What is Art Paper Used for Stickers? Differences from High-Quality Paper and Mirror Coat Paper

There are many variations of materials used for stickers, such as paper and film. Since each material has distinct characteristics, such as its visual impression and texture, it is important to choose the right material that matches the intended use and personal preferences.

In this article, we will focus on "art paper," one of the most commonly used types of paper, and provide a detailed explanation of its features and applications. This material is low-cost but offers a wide range of creative possibilities depending on how it is combined, so be sure to read this article to gain useful knowledge on how to effectively utilize it.

We are a sticker printing company that creates stickers using various materials and processing techniques. We suggest the most suitable material based on the intended use and final look. If you are considering creating custom stickers, feel free to contact us for advice.

What is Art Paper?

Art paper is a type of coated paper, where a gloss-type coating is applied to high-quality paper, sometimes referred to as art coat paper. The coating on the surface allows for better ink absorption, resulting in vibrant and crisp colors.

Additionally, art paper has a smooth surface and a shiny appearance, giving it a premium feel compared to regular high-quality paper. Thanks to the coating, it has slight water resistance, and it works well with other special finishes. Art paper is highly versatile as it can be used with various adhesive types, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.

For a more detailed explanation of art paper used in label stickers, please check out the page below.

Label Material | Art Coat Paper has a subtle gloss and a calm impression.

Differences Between Art Paper, High-Quality Paper, and Mirror Coated Paper

Below is a comparison of the differences between art paper, high-quality paper, and mirror-coated paper.

	Art Paper	High-Quality Paper	Mirror Coated Paper
Gloss	Yes (Subtle Gloss)	No	Yes
Texture	Smooth to the touch	Natural texture of paper	Smooth to the touch
Types	・73kg (0.080mm) ・90kg (0.090mm) ・110kg (0.105mm) ・Correction type	・55kg (0.080mm) ・70kg (0.090mm) ・90kg (0.120mm) ・Correction type	・73kg (0.080mm) ・Correction type
Adhesive	Various adhesives available, including general, strong, medium strength, weak, strong re-release, weak re-release, and for frozen foods	Various adhesives available, including general, strong, extra strong, weak, strong re-release, weak re-release, and for frozen foods	Various adhesives available, including general, strong, medium strength, weak, strong re-release, weak re-release, and for frozen foods
Chemical Regulation	REACH Regulation, RoHS Directive, documents can be submitted ※Some materials may not comply	REACH Regulation, RoHS Directive, documents can be submitted ※Some materials may not comply	REACH Regulation, RoHS Directive, documents can be submitted ※Some materials may not comply

When comparing the materials, the main differences are the "degree of gloss" and the "variety of types."

Art paper has a subtle gloss and is available in a wide range of thicknesses, making it ideal for use in magazines, catalogs, brochures, and other products where vibrancy and contrast are essential. On the other hand, high-quality paper lacks gloss and creates a more natural, smooth texture, perfect for creating a laid-back and rustic atmosphere.

Mirror-coated paper has a stronger gloss and reflects light like a mirror. While it has fewer thickness options than art paper, it is often used in advertising and other situations that require bright, colorful photos and illustrations due to its high color contrast.

Difference Between Art Paper and High-Quality Paper

High-quality paper, often referred to as general-purpose paper, is commonly used for applications such as copy paper. It is known for its natural texture and smooth feel, as it does not have any coating on the surface.

Compared to art paper, high-quality paper absorbs ink more easily, resulting in a more subdued color output. Therefore, it is recommended to perform color proofing and trial runs to check the final result before printing.

It is also suitable for writing with pencils or pens, making it ideal for use in forms, such as surveys and application forms, that require writing. When used for flyers and brochures, it creates a natural and gentle design, bringing out the unique qualities of high-quality paper.

Difference Between Art Paper and Mirror-Coated Paper

Mirror-coated paper, also known as cast-coated paper, is a type of coated paper with a glossy finish applied to the surface. The name "mirror" comes from its ability to reflect light like a mirror.

The key feature of mirror-coated paper is its exceptionally high gloss compared to other coated papers. Additionally, its excellent ink adhesion and high print reproducibility make it widely known as a premium printing paper. In the printing industry, the term "mirror-coated" has become a well-established name for this classic paper material.
We offer a wide variety of material samples, including art and mirror-coated papers, for free viewing. If you're unsure about selecting the right sticker material, feel free to contact us through our contact page.

