As humans, we seem to have an ingrained deep love with stickers. There is just something that is naturally programmed in us that says “See if the peels off.” It seems that there has always been something about the humble sticker that has enticed us. Today we are going to be taking a comprehensive look at three sticker companies to see who offers the best custom stickers.
When it comes to the best sticker printers around, we have to tread carefully; after all, we are only one click away from poor quality, disappointing results. Hopefully, this article will help you make an informed decision to who you think can provide you with the best custom stickers and more. First, though, let’s take a look at just how these stickers are made.
Stickers and The Egyptians
Unbelievably, stickers have quite a history. It is believed that the very first use of a sticker was indeed by the ancient Egyptians. Ok, so not the stickers that we know today, but stickers nevertheless. Archeologists have, on many occasions found remains of papers plastered to the walls. These walls were, in fact, in ancient marketplaces and the stickers contained prices of goods.
The history of the sticker as we know it is itself open to debate. Many believe that the modern sticker created should be attributed to Sir Rowland Hill in 1839. Sir Rowland was indeed the person that introduced the world adhesive paper.
There is also an argument however that the sticker was not invented itself until 1935. R. Stanton Avery, who founded Avery Labels was the inventor of the self-adhesive label. So the argument as to who is responsible is one of much debate.
The Sticky Process
When it comes to stickers being produced, not a lot of people are familiar with the process. The most common of all the materials used to produce stickers is called Litho stock, from time to time, latex can be added into the mixture. The latex is added to aid in flexibility with rounded sticker shapes. When the sticker needs to be weather resistant and overall more durable, vinyl is added.
When it comes to machinery, a Pantone Machine System is generally used. Pantone is the most popular choice when it comes to sticker making machines; this is typically due to the color availability of the ink. Before the Pantone’s existence, stickers printers relied on Magenta, Yellow, Cyan, and Black. As with most printers we have at home nowadays, these four colors created layers to build additional colors.
After the stickers are printed, they are then cut. Stickers are generally cut in two ways:
- Kiss Cut – A kiss cut involves lighter cuts within the border of the sticker. When a sticker is made with a kiss cut, it means it can be removed from its backing material, and the material at the back will remain. When you receive more than one kiss cut on one sticker, this is known as a sticker sheet.
- Die Cut – A die cut sticker is generally cut into a customized shape to fit a piece of art or a logo.
The Sticker Choice
When it comes to choosing the type of sticker you want, there are, of course, choices to be made. We are going to look at the most popular types below, and explain what they are.
Sticker Rolls – For a business who wants to order labels, there is nothing more popular than the sticker roll. No matter what a business does, there is generally a suitable option for stickers available on a role. These stickers provide a speedy and effortless way to label products. There are, of course, subcategories to choose from too:
- Foil Labels – metallic & eye-catching
- BOPP Durable Labels – very resistant and generally permanent
- Writable Labels – customizable with a pen
- Clear Labels – durable and tear-proof
Sticker Sheets – The sticker sheet is ideal for smaller quantities of stickers. Also comes with some options:
- White Vinyl – Amazing multi-purpose stickers. Perfect for outdoors.
- Clear Vinyl – Makes the design pop. Perfect for food production.
- Kids Labels – Strong and long-lasting stickers.
- Permanent Clothing Stickers – Work as an alternative to iron on stickers.
Die-Cut Single Stickers – The die-cuts are of the highest quality and are easily customized to shape and size.
Sticker Company Reviews
Now we are going to get down into the sticky stuff (pun intended.) We are going to look at three different sticker companies today and see what they are all about.
Sticker Mule
The first thing that should be noted about Stickermule.com is their tag line “Custom stickers that kick-ass.” We should take time to appreciate that small mule based pun before we delve into exactly what they offer.
When it comes to the type of stickers on offer by Stickermule, they certainly have you covered. They offer a great selection, including:
- Die Cut Stickers
- Round Stickers
- Rectangle Sticker
- Square Stickers
- Oval Stickers
- Bumper Stickers
- Sticker Sheets
- Kiss Cut Stickers
- Rounded Corner Stickers
- Clear Stickers
- Transfers
- Vinyl Lettering
- Static Clings
- Front Adhesive Stickers
Ok, so one thing that should be noted here, Stickermule.com isn’t the cheapest out of our three options, but in the world of stickers, you get what you pay for. Stickermule.com has a fantastic reputation and delivers a very high-quality product.
With quick, free shipping and a massive choice, stickermule.com should not go ignored when it comes to your sticker requirements. Stickermule.com offer a fast and easy to customize the process, and you can pretty much complete your order in a few minutes. Add this to the fact you get free proofs and also artwork assistance; sticker mule does offer a great service.
Awesome Merch
Awesomemerch.com isn’t just known for its stickers. Awesome merch offers a wide range of options from stickers to clothing. We are here to look at what awesome merch can provide in the way of stickers, so let’s see their options:
- Die Cut Stickers
- Round Stickers
- Square Stickers
- Rectangle Stickers
- Oval Stickers
- Bumper Stickers
As you can see, when it comes to options, there are not as much as you could get with another sticker merchant. However, with Awesomemerch.com do not let the lack of choice put you off. Awesome merch is deadly serious about what they do. Awesomemerch.com is pretty much known as the “Facebook” of the merch world. Started by two people 14 years ago and now run an international operation with a super 20,000 sqft hub in Texas.
Overall, although international postage may not be free yet (it will be soon) and the prices are the highest on the list. For impeccable quality these guys and girls have you covered.
The Sticker Guy
When it comes to sticker companies, stickerguy.com is a different option from the first two. Let’s start by saying, Sticker Guy is the cheapest on the list, but this is not due to a quality decline. When we look at the options available, we see why:
- Square-Cut
- Circles
- Ovals
As we can see, the options are very small. By only offering a few options, Sticker Guy can offer a lower price. The great thing about Sticker Guy is the service you get. It is far more personal, and you always get way more than you pay for.
Conclusion
So there you have it, a small round-up of three amazing sticker companies. It is pretty hard to choose a favorite, so that honor should come down to you. Each comes with some fantastic benefits, and there will be one of the three that will meet your needs, whatever they may be. Learn even more about Merch Strategy right here.