What Materials Can Our Stickers Be Printed On?

When it comes to creating the perfect stickers for your products, the material you choose matters just as much as the design. The right material affects not only the look and feel of your sticker, but its durability and suitability for different environments. With over 25 years of experience in the print industry, we understand how to combine premium materials with expert printing techniques. 

Here’s a closer look at the different materials we offer and how to choose the best one for your project.

Natural Writeable Uncoated Paper Stickers

Uncoated paper is a popular choice for brands looking for a natural, rustic aesthetic. Its textured finish creates a hand-crafted, eco-friendly look that works beautifully for artisan products, organic goods, and packaging that prioritises sustainability.

This material is perfect for labelling items like jams, baked goods, or handmade chocolates. Another key advantage is that uncoated paper is writable, so you can easily add information such as dates, batch codes, or names by hand.

Uncoated paper is ideal when you need labels that combine practicality with a warm, authentic feel - especially when personal touches or sustainability are a core part of your brand’s identity.

Adding Durability with Gloss or Matte Laminations

If you like the natural qualities of uncoated paper but want to enhance its appearance or durability, lamination is a smart upgrade. Laminations give your stickers a protective coating, making them better suited to everyday handling and improving their visual appeal.

Gloss lamination

Gloss lamination adds a reflective, high-shine finish that intensifies colours and makes designs pop. This is perfect for product labels where visual impact is key, such as premium food packaging, cosmetics, or promotional stickers. The gloss layer also improves durability, protecting against scuffs and wear.

Matte lamination

Matte lamination creates a smooth, glare-free finish that feels silky to the touch. This option is particularly useful for labels with text-heavy designs like ingredient lists or instructions, as it’s easy to read under any lighting conditions. Like gloss, it adds a layer of protection to extend the life of your labels.

Choosing between gloss and matte depends on whether you want bold, vibrant colours or a more understated, elegant look.

Durable and Reliable Polypropylene Stickers

For applications where durability is essential, polypropylene is the go-to material. Unlike paper-based stickers, polypropylene is completely waterproof, weatherproof, and tearproof, making it suitable for demanding environments. It is also UV resistant, so your stickers won’t fade when exposed to sunlight.

This makes polypropylene ideal for outdoor use, as well as for labels that need to withstand cold storage. For instance, food packaging that goes into fridges or freezers will benefit from this strong, reliable material. Cleaning products, gardening supplies, and other goods exposed to moisture or rough handling are also well-suited to polypropylene stickers.

They’re perfect for businesses that need their labels to perform under challenging conditions without compromising on appearance.

Premium Finishes for Polypropylene

Just like paper stickers, polypropylene can also be laminated to add a more refined finish. This gives you the strength of polypropylene combined with the visual appeal of gloss or matte surfaces.

•    Gloss lamination: Delivers a shiny, reflective finish that makes colours vibrant and eye-catching. Perfect for premium products or branding that needs to stand out on crowded shelves.

•    Matte lamination: Offers a sophisticated, non-reflective finish that reduces glare. This option is especially effective for brands that want a sleek, professional look without distracting shine.
Both options maintain polypropylene’s core benefits of being waterproof, weatherproof, tearproof, and UV resistant, while providing added protection and a premium appearance.

Both options maintain polypropylene’s core benefits of being waterproof, weatherproof, tearproof, and UV resistant, while providing added protection and a premium appearance.

How to Choose the Best Material for Your Stickers

Picking the right material isn’t just about the way a sticker looks – it’s also about how it performs and what it says about your brand. Here are a few things to consider before making a decision:

1. Consider the environment where your stickers will be used.
   If your products are exposed to moisture, cold storage, or outdoor weather, durability should be your priority. Polypropylene is perfect for these situations because it’s waterproof and tearproof, meaning your labels will stay intact even in harsh conditions.
2. Think about the story your brand wants to tell.
   Uncoated paper has a tactile, natural finish that reflects sustainability and craftsmanship. This makes it a great fit for brands that value eco-friendly packaging or want to create a rustic, handmade feel.
3. Balance design impact with usability.
   Gloss laminations bring out bold, vibrant colours, which is ideal for products that need to grab attention on busy retail shelves. In contrast, matte laminations create a softer, glare-free surface that makes important information (such as ingredient lists or safety instructions) easy to read.
   
4. Factor in cost and scale.
   If you’re producing large quantities, choosing the right material can also affect your overall budget. Paper labels are often more cost-effective for short-term or seasonal products, while polypropylene is a smart long-term investment for goods with a longer shelf life or more demanding conditions.

By weighing these factors together (environment, brand message, design, and budget) you’ll find the material that delivers both the right performance and the right look. If you’re unsure where to start, our team is always on hand to offer tailored advice based on your specific goals.

In summary, choosing the right sticker material is a crucial step in ensuring your labels are not only showcase your brand but also stand up to the conditions they’ll face.

Discover our variety of label shapes and finishes, including circle, oval, rectangle, and custom options, to create designs tailored to your products. For expert advice, reach out to reach out to our team today and we’ll work with you to pick the best material for your labels.