Bet you’ve adorned something with stickers at least once in your life. They’re the popular decoration choice for those seeking to add unique personality to their belongings. However, have you ever wondered “how are stickers made”, how these little adhesive pieces come into being?
In this blog post, we will discover the production behind “how are stickers made” through exploring the structures of the most common sticker types. By understanding the manufacturing process, you’ll be better equipped to choose the right stickers for your needs and apply them like a pro. So, let’s get started!
About stickers
Stickers have been around for quite some time, with their invention dating back to the 18th century. Initially created as adhesive labels for inventory management, stickers have evolved into a versatile medium for personal expression and business promotion.
These days, stickers have become a familiar thing in our lives. They not only help us customize and decorate our personal belongings but also serve as powerful marketing tools for businesses.
For Individual Use
- Stickers, especially custom stickers, are a fun and creative way of personalization, allowing individuals to customize items such as laptops, phone cases, and notebooks.
- They offer us a chance of self-expression, enabling people to showcase their favorite bands, express political views, or simply add a pop of color to their belongings.
For Business Use
- Stickers serve as powerful branding tools for companies, allowing them to prominently display their logos on various surfaces including product packaging and company vehicles.
- They are effective for promotional campaigns, offering a cost-efficient way for businesses to reach a broad audience and increase brand visibility.
Stickers are widely used for both individual and business purposes because of their versatility. They can be printed in various shapes, sizes, and designs, making them adaptable to almost any surface or purpose. Furthermore, stickers are durable and long-lasting, capable of withstanding exposure to different environmental conditions without losing their adhesive properties or color vibrancy.
What Are the Parts of a Sticker?
To know “how are stickers made”, we should discover their structure.
Stickers may seem simple on the surface, but they consist of several key components that work together to create the final product. Understanding these parts is essential for choosing the right type of sticker and using it effectively.
Classic Stickers
Classic stickers are those made of paper or vinyl, usually contain 3 layers:
- Sticker Layer: This is the top layer of the sticker that features the design or image.
- Adhesive Layer: Below the sticker layer is the adhesive layer, which is responsible for sticking the sticker to surfaces.
- Backing Layer: The backing layer serves as the support for the sticker and protects the adhesive until the sticker is ready to be applied.
DTF (Direct-to-Film) Stickers
While classic stickers have a paper or vinyl base to print on, DTF stickers are those which are made of ink. They are formed from 4 layers:
- Backing Layer: Similar to classic stickers, DTF stickers also have a backing layer. It can be a paper or a special film.
- Adhesive Layer: Under the backing layer is the adhesive layer, which functions the same way as in classic stickers, bonding the sticker to surfaces.
- Ink Layer: DTF stickers feature an additional layer of ink directly printed onto the backing layer and the adhesive layer. This layer contains the design or image and provides vibrant colors and sharp details.
- Transfer Tape Layer: This is the layer on top of the sticker. This tape helps transfer the sticker onto the desired surface smoothly and accurately.
Classic stickers are versatile, serving various purposes. However, DTF stickers offer superior qualities like durability and a high-end appearance, making them favorites among those seeking labels for luxury products or prolonged use.
How are Stickers Made in Steps
Stickers production involves several intricate steps to ensure quality and durability. In this section, we will go through a complete process behind “how are stickers made”.
1. Creating Artwork
First step of “how are stickers made” is the step of creating your artwork.
There are various options for designing sticker artwork. If you are a talented artwork, this is not the field we need to assist you. Otherwise, if you need some inspiration or are looking for templates, there are many online platforms that offer design services, allowing you to easily bring your ideas to life and customize them to your preference.
Additionally, graphic design software like Adobe Illustrator or Canva provides tools for creating and editing sticker designs.
When preparing artwork for stickers, it’s essential to use the correct file formats:
- Vector files, such as .ai or .eps, are ideal for maintaining high-quality resolution and scalability.
- Alternatively, raster files like .png or .jpeg can be used for simpler designs but may lose quality when resized.
2. Printing
Once you have the artwork file, it’s time to bring it to life through printing the sticker. This is the second step of “how are stickers made”.
How are stickers made? For small projects or personal use, home printers are the suitable choice for you. Inkjet or laser printers are commonly used for printing stickers at home, offering convenience and affordability for producing small quantities.
On the other hand, professional printing companies utilize a range of advanced printers to accommodate larger volumes and diverse requirements. Screen printing, UV printing, and digital printing are among these techniques.
3. Laminating (optional)
Laminating is a step in the process of “how are stickers made”. Even though it is optional, a laminating layer can enhance your stickers’ durability. Lamination is a process of applying a thin layer of protective film over the printed stickers, providing protection against water, scratches, moisture, and fading.
Laminating brings various features to your stickers, including increased durability, UV resistance, and a glossy or matte finish, depending on your preference. Therefore, lamination is particularly beneficial for outdoor stickers or those that are used under harsh conditions such as wet, or humid.
There are different methods of laminating stickers, including using laminating sheets.
- Cold lamination involves applying pressure-sensitive laminate sheets onto the stickers manually
- Hot lamination utilizes heat to bond the laminate to the stickers for a more permanent seal.
Besides, you also can use laminating spray to apply a layer of lamination on top of your stickers. However, this method does not always bring you the best result.
Related article: How to Laminate Stickers: 3 Ways to do & Step-by-step Guides
4. Cutting
Once the stickers are printed and optionally laminated, they need to be cut to the shape you want. This is the last step of “how are stickers made”.
You can either die-cut them to get single sticker pieces, or kiss-cut them to get all the sticker designs remaining in a sheet.
Whether the cutting option you choose, you can do it at home. Personal cutting machines like the Cricut or Silhouette are used for this step. They offer you precise and customizable cuts suitable for any sticker project.
You may like: How to Make Stickers with Cricut?
For larger-scale production or professional-quality cutting, how does the last step of “how are stickers made” proceed? In-house printing companies often use specialized cutting machines. These machines are capable of cutting through various materials with speed and precision, making them suitable for high-volume sticker production.
Where to get your stickers made
Now that you’ve learned about how are stickers made, you might be wondering where to get your own stickers made. You can either do it at home or using a printing service. If you prefer a professional production, let’s try our printing service for all your sticker needs.
With CustomAny’s printing service, you can enjoy professional-quality stickers that are printed with precision and attention to detail. Allow our expertise to give you comprehensive guidance throughout the process of “how are stickers made”, ensuring that your stickers turn out exactly as you want.
