posted by Ahijoy on November 8, 2022
Matte vs Glossy Stickers
Stickers are the hot favorites of young and old alike. Making stickers and embellishing various surfaces is not age specific. They have always been a mode of beautifying the surroundings, however with the passage of time, they have evolved.
In the present era, paper is not the only medium for stickers. Craft vinyl has gained immense popularity and is now the most sought after material for making stickers.
Matte and glossy vinyl stickers are used in various crafts and projects due to their multifarious positive attributes. These are not only used for DIY personal projects but also for banners, billboards, vehicles, drinkware, and so on.
Both matte and glossy stickers come in various sizes and colors but they have a few distinctive qualities. You may read further and decide which one you want to opt for.
Texture
The major and most prominent difference between both types of stickers is their texture. Glossy vinyl has a shimmery, lustrous surface while matte has a muted, toned down finish.
If you want your project to gleam then glossy should be your choice but if it calls for focus on detail and shapes, and a pastel color scheme, then matte is the best.
It is also easier to write on matte vinyl due to its texture, in case you want something handwritten on it. It absorbs the ink. On a glossy vinyl sticker, the ink can be easily wiped off.
Application
Both the stickers are pasted best on dry, smooth, clean and flat surfaces. If you want to paste on any textured surface, you can trust the glossy vinyl sticker. Matte however adheres well to smooth surfaces.
Removal
Removing glossy stickers is harder than matte. Comparatively, matte stickers have weaker adhesion. They are easier to remove and they do not harm the surface beneath. On the other hand, a glossy sticker is harder to remove and may even peel the paint off during the process. Nevertheless neither matte nor glossy sticker can be reused once taken off.
Reaction Under Light
Another difference between the two is in the way they interact with light. It is imperative to take into account what kind of light they will be exposed to. Matte does not have any effect under any intensity of light. When light falls on it directly, it diffuses.
It is a totally different scenario with a glossy sticker. Light reflects off its surface causing a glare especially when it falls directly on it. If you want your project to be subtle with a very soft glow when exposed to bright light, go for a matte vinyl sticker.
Resistance
Both matte and glossy stickers have good resistance. They are weatherproof and waterproof but there is a slight competition between the two. Glossy stickers are best at fighting off UV rays. Exposure to the sun will not do much damage to them. On the contrary, the print and colors on matte stickers fade away when exposed to sunlight. It is better to use them indoors.
Both the stickers are also resistant to liquid but matte may get some stains if oil is spilled on it. On a glossy finish, any liquid will slip off or we can even wipe it with a rag. Matte stickers may not get affected by water spill but any other liquid like oil or fuel can leave stains on them or damage their color. Hence for extreme weather conditions or outdoor exposure, glossy stickers are the best choice.
Durability
Both matte and glossy stickers are durable. If properly taken care of, they can last up to 10 years. Their print or color might fade slightly but they will stay adhered to the surface. You must consider the environment you use them in. If the surroundings are favorable then both the stickers will stay intact.
For example, matte will lose its life if it is continuously exposed to extreme temperatures or a glossy sticker will get ruined if it is struck by any sharp object time and again.
Printing
Matte stickers can be printed in an inkjet printer. For glossy ones, you need the latest laser printer.
Appearance and Colors
Glossy stickers are vibrant and the colors on them appear to be richer and more vivid. Matte stickers have toned down shades and are mostly pastel. There is also no gleam to the matte sticker’s design. Glossy makes the design pop out.