Gloss vs Matte Stickers Introduction
At CustomStickers we use high-quality laminate to finish all of our stickers. When choosing your sticker options, one of the key decisions is whether to go with a glossy or a matte laminate finish.
When creating your own custom stickers, you have the choice to apply a matte or glossy finish to the stickers.
Matte and gloss laminate diffuse light differently. Your choice comes down to personal preference. Here we will explain some of the differences so you can decide for yourself.
But first, here is an example of stickers laminated with a glossy finish:
And here is an example of stickers laminated with a matte finish:
Sticker Design: Simone K | Facebook/Instagram: CaffeLatteKitty
Popularity
Our matte stickers are a bit more popular than our glossy stickers. The split is about 60/40 in favor of matte.
Color
The colors on glossy stickers can look more vibrant and tend to appear more saturated. This is due to more light coming through and reflecting off the laminate.
The color contrast is also more pronounced on glossy stickers. Gloss may be the better choice if you want your sticker to look fun or energetic.
Matte stickers, on the other hand, have a more muted and understated appearance, as the matte finish absorbs light and reduces the shine of the ink.
Glare
Gloss stickers reflect light, creating a bit of a glare effect. The light reflects back, especially when light is shined directly onto your sticker.
On the other hand, matte stickers softly diffuse light. This makes a matte finish better if your stickers have text that needs to be readable from all angles and in various lighting conditions or if you are making photo stickers or other stickers with a lot of detail.
Durability
The durability is the same whether you choose a glossy or matte laminated sticker. Both versions use the same high-quality vinyl, and the laminate protects the ink from sun and weather.
In either case, your stickers will last for years, even outdoors.
Common Uses for Matte vs Glossy Stickers
Matte stickers are often employed for labeling products, packaging, or promotional and marketing materials where a sophisticated or vintage aesthetic is desired. They are suitable for applications that require a non-reflective surface and are easier to read under bright lighting conditions. Matte stickers are also popular for creating elegant wall decals, laptop stickers, or custom vinyl graphics where a smooth and non-distracting appearance is desired. They are known for their resistance to fingerprints, smudges, and scratches, making them suitable for products or surfaces that undergo frequent handling or may be subjected to wear and tear.
Glossy stickers, on the other hand, are widely recognized for their ability to catch attention and create a vibrant impact. They are often the go-to choice for applications where you want to stand out and make a bold statement. Glossy stickers are commonly seen on bumper stickers, as they grab attention and add a touch of fun and brightness to vehicles. Moreover, certain product packaging and marketing stickers often utilize the glossy finish when aiming to create an eye-catching and memorable impression.
Artists also tend to prefer glossy stickers as they enhance colors and make them pop. The reflective properties of glossy stickers add depth and vibrancy to artwork, making them an ideal choice for artists who want their creations to truly stand out.
Our Recommendation
Ultimately, the choice between glossy and matte stickers will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the person using them. Both types of stickers have their own advantages and drawbacks, and the right choice will depend on the intended use and desired appearance.
If you want your stickers to look professional, matte is often preferred. For example, matte is usually our recommendation for wedding stickers, wall decals, or business stickers.
On the other hand, gloss is a great choice when you want to draw attention. Glossy is a great choice for car bumper stickers, or when you want to promote a band. It also looks fantastic on colorful artwork.
