Stickers vs Decals: Similarities and Differences between Stickers and Decals

Call them what you will, but in truth, there is very little, if any, difference between stickers and decals. Really, it’s up to your preference and how you describe these multifaceted tools.

Stickers and decals are used for everything from cost-effective marketing to expressing fandom. Where you may see some difference in verbiage is simply in how people plan to use stickers or decals.

Oftentimes, stickers tend to be associated with a more liberal or broad-based aesthetic and use. When we think stickers, we often think of our first introduction to them — likely in childhood, receiving stickers for good grades in school, a successful visit to the dentist’s office or a sticker sheet that accompanied a colouring book.

Still, many of our customers also identify stickers as being useful tools that are strategically used. Stickers can help with brand recognition and exposure.

Many business owners will purchase die cut stickers to use as a giveaway when participating as a vendor and looking to share their brand awareness with others.

Here is a brief list of what many identify as stickers:

Die cut stickers

In general, die cut stickers are those that have been cut to the exact shape of a particular logo or pattern. In contrast, you may find simple labels as rounded rectangles with very little design work.

Clear stickers

Clear stickers are printed on transparent vinyl, so only the artwork shows.

Holographic stickers

As the name would suggest, holographic stickers have a shiny, iridescent surface that shifts colour as the light moves.

Kiss cut stickers

Kiss cut stickers are cut through the vinyl but not the backing sheet, leaving a border around the design.

Transfer stickers

A transfer sticker uses a carrier sheet to move cut lettering or shapes onto a surface, so only the design lands rather than a full piece of vinyl.

Sticker sheets

As the name suggests, sticker sheets give you the option of several images or designs at once. A single sheet may include dozens of individual stickers.

Bumper stickers

As stickers go, bumper stickers are generally on the bigger side. These usually come individually cut and sit below your car’s rear window.

Custom stickers

If you are looking for a sticker that can be made to look exactly how you want it, then this is the type of option that may work best for you. Simply describe what you are looking for in terms of design, size and colour and we will make it happen.

Decals vs. Stickers

Decals, on the other hand, while still perfectly interchangeable with the word stickers, are typically thought of when someone is intentionally displaying a design.

Be it a wall decal outside your place of business, a street decal used to navigate foot and vehicle traffic or dry erase decals for use over and over again on containers, calendars and more.

Decals tend to have specific uses and applications, rather than simply being something for placement or display.

Examples of decals

Wall decals

Wall decals are often used in offices, storefronts and homes. These decals can be printed vinyl or cut vinyl lettering.

Window cling decals

Window clings are applied to the inside or outside of a window and hold by static rather than adhesive, so they can be repositioned or removed easily.

Indoor floor decals

Indoor floor decals sit on a hard surface and typically carry a slip-resistant laminate for safety.

Outdoor wall decals

While wall decals in general sit on any type of wall, outdoor decals are durable enough to face up to all weather conditions.

Car decals

A car decal is adhered to some form of transportation. Be it family bikes or race cars, car stickers sit on the exterior and may even double as bumper stickers.

Street decals

Street decals are used for way-finding purposes. They can also mark the ground for parking, spacing and even marathon starting and finish lines.

Dry erase decals

Dry erase decals sit on glass or any other smooth, hard surface. These are commonly used in offices or classrooms to provide information that changes regularly.

Are labels stickers or decals?

Labels sit on the fence. Labels are used for identification purposes — whether it is to tell you what product or service is being sold or which brand a certain garment sits under.

Other options that fit in either category

Custom iron-on labels

Custom iron-on labels sit on clothing and provide both a stylish and practical way to identify and label items. 

Roll labels

Our custom cut roll labels are an easy way to brand and package your product with durable materials. We also offer an over-laminate for extra protection.

Etched-like on gold vinyl

Etched-Like on gold is an effective way to stand out. Upload your logo or vector art and we'll create the etched effect for you.

Perforated vinyl

Perforated vinyl window signs are printed and attached to the windows from outside — they look great from the exterior and are virtually invisible from the inside.

Ultimately, you can call them what you want, and trust that Sira Print can deliver, no matter your style of wording.

Whatever the reason you want to display a design, and no matter what you call it, we specialize in sticker and decal creation.

Ordering stickers and decals online

Ordering is as easy as ever. Simply upload your design or use an online template like Canva.com to create your own unique graphics and/or message. We will handle the rest.

We will provide a PDF proof within 24-36 hours before we take your project to print. On top of that, we offer a 1-3 business day turnaround plus free shipping on orders over $100 to Canada and the US.

Opt for your first or next round of stickers and decals via Sira Print and you’re sure to save time and money.