Stickers have so many uses. They’re not just there for decorating, but they can also be functional, playing a significant role in promoting a business or a cause like a fundraiser. Since print stickers can efficiently convey a message or emotion, it’s popularity has continuously grown over the years.
In fact, you can commonly see laptop stickers, product packaging stickers, stickers that are used on car bumpers and even on water bottles too. But, do you know how sticker printing works? Sure, you can quickly get them customized online or by visiting in-store. However, the process can be a little more complex behind the scenes. Below, we give you a general breakdown of how sticker printing is done in 2021.
Designing
First off, a customer has to send the artwork they want to turn into stickers. If they have no prior design, some printing companies have their own designers to help create a custom sticker. In this first step, the size and shape are decided, spending on the intended use of the sticker.
The artist and the customer will also choose the font, color, and overall content for a better and effective sticker design. If the sticker’s purpose is to promote a brand, for example, it must have an attention-grabbing design that will interest your viewers.
Choosing the Material
There are various types of stickers out there. To name a few, there are vinyl, front-facing adhesive, fluorescent, and recyclable materials for you to choose from. Of course, each kind has its advantages and disadvantages, so be sure to know exactly what you want your stickers to do.
For instance, the most popular material out there is white vinyl. Stickers made from white vinyl are waterproof, durable, and suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Alternatively, you can also opt for biodegradable types, as they are splash-proof, recyclable, and are generally safe for contact with dry food.
Printing
The main highlight of the sticker printing process is, well, the actual printing. In this step, the design or artwork is transferred into the material of choice. Typically speaking, there are five types of sticker printing: screen, letterpress, offset, flexography, electronic digital, and the four-color approach.
These days, electronic digital printing is considered the most sophisticated and convenient way. This method allows anyone to make changes and adjustments to the sticker design even up to the last second. So, before printing, companies should send a preview of the design to their clients. The downside to electronic digital printing, though, is that it cannot handle large quantities of orders.
Cutting and Laminating
Thanks to modern technology, stickers can now be of any shape you can think of. If you research how is print cut to shape, you will find that people no longer need to cut the designs themselves as the cutting can now be directly controlled through a computer.
For cases when a customer wants a heavy-duty sticker, then the lamination step is done. This is especially important for designs exposed to outside elements like ones placed on a car or a water bottle. Sticker lamination can also be matte or glossy, depending on an individual’s preference or the sticker’s intended use.
Sending Orders
By this time, all that’s left to do is to pack and ship the stickers! Different companies have different lead times, so customers should always read or ask about the matter to avoid complications. Keep in mind that special orders from abroad take longer than local ones, so clients should be patient if they choose to order from international stores.
Takeaway
The process of sticker printing has more steps than you think of. And while anyone can create homemade stickers, you can only achieve the best quality if you get them done professionally. So, if you want your stickers to be sturdy, contact a professional sticker printing company to do the job.