10 Frequently asked questions about sticker printing?

Here, we’ve pulled together our answers to the most commonly asked questions about sticker printing, sticker design, and using stickers.

1. Are vinyl stickers waterproof?

Vinyl stickers are 100% waterproof and suitable for outdoor use in high humidity environments.

2. What’s the difference between die-cut and kiss-cut stickers?

The difference between die-cut and kiss-cut stickers is how the stickers are cut, in relation to the silicone release paper. For die-cut stickers the sticker and the backing paper are cut to the same size and shape. For kiss-cut stickers the sticker is cut to a different size or shape to the backing paper.

All stickers begin their life as a roll (or very large sheet) of self-adhesive vinyl, made up of two parts:

• the top layer of substrate which is printed on
• the bottom layer of silicone release paper, used as a base for the sticker to be held on.

In the production of stickers a choice needs to be made in how to cut the vinyl into the shape and size of the sticker.  Either a die tool is made, or kiss-cutters (sometimes called contour cutters) are employed.

Die-cutting

Where die-cutting is the preferred method, a special tool is made for each job (called a ‘die’).  The die is made to the size and shape of the required sticker ad is used to cut out the stickers from the sheet of vinyl, and stamp-cut motion.  The result is that both the sticker and the backing paper are the same shape and size.  The self-adhesive vinyl sticker effectively runs to the edge of the backing paper.  This sometimes makes the sticker a little bit more tricky to remove from the backing paper.

Kiss-cutting

For kiss-cutting, a plotter or cutting machine is used and the stickers are contour cut to shape.  The cutting machine cuts through the vinyl but not the backing paper, allowing multiple stickers to be presented on the same sheet of backing paper.  Sticker sheets are made this way.  Since no die is required, there are lower set up costs associated with kiss-cutting.

Now you know the difference between die-cut and kiss-cut stickers! Order your own vinyl stickers online today.

3. What is the difference between permanent and removable adhesive vinyl stickers?

Most of our custom stickers come with a choice of two adhesive types: Permanent and Removable (we also do non-adhesive static-cling stickers).

Removable adhesive has 3 times less bond than permanent adhesive and is more easily removed without leaving adhesive residue.

Permanent adhesive bonds over the lifespan of the sticker and can be difficult to remove after it has been in place for many months or years.  If a permanent vinyl sticker has been in place for some time it will only come off by applying heat (e.g. a hairdryer) to them.  The heat loosens up the adhesive allowing the sticker to be peeled off easily.

Removable stickers can be removed from a surface quite easily within the first 12 months of initial application.  Within this time they can normally be taken off without leaving any adhesive residue.  Generally, they can often be repositioned, although each reposition can reduce the overall bond life of the sticker.  After 12 months, however, the removable property diminishes and the sticker

Removable stickers can be removed from a surface quite easily within the first 12 months of initial application.  Within this time they can normally be taken off without leaving any adhesive residue.  Generally, they can often be repositioned, although each reposition can reduce the overall bond life of the sticker.  After 12 months, however, the removable property diminishes and the sticker becomes a permanent sticker and more difficult to remove.

4. Can I order more than 1 design in the same sticker order?

To save you money, we now allow you to split your order over multiple designs, but only if the dimension of each design is the same.

For example, if you require 1000 stickers, split between a blue design and a red design, then you will select 2 from the number of designs option.

This will allow you to maximise your quantity discount and avoid keep on paying our minimum order charge.

By default we will split your order evenly over the number of designs (e.g. for 2 designs over 1000 stickers we will print each design 500 times).  However, if you wish for us to split the sticker unevenly then please let us know by entering comments in the comment field during checkout

5. Can you screen print stickers?

Yes we can screenprint or digitally print all types of stickers, our team can recommend the most cost effective option when they see your artwork. Screen printing is often used on large quantities of stickers printed using a limited number of colours.

6. How are floor surface stickers rated for anti-slip?

Floor graphics are rated by the ramp test, this provides an R scoring which is the anti-slip rating, our indoor stickers are R9 and outdoor stickers are R12 rated. Specification sheets are available on request.

7. Can the image on each side of double-sided window stickers be different?

Yes, you can have either the same image or different images on each side of the sticker. This is a great way to get different promotional messages seen using the same window space.

8. What is a sticker sheet?

A sticker sheet is a self-adhesive sticker that is printed at an overall size, some standard sheet sizes are A4, A5 and A6. The printed sheet, then has any number of individual stickers kiss cut out to shape (which can be all the same or different to suit the design) so they can be individually removed and used as required. They are often used as a giveaway.

9. Can metallic stickers be produced on transparent vinyl?

Silver and gold labels can be made with either a colour or transparent background.

10. In what format does artwork need to be supplied?

Wherever possible, artwork should be sent in PDF format (For multiple designs, please keep each design as a separate page or file) We can accept files in other formats such as AI, INDD, EPS, PSD, JPG and TIFF but additional artwork charges may apply (Please ensure that any linked images used in your file are embedded) Word, PowerPoint or Excel files are not accepted as artwork and these must always be exported or saved in PDF format – but please be aware that the quality of these file types are not usually of good enough quality for larger prints. To avoid confusion if sending multiple files, please try to use filenames that are short but as descriptive as possible.

If you still have questions about sticker printing or want to get a quote, please contact us.