When it comes to custom print, it’s easy to mix up labels, stickers, and decals. They’re all sticky, customisable, and useful, but they’re not quite the same. Whether you’re labelling products, handing out logo stickers, or branding your shop window, knowing the difference helps you choose the right product for the job.
What is a Label?
Labels are all about information. Think ingredients, barcodes, shipping details or storage instructions. They’re commonly used in packaging, logistics, retail, and anything that needs to be clear and functional.
Labels are usually printed on paper or polypropylene, depending on how durable they need to be (for example, refrigerated or oily surfaces). They’re supplied on rolls or sheets for quick, consistent application, by hand or machine. They can look great, but their job is to inform first, impress second.
What is a Sticker?
Stickers are made to stand out. They’re decorative, promotional, or just plain fun. From logo stickers and freebies in orders to laptop or bottle decals, stickers are all about branding, expression, and creativity.
Stickers are typically made from durable vinyl with a gloss or matt finish, and supplied as individual pieces. They’re perfect for giveaways, packaging extras, or turning your logo into a walking advert.
What is a Decal?
Decals are a specific type of sticker made for transferring designs onto surfaces like windows, cars, laptops, or walls. They’re often used for business signage, vehicle branding, or home décor.
Unlike regular stickers, decals usually come in one colour or are printed, weeded, and supplied on transfer tape. This makes application neat, especially for lettering or intricate logos. At SM1 Print Studio, we include decals under our sticker range because they’re still adhesive graphics – just with a different application method.
Key Differences at a Glance:
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Labels = functional, often printed in volume, supplied on rolls or sheets
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Stickers = decorative, promotional, supplied individually
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Decals = vinyl graphics or lettering transferred using tape, often for signage or vehicles
Can Something Be More Than One?
Definitely. A label can look like a sticker, a decal can carry a brand message, and a sticker might include key info. It really comes down to the purpose, material, and how it’s applied.
How Do You Choose the Right One?
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Use labels for packaging, barcodes, product info, and anything going on in quantity.
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Choose stickers for branding, promotion, giveaways, or decoration.
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Go with decals when you need a logo, name, or message cleanly transferred to a window, vehicle, or wall.
Need help deciding?
Get in touch or visit the Studio, we’re happy to show you samples, talk surfaces, and make sure your print works exactly as it should.