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Why Your Business Could Be Losing Out by Choosing the Wrong Sticker Finish

Updated 09/18/2024
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Even something as simple as choosing a sticker finish can make or break your brand.

Selecting the right finish for your custom stickers can significantly change how your customers see your business. However, the solution can be straightforward: decide between these two finishes based on your brand style and product needs.

A simple decision between gloss and matte can elevate customers’ perception of your products.

How the Wrong Sticker Finish Can Hurt Your Brand

The right sticker finish is more than just a design choice—it’s a hidden element that can significantly improve first impressions. Stickers often serve as an invisible marketing agent on a product, packaging, or promotional material. So when that finish doesn’t align with the sticker design, it can create disinterest between your product and your audience.

Choosing a suitable sticker finish can distinguish between a client wanting to investigate your product further or disposing of the sticker!

Imagine an object whose purpose is to be considered a natural product. Imagine that same product paired with a shiny, overly reflective label. That finish may detract from the natural properties of the brand and design. Analyzing the right message your products intend to transmit is the perfect way to choose the finish of the stickers.

What is a Sticker Finish?

After determining your brand's central message, you must know which sticker finish is best for your design. Sticker finish refers to the final texture or coating applied to the surface of a sticker after it's printed. This determines the sticker's look, feel, and durability. The choice of finish can affect how a sticker performs in different environments and how it fits the brand's aesthetic. At OnlineLabels, we offer a few options for sticker finishes, like:

  • Gloss finish: this is a shiny and reflective finish, which makes colors appear more vibrant. Its touch is smooth and ideal for stickers that need to stand out, like brand logos or promotional stickers.
  • Matte finish: this non-reflective and smooth finish gives stickers a more understated but modern look, perfect for a minimalist look.

How to Choose the Right Sticker Finish for Your Business

The suitable sticker finish for your business depends on several factors, including your brand's aesthetic, product type, and the environment where the stickers will be used. When choosing the sticker finish, three factors are brand image, product usage, and your audience.

Understand your Brand Image

The best way to start is by analyzing the image your brand is trying to transmit. Is your product intended to be edgy, elegant, or fun? Analyzing the colors and textures of your product is the first step in creating a professional and memorable product. Defining where your products will be featured can also affect your product choice, whether on retail shelves, packaging, or promotional items.

  • Gloss finish: this is best for businesses looking for a vibrant, fun, and eye-catching look. It is perfect for your brand if it has a playful and creative tone and will be on retail shelves or store windows.
  • Matte finish: perfect for a more understated, modern, and elegant look. This is ideal for luxury products, minimalistic designs, or brands looking for a natural appearance.

How Finishes Change the Feel of a Sticker

Sticker with Gloss Finish

White Gloss Material Sticker

The gloss finish on this sticker makes the colors pop with a vibrant shine and gives the sticker a smooth, high-quality feel that appears as a fun and creative illustration. The reflective surface catches the eye, instantly making it more exciting and visually appealing.

Sticker with Matte Finish

White Matte Material Sticker

In this design, the matte finish offers a defined, non-reflective look that mutes texture. This allows more focus on the design and gives it a more hand-drawn feel.

The Power of Glossy and Matte Sticker Finishes

Selecting the right sticker finish is more than just aesthetics; it's about aligning your brand’s values with a design that reflects your message. A glossy finish vibrancy and energy, making products fun and attention grabbing, while a matte finish offers a more defined, elegant touch. By carefully considering your brand image, product usage, and target audience, you can ensure that your sticker finish complements your design. With the right finish, your custom stickers will create a lasting impression that connects with your clients.


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