for a refined and sophisticated look.

Hologram Type No.4

Hologram type No.4 features a unique pattern that resembles shattered glass. Each texture element is large, giving the appearance of stained glass and creating a bold visual impression.

The geometric design produces dynamic reflections depending on the light angle, offering a striking and ever-changing sparkle. With its strong presence, this type is ideal for designs that aim to make a bold statement or emphasize visual impact.

Hologram Type No.5

Hologram No.5 features a regular pattern of 6mm squares arranged in a grid.

Each square has radial lines extending from its center, creating a sparkling effect as the light hits the surface. This type of hologram has a playful and nostalgic look, similar to stickers often found as bonuses with candy or snacks.

If you'd like to learn more about hologram materials and patterns, check out the article below.

Creating Hologram Stickers: Patterns, Materials, and Prep

How to choose a hologram material

For example, Hologram No.1 offers a subtle, rainbow-like shine with a soft gloss, making it a perfect match for simple designs and creating an elegant finish.
On the other hand, Hologram No.3 is covered with fine dots and changes color depending on the viewing angle, making it ideal for stickers that need a strong visual impact.

As you can see, choosing the right hologram material depends on the style and purpose of your design.
Once pricing has been confirmed, we can provide material samples upon request.
If you're unsure about which hologram sticker material is best for your needs, feel free to contact us through our inquiry form—we’re happy to help.

Hologram Sticker Case Studies

Here are three examples of hologram stickers we’ve produced.
We hope these case studies help inspire your own hologram sticker project.

Case Study 1: Hologram Sticker for W&Rs Inc.

We produced a custom hologram cutting sticker featuring the logo of W&Rs Inc.

To ensure that the red color of the logo and frame would not be affected by the holographic background, we first printed a layer of white ink, then overlaid it with the red.
This process preserves the clarity of the design while allowing the hologram’s brilliance to shine through.

For more details about the hologram sticker we created for W&Rs Inc., please see the article below.

W&Rs Co., Ltd. - Hologram Stickers

Case Study 2: Illuminate Inc. – Hologram Sticker

We produced novelty hologram stickers for Illuminate Inc.

A business card-sized sticker was printed in solid black on Hologram No.1 material, then finished with a gloss laminate to protect the printed surface. This combination enhances durability while preserving the vibrant shine of the holographic base.

For more details about the hologram stickers created for Illuminate Inc., check out the article below.

Illuminate Inc. – Hologram Sticker

Case Study 3: UNITED ARROWS LTD. – Hologram Sticker

We created hologram stickers for UNITED ARROWS LTD.

The material used was Hologram No.3 with strong solvent adhesive. The design was printed in black ink only, including printing on the backing paper.

UNITED ARROWS LTD. – Hologram Sticker

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Lastly, here are some important things to keep in mind when working with hologram stickers.
There are three main points to note:

Tip 1: Light Colors May Be Hard to See

Hologram stickers reflect light and shine, which can reduce visibility when light-colored inks are used. Pale colors, in particular, may become difficult to read due to the holographic effect.

We recommend checking the hologram material in advance and choosing colors that offer good contrast.

If you want to use light colors in your design, consider printing with a white ink base underneath. This can enhance color vibrancy and improve legibility. It's important to choose the most effective method based on how the design will appear on the final sticker.

Tip 2: Higher Cost Compared to Standard Stickers

Hologram stickers tend to be more expensive than regular stickers. One of the main reasons is the higher cost of hologram materials set by the original material manufacturers.

Since hologram materials are specialized films with limited availability, they are not mass-produced like standard sticker papers. This limited supply contributes to the higher material costs.

Pricing may vary depending on the printing company, so it's a good idea to request a quote and discuss your needs in advance.

Tip 3: Can Appear Too Flashy Depending on Usage

Hologram materials tend to have a flashy appearance before any printing is applied. While they are considered premium materials, excessive shine or glitter can sometimes result in an overly loud or gaudy impression.

At our company, we use printing techniques to tone down the intense shine and create a more refined, elegant finish.

Hologram stickers typically have a silver-like gloss, which pairs especially well with screen patterns (halftone printing). By incorporating halftone designs, it's possible to soften the holographic effect and achieve a more sophisticated look.

For more tips and techniques on how to create stylish hologram stickers, check out the article below.

Creating Hologram Stickers: Patterns, Materials, and Prep

Discover the Key Features of Hologram Stickers

Discover the Key Features of Hologram Stickers
Hologram stickers are known for their distinctive shine and eye-catching visual effects. By using holographic materials, you can create impactful designs that enhance the appeal of your products.

However, if not used carefully, they can appear overly flashy and detract from a brand’s elegance. Thoughtful design and printing techniques are essential.

As a specialized label printing company, we also produce hologram stickers. By applying the right materials and print methods, we create refined and visually striking hologram stickers that leave a lasting impression.

If you’re considering hologram sticker production or are unsure about material selection, feel free to reach out to us using the contact form below.