Ever admired a cool design on someone's car or laptop, only to wonder, "Wait, is that a decal or a sticker?”. Design enthusiasts often wonder about such queries. These terms are used interchangeably. But, there are some key differences that can affect how you use them.
Custom vinyl decals are perfect for showcasing logos, designs, or lettering on cars, windows, or other outdoor surfaces. They offer a professional look. On the other hand, custom stickers seem great for adding a personal touch to laptops, phone cases, or notebooks. You can create custom stickers with your own designs, text, or logos in various shapes and sizes.
To make sure you don’t stick your head around such sticky questions, we have prepared this guide. After you read it, you’ll break down the distinctions between decals and stickers. You can identify the different types available and have enough information to choose the right option for your project.
Decals vs Stickers: Breaking Down the Basics
Both adhere to surfaces and display graphics, images, or text. However, the key difference lies in their materials and construction.
Materials & Designing
Typically made from a thicker material like vinyl or plastic, decals are designed for durability and weather resistance. They often have a clear transfer layer on top, allowing for intricate designs with multiple colors or small details.
Stickers come in a wider variety of materials, including paper and custom vinyl stickers.
They can be simple and one-layered or more complex with multiple colors and designs.
Stickers are generally less durable than decals and may not fare well in harsh weather conditions.
Practical Uses
Decals are ideal for long-term applications, especially on outdoor surfaces like cars, windows, mailboxes, or skateboards. Moreover, stickers are the perfect choice for temporary applications or indoor use on laptops, notebooks, water bottles, or phone cases.
Adhesiveness & Removal
Another key difference is how decals and stickers adhere to surfaces and how easily they can be removed.
Decals generally have a strong adhesive for permanent application. Removing them might require heat or specific tools to avoid damaging the underlying surface. On the flip side, stickers can have permanent or removable adhesives. Permanent stickers may leave a residue upon removal, while removable stickers typically peel off cleanly.
Size and Quantity
Decals are usually larger and ordered in fewer quantities, used for prominent displays like vehicle branding or wall art. Stickers, on the other hand, are typically smaller and can be ordered in bulk, making them ideal for product labeling or promotion.
Exploring Specific Types
We explored the fundamental differences between decals and stickers. Now, we'll break down some popular types of decals and stickers, highlighting their unique characteristics and ideal uses.
Laptop Stickers & Phone Case Stickers:
These stickers are crafted from materials that adhere well to smooth surfaces and won't damage the delicate electronics underneath. They come in a vast array of designs, from inspirational quotes to vibrant illustrations.
Funny Stickers:
Laughter is the best medicine, and funny bumper stickers can certainly add a dose of humor to your day. They're commonly seen on car bumpers but can also be used on skateboards, water bottles, or even laptops. Popular themes include witty sayings, pop culture references, or funny animal illustrations.
Holiday Stickers:
Spread some festive cheer with holiday-themed stickers! Christmas decals featuring Santa or snowflakes can decorate windows, while Halloween stickers with pumpkins or ghosts can add a spooky touch to notebooks or laptops.
Holographic Stickers:
These stickers create a mesmerizing rainbow effect when light hits them. These visually stunning stickers are quite popular for notebooks, gift wrapping, or even phone cases.
Car Decals and Window Decals:
Custom car decals and car window decals are a popular way to personalize your vehicle or advertise a business. They're typically made from durable vinyl that can withstand weather conditions. Window decals can also display vital information on car windows, while decorative decals give a distinct look to your car.
Water Decals:
Water decals, also known as hydrographic decals, work a little differently. They are thin, patterned films applied to a submerged object. The decal adheres to the object's surface as it dries, creating a unique decorative effect.
While not as versatile as stickers or decals, water decals can be used for nail art or customizing smaller objects.
Application Process for Decals and Stickers
Now that we have discussed the theoretical part of Stickers vs Decals, it's time to learn the crucial procedure of applying them. FYI, the application process for both decals and stickers can be categorized into wet and dry methods. See this step-by-step process:
Wet Application for Decals
Begin with a clean surface, removing any dust, dirt, or grease that might interfere with adhesion.
Before removing the decal's backing, spray the application surface with a glass cleaner or lightly soapy water.
Apply your decal and eliminate air bubbles and excess moisture using a squeegee. Start from the center and work outwards.
Make sure to wipe away moisture from around the decal, leaving the surface dry.
Dry Application for Decals
Start with a clean surface, using rubbing alcohol, a cleaning agent, or soapy water. Ensure the surface is dry before application.
Position your decal on the surface using temporary adhesive tape to hold it in place. Make sure it's level.
Peel off and cut the bottom half of the backing.
Attach the decal to the surface, starting from one side and moving in a zig-zag pattern across the decal to avoid air bubbles.
Once smooth and bubble-free, remove the temporary adhesive and peel off the top half of the backing.
Press the decal onto the surface, again using a squeegee or any flat-edged tool in a zig-zag motion.
Applying Stickers
Stickers are generally easier to apply but require careful attention. Here's how to avoid ending up with a wrinkled or twisted sticker:
Always begin with a clean, dry surface.
Apply stickers in a location away from direct sunlight, as they are best for indoor use.
Use masking tape to temporarily secure the sticker in the desired location.
Peel off the backing paper to reveal the adhesive, hold the bottom edge, lower the sticker, and adjust to the correct position.
Once positioned, use a soft, clean cloth or your fingers to smooth out any air bubbles beneath the sticker, starting from the center and moving outwards.
Apply pressure and allow the sticker time to set.
Decals vs Stickers - Which One Wins?
There's no clear winner in the stickers vs decals battle. It all depends on your specific needs.
Purpose of Use
Stickers serve as a simple solution for short-term applications, while decals, which are designed for long-term use, offer a robust alternative.
Stickers, generally printed, are suitable for logo and illustration displays, while decals, often custom-made, are intended for applications on windows, vehicles, walls, and other solid surfaces.
Size and Volume
Stickers, usually small and playful, are applied to compact items like product labels, water bottles, laptops, or cars. Businesses often order smaller sticker pieces in bulk. On the other hand, decals are typically larger and ordered in lesser quantities.
Durability
Vinyl and polyester, both resistant to UV radiation, moisture, and temperature fluctuations, are the most common materials used for decals. That’s why decals aren’t prone to easy cracking, peeling, or tearing. While stickers tend to be less durable due to their material composition. They are often made from paper or thinner vinyl, making them more prone to tearing, fading, or damage from environmental factors.
For Surface and Location
While decals offer a high degree of versatility and can be applied to a variety of surfaces, both smooth and rough, stickers are generally more suitable for smooth surfaces and indoor applications.
Budget Considerations
Stickers are a cost-effective solution for large quantities needed for short-term applications. In contrast, if durability is a priority and only a few pieces are required, it might be more economical to opt for decals which are designed to last.
Read More: Doing Projects with Custom Washi Tape: A Comprehensive Guide
Final Remarks
With this expanded knowledge of specific decal and sticker types, you can now make informed choices for your projects. Consider the application, desired durability, and the message you want to convey. Whether you're looking for a permanent addition to your car or a temporary decoration for your water bottle, there's always a decal or sticker that best matches your specifications.
We at Half Price Packaging will be delighted to help you here as there's a decent chance you want help with your packaging ideas. We have helped numerous brands in the past. We have a risk reversal offer for you - a free quote that provides you with a free sample of your idea. So, use this option to consult with our packaging experts.