Three Types of Stickers That Maximize the Features of Art Paper

There are three types of stickers that maximize the features of art paper:

Type 1: Product Packaging

Stickers made from art paper are often used for various product packaging, including food, pharmaceuticals, and miscellaneous goods. While they have a glossy and smooth texture, the reflection is not too strong, making text such as product names and ingredient lists easy to read.

Thanks to the vivid color reproduction and high contrast, art paper is well-suited for product packaging, where design accuracy is prioritized over texture and feel. The subtle gloss of art paper gives it a familiar and reliable impression, making it a widely used material in daily life.

The following article provides a detailed guide on creating product packaging.

How to Create Product Packaging? We also explain methods to add a special touch to your design.

Type 2: Food Labels

Art paper is often used for food labels because of its sharp print quality and ability to handle fine print, ensuring the text is clear and easy to read. As it is a cost-effective material within the paper category, it is especially recommended when you need to print a large number of stickers within a budget.

Due to its versatility with adhesives, art paper is used not only for food packaging labels but also for a wide range of labels placed on the backs of products. This wide compatibility is one of the reasons why it is so widely used.

The following article provides a detailed guide on creating food labels.

How to Create Food Labels? A checklist of required information and tips for creation.

Type 3: Ribbon Stickers

Art paper is also frequently used for ribbon stickers. Ribbon stickers tend to be more expensive due to their decorative nature, but using cost-effective art paper can help reduce costs slightly.

Art paper can handle a wide range of printing methods and special finishes, so even at a low cost, it doesn't give off a cheap impression. By incorporating various techniques to match the product’s image, you can create a unique and premium look that sets your product apart from competitors.

Below is an example of ribbon stickers created by our company.

We offer over 40 different ribbon colors from our extensive lineup. For more information on color options and actual production examples, please check out the article below.

Add Ribbon Stickers to Your Gifts.

2 Sticker Processing Methods That Complement Art Paper

Here are two processing methods that work well with art paper for stickers.

"Embossing" is a processing technique that uses pressure to create raised patterns or designs on the material, adding a three-dimensional effect.

By using the material's natural bulge to express patterns, embossing creates an impactful texture and visual accent. When combined with printed designs, it can create even more striking effects.

Using cost-effective art paper allows you to add a unique charm while keeping costs down.

For more details on embossing, please check out the article below.

Embossed Stickers Explained | Stand Out with a Higher-Quality Impression!

Processing Method 2: Foil Stamping

"Foil stamping" is a technique that uses a shiny "foil" to press onto the material, creating patterns and designs with a metallic finish.

The unique gloss and refined impression make it ideal for creating a sense of luxury. It is used across a wide range of sticker types, from product labels to standalone stickers and decals.

Typically, foil stamping can be challenging when it comes to reproducing intricate designs. However, our company can handle font sizes as small as 5pt and line widths as narrow as 0.4pt (0.14mm), depending on the material.

Foil stamping is especially effective when you want to add a touch of elegance and glamour to your stickers or labels.

For more information about foil stamping, check out the article below.

Hot Stamped Stickers | Detailed Guide on Processing Methods and Color Options, How to Spot Quality Products

2 Examples of Stickers Made with Art Paper

Here are two examples of stickers made with art paper.

Example 1: Hitsujiya – Package Stickers

We created package stickers for "Hitsujiya," a shop selling traditional and candy-style Japanese sweets in Fukuoka.

We selected art paper for the material and DIC's traditional Japanese and French ink colors for printing. By choosing cost-effective art paper, we were able to express a retro feel with special inks while keeping costs low. For ease of application, the adhesive was set only on the 10mm sides, not the front.

This package sticker showcases our attention to detail, balancing budget, design, and practicality, all tailored to the unique needs of the product.

Example 2: Elgar Holdings LLC – Food Labels

Here is a food label created for Elgar Holdings LLC.

This is a typical food label made with art paper. It has the subtle gloss characteristic of art paper. Being a cost-effective material, it is ideal for large production runs of food labels. However, despite its affordable price, it does not give off a cheap impression, so you can trust the quality.

If You Value Cost-Effectiveness and Great Color Reproduction, Art Paper is Highly Recommended

Art paper is a paper material characterized by its glossy texture and subtle sheen. Despite its affordable price, it offers excellent printability and is used in a wide range of applications. Its compatibility with special finishes also allows you to create unique and luxurious designs depending on how it is used, which is one of the reasons it is so popular.

If you're looking to produce high-quality stickers in large quantities within your budget, art paper is an ideal choice.

At our company, we create stickers using a variety of materials, including art paper. If you're unsure about which material to choose, we can recommend the best option based on your product and design needs. If you're considering creating custom stickers, feel free to reach out to us for advice.