Introducing Washi Stickers
Today, we introduce "Washi Stickers". Although simply called washi stickers, there are various types such as Taiei, Kiri, Housho, Unryu, Kusakizome, etc. They are a rare type of tack paper (sticker or label material) with a wide range of variations.
This article aims to inform you about the broad possibilities of "washi stickers". We hope manufacturers considering using washi for product stickers will find it helpful.
Washi stickers refer to tack paper (sticker or label material) made by applying adhesive to washi paper. Washi contains more fibers compared to Western paper, making it strong, durable, and long-lasting. It is characterized by a rough surface, fuzziness, and lack of gloss compared to high-quality paper.
Despite its natural appearance, it has an elegant impression, making it popular both domestically and internationally. Due to limited raw materials and low productivity, its price is higher compared to other coated papers.
Printing designs on washi are best suited for single-color prints, and it pairs excellently with processing techniques like foil stamping and embossing. Recently, washi films that can be used in wet environments have also become available.
Due to the inherent luxury of washi material, it is often used for gift products, organic products, Japanese sweets, and wooden box labels.
While washi is often associated with Japanese designs, its main charm lies in its texture. We recommend using it in ways not confined to Japanese-themed designs.
Variations
We introduce the variations of washi stickers here. We hope this will be useful for future reference and for requesting free samples. All washi used is domestically produced.
Washi Lineup
White
Standard washi
Taiei
Washi with scattered thick fibers
Cream
Cream-colored washi
Kiri
Rougher version of high-quality paper
Crepe
Washi with deep surface texture
Gold
Washi with scattered gold flakes
Cotton
Washi with a natural texture
Housho
Washi with thin stripes
Kinari
Washi with scattered thin fibers
Kingasumi
Washi with gold mist fibers
Ginkasumi
Washi with silver mist fibers
Kusakizome
Yellow washi with scattered thin fibers
Hadzuki
Brown washi with scattered thin fibers
Rayon
Washi with a natural texture
Kitcho
Washi with scattered gold and silver fibers
Washi Film
Washi made from film material
High-Tia Yupo
Washi made from film material
Yupo Unryu
Washi made from film material
Waterproof Cotton
Washi made from film material
Custom Printing Prices for Washi Stickers
As mentioned earlier, washi stickers are slightly more expensive compared to regular paper.
For example, let’s say we make 3,000 stickers of 50×50mm size. Compared to the cheapest high-quality paper, the price difference is about 3,000 yen. Here is a simple price comparison for reference (based on our research):
Specification A
Black ink 1 color printing (3,000 stickers)
■High-quality paper: 21,000 yen
■Washi: 24,000 yen
Specification B
Black ink 1 color printing + foil stamping (3,000 stickers)
■High-quality paper: 38,000 yen
■Washi: 42,000 yen
As a result, washi stickers are about 10% more expensive than high-quality paper. It's convenient to remember this as a rough estimate.
Washi Sticker Usage Examples
Here, we introduce an example from one of our clients. This sticker uses a type of washi called cotton. The printing is black ink, and the special process used is gold foil stamping. By keeping the design simple, the texture of the washi is emphasized, resulting in a sophisticated sticker.
We respond quickly. Please give us a try.