Help Center / Materials & Finishes

Materials & Finishes

Gloss, matte, clear, holographic, and specialty vinyl, plus laminates and adhesives explained.

• What is the difference between releasing and non-releasing adhesive?

  A releasing (removable) adhesive is engineered to let go cleanly for months or a few years without residue, while a non-releasing (permanent) adhesive builds bond over 24 to 72 hours and will tear or leave residue if pulled. Stickerine ships permanent acrylic adhesive by default; removable is available on request for glass, walls and seasonal graphics.

• How do clear stickers with white print work?

  Clear stickers need a printed white ink layer because standard CMYK ink is translucent and disappears on clear film. A white underlay sits beneath colored artwork so it stays opaque, while spot white prints white-only elements like text or a logo. Stickerine prints white ink on clear vinyl at no separate charge; clear film adds 10%.

• What material are custom stickers made of?

  Our stickers are printed on 3 mil premium vinyl from 3M and General Formulations with a permanent acrylic adhesive, then covered with a protective UV laminate. That build is waterproof, dishwasher safe, scratch resistant and rated for 5+ years outdoors.

• What is the difference between gloss, matte, clear and holographic stickers?

  Gloss gives the most color saturation and is best for photos and bright logos. Matte is non-reflective, fingerprint resistant and reads as premium. Clear lets the surface show through, ideal for glass and packaging. Holographic adds a rainbow prismatic shift and sells well as merch.

• Are your stickers permanent or removable?

  Our default is a permanent pressure-sensitive acrylic adhesive that reaches full bond in about 24 hours and holds for years outdoors. Removable adhesive, which peels clean for up to about two years, and high-tack industrial adhesive for rough or powder-coated surfaces, are both available on request.

• Do you print white ink on clear stickers?

  Yes. We print a white ink underbase on our Mimaki UV flatbed, which keeps light colors opaque on clear, holographic and metallic films. Without it, ink is translucent and pale colors mostly disappear against a dark background.

• Do clear stickers work on windows and glass?

  Yes, clear vinyl works well on glass and is our standard choice for storefront hours, logos and bottle labels. If the graphic must read from inside the building, order it reverse printed for second-surface application. For temporary displays, static cling needs no adhesive at all.

• Are your labels food safe and dishwasher safe?

  Our vinyl labels are suitable for indirect food contact, meaning the outside of jars, bottles, tumblers, boxes and pouches. They are dishwasher safe on the top rack after a 24 hour cure. They are not intended for direct contact with food itself or for oven, microwave or retort use.