What is the difference between gloss, matte, clear and holographic stickers?
| Gloss | Max saturation, most durable to scuffing |
|---|---|
| Matte | No glare, writable, fingerprint resistant |
| Clear | Transparent, white ink optional |
| Holographic | Prismatic rainbow shift, small upcharge |
Gloss
The default for a reason. The reflective laminate deepens dark tones and makes reds, oranges and blues visibly more saturated. Best for photographic art, vehicle decals and anything competing for attention on a crowded laptop lid. Downside: it shows glare in direct light and picks up fingerprints on very dark art.
Matte
A flat, non-reflective finish that photographs beautifully and feels expensive in the hand. Colors read slightly softer, about 5 to 10 percent less saturated than gloss. It hides fingerprints, resists glare and you can write on it with a permanent marker, which makes it the right pick for asset tags, inventory labels and minimalist brand packaging.
Clear
Printed on transparent vinyl so whatever is behind it shows through. Perfect for glass storefronts, jars, bottles and any packaging where you want the product visible. Important detail: ink is translucent, so light colors nearly disappear on dark surfaces. If you need opacity, ask for a white ink underbase, which we print on our Mimaki UV flatbed.
Holographic
A prismatic film that fractures light into shifting rainbow bands as the viewing angle changes. Enormously popular for artist alley merch, band stickers and product seals. Bold shapes and heavy line work read best; fine detail and photographs get lost in the shimmer. Carries a small material upcharge.
Quick decision guide
- Selling merch or want maximum shelf pop, holographic or gloss
- Premium brand packaging, matte
- Windows, glass, bottles, clear
- Photographic artwork, gloss
- Equipment labels you will write on, matte
Related questions
- Is one finish more durable than the others?
- All four use the same UV laminate and carry the same 5+ year outdoor rating. Gloss hides fine scuffing marginally better because the surface is already reflective.