Many of you might consider stickers as a minor detail in branding and product development, but it is not so. These tiny elements can change the look of the product, and can provide essential information to customers.
Stickers are for branding, information, look, and of course, they add character to the style of packaging. There are various kinds of stickers, which include glossy and matte variations.
Each type of sticker denotes a style and can be used for different kinds of products. As a marketing professional, or as a brand promoter, you might wonder which sticker is better for your brand. We will discuss the pros and cons of matte and glossy stickers so you can decide which one you want to use.
The Matte Vs Glossy Debate
The debate between matte and glossy stickers is not about any one winner, but it is about the use of each type and how beneficial it can be for a particular kind of product. The various finishes can support, or look better on a product while other sticker type can make the product look weaker when compared to competitors.
One has to understand what each kind of sticker offers to ensure they use the best option for their product. We cannot say that one kind of sticker is better than the other, but if we consider the kind of product, then you can of course see that either matte or glossy stickers will be better.
Therefore, it is essential to understand how the two finishes differ and how they can be good for a particular kind of product, is essential.
Understanding Sticker Finishes
The matter and glossy sticker finish are different in nature and the names are quite self-explanatory. However, the matte finish sticker diffuses light and has a dull surface, which does not look shiny in light.
Glossy stickers have a plastic sheet on top, which makes them extremely bright and the colors look more vibrant. It is vital to mention that when we say ‘finish,’ we mean the top plastic layer of the sticker that gives it a last look.
The finis affects how light interacts with the design, how the colors appear, and how the sticker holds up over time. Both matte and glossy finishes protect the printed design underneath, but they do so in different ways and with different visual results.
How Do Matte Stickers Look and Feel?
The matte finish stickers look smooth, and do not have a shiny finish, which makes them matte. Many people describe matte finish as a sophisticated and elegant look because it is not loud, and does not shine when seen from a distance. This description does not mean that glossy stickers are not sophisticated.
Matte stickers are usually considered modern, refined and polished. Many luxury items use this type of finish to ensure that their product looks expensive. The surface of these stickers is smooth, and it emits light in a way that does not seem too striking.
Designs printed on matte stickers look subtler tend to look softer and more natural, especially when they use muted or neutral color palettes. Since there is no glare on stickers, the text looks brighter and more legible. This type of finish is useful for products that require presentation. Special products such as edibles, assorted items, and even luxury items use this kind of sticker finish for their products.
Where Matte Stickers Shine Best?
Imagine where you would like to see a label that is easy to read if it is not too glossy. A place where light is sufficient and allows you to read well, and see the text from a distance even.
Matte stickers work well for places where lighting is bright enough so you do not need to focus on every letter. These kind of stickers are more common in offices, retail interiors, packaging displays, and indoor signage.
This placement helps because you can easily read from these stickers without any glare. These stickers are popular with premium brands, or with small-sized packages that do not need any glossy layer, so that you can read everything carefully.
Matte finishes are also forgiving in daily handling. They show fewer fingerprints and smudges compared to glossy stickers. This makes them suitable for products that are frequently touched, such as notebooks, planners, jars, or packaging that customers handle before purchasing.
Glossy Stickers
The glossy stickers are most commonly used for beverages, small packaging, and items that need to be more prominent from a distance. The reflective surface amplifies colors, increases contrast, and gives designs a vibrant, energetic appearance. When light hits a glossy sticker, it catches attention immediately.
You can use these stickers for a fun, exciting campaign that requires visibility. Colors printed on glossy stickers appear deeper and more saturated. Blacks look richer. Bright hues appear sharper. Photographic designs benefit greatly from this finish, and you can use them for playful designs, bold logos, and promotional materials that need to compete for attention.
Glossy stickers excel in high-impact situations. Promotions, giveaways, outdoor use, and branding meant to grab attention often benefit from a glossy finish. When stickers are placed on water bottles, laptops, cars, or windows, the shine helps them stand out from a distance.
Branding and Perception
Any branding campaign can benefit from the right selection of stickers. Matte stickers can be good for campaigns that require a more professional and sophisticated look whereas glossy stickers are more fun and vibrant.
If your brand needs to communicate energy, excitement, and boldness, go for glossy stickers. We cannot say that glossy is better than matte, but it all depends on the products.
Final Thoughts
The selection of matte or glossy stickers should be according to the campaign. If you have a product that requires visibility in a bright place, or if it requires a sophisticated look, then matte stickers will be best.
However, if your product has a fun and exciting element, or if you display your brand in a place where customers would require a label that makes it easy to read the information on it, glossy stickers are the best bet. We cannot say if one sticker is better than the other, but if you have specific needs, then the information shared here will help you decide which sticker to choose.
