Dictionary

When the edges of a sticker, label or decal begin to peel away from the surface instead of lying flat.

It is a sign that adhesion has been compromised.

A polyurethane epoxy resin applied as a liquid that self-levels and cures into a thick, domed 3D finish.

Epoxy creates a premium, glass-like surface and significantly increases perceived quality.

The top protective layer that affects the appearance, durability and tactile feel of a sticker, label or decal.

The choice of finish affects scratch resistance, UV protection, color depth and overall look.

A material's ability to bend or flex without creasing, breaking, or losing its intended function.

Flexibility affects how well a sticker, label, or decal follows curved or moving surfaces.

A printed decal designed specifically for application on floors. Make Floor Stickers.

A print produced using CMYK (and optional white ink) to reproduce photos, gradients, illustrations and multi-color graphics.

Full-color prints offer creative freedom but require proper artwork preparation.

A shiny, reflective protective film applied on top of printed stickers, labels or decals.

A smooth transition between two or more colors.

A broad industry term for any adhesive-backed printable material used for stickers, labels and decals.

A backing liner (the paper or film behind a sticker, label or decal) that has a printed grid pattern.

A printed card stock with a fold that is used to close a bag. Used in packaging of Sticker Packs. Make Sticker Packs.

A decoration method for textiles where a printed ink design is applied using heat and pressure, bonding the adhesive into the fabric fibers for a durable and wash-resistant result. Make Heat Transfer.

A high-strength adhesive designed for extreme environments and long-term applications such as industrial surfaces, textured materials and tough outdoor conditions.

Hi-tack is used when standard permanent adhesive is not strong enough to bond reliably. Make Hi-tack Stickers.

A heat transfer technique where the protective carrier film is removed immediately after pressing, while the transfer is still hot.

A color management file that defines how colors should appear on a specific printer, material or monitor.

ICC profiles ensure accurate, predictable color across devices by translating RGB (screen) colors into CMYK (print) correctly. Using the correct ICC profile minimizes color shifts and improves print consistency.

Any sticker, label or decal intended for use inside, where exposure to UV light, rain, or harsh temperatures is minimal.

A single slit in the backing liner that allows part of the liner to be peeled separately for easier and more controlled application. Common on large decals and transfers.

A cutting method where the blade cuts only through the top material layer, while the backing liner remains intact.

Kiss-cuts are used for:

• sticker sheets

• easy-peel designs

• multi-sticker layouts

• intricate shapes that need support during handling

Kiss-cutting allows the sticker to be peeled from the sheet without removing the whole backing. Make Kiss-Cut Stickers.

A backing liner made from kraft paper, typically brown or off-white, known for its strength and grain texture.

A functional adhesive product used to identify, mark or provide information about an object or package.

Labels prioritize clarity, structure and accuracy, and are typically delivered on rolls or sheets. What is a Label

A protective finish film applied on top of the printed artwork and base film.

Laminates enhance durability by improving scratch resistance, UV protection, and water and chemical resistance, while also defining the final look and texture of the adhesive product. Laminates are available in gloss, matte, satin, soft-touch, non-slip, and specialty finishes such as Cracked Ice.

A water-based, eco-friendly ink used for indoor wall decals and large-format prints.

It produces flexible, low-VOC, interior-safe graphics with excellent color stability.

The protective backing layer that covers the adhesive side of a sticker, label or decal until it is applied.

It keeps the adhesive clean, stable and uncontaminated during printing, cutting, packaging and shipping. Common liner materials:

• paper liners (the industry standard)

• film liners (PET or PP)

• grid-lined liners

• crack-back liners

The liner is not part of the sticker when applied. It is only a temporary backing used until application.

Not all finishes are film-based laminates. Some finishes are applied as liquid coatings and cured on the sticker surface.

These finishes do not behave like laminates and do not have a backing liner.

Artwork with insufficient pixel density for high-quality print (typically below 300 PPI).

Low-res images cause:

• pixelation

• blurring

• jagged edges

• poor color transitions

Sticker artwork should always be high resolution or vector-based.

A removable, low-strength adhesive designed for temporary or repositionable applications such as wall decals, short-term signage or promotional materials.

It removes cleanly without residue on most surfaces. Make Low-tack Stickers.

The base film used for stickers, labels or decals.

• PET: thin, strong, stable, widely recyclable in global recycling systems

• PVC (Vinyl): flexible, durable, available as calendered or cast

• PP: smooth, lower carbon footprint, common for labels

• PE: soft and flexible, ideal for squeezable packaging

Material choice affects durability, flexibility, print quality and intended use.

A non-reflective protective film applied over printed graphics.

A micrometer, also called a micron, is a unit used to measure the thickness of sticker materials, liners and laminates. 1 µm = 0.001 mm.

Microns help compare how durable, flexible, or premium a material feels. A higher number usually means a thicker and more protective material. Common thickness ranges in the sticker industry:

• vinyl materials: 70–100 µm

• laminates: 50–80 µm (standard)

• premium protective laminates: 150–300 µm

• PET labels: 45–70 µm

• liners (backing papers): 120–160 µm

Thinner materials are more flexible and conform better to curved surfaces. Thicker materials feel more premium and offer better scratch, impact and UV protection.

A printing method where artwork is printed in reverse, often with a white underbase, so the design appears correctly when viewed through glass.

Used for front-adhesive stickers applied inside windows.

Also called transfer film, transfer tape or application tape.

A clear or semi-clear film used to lift and align multi-piece designs such as lettering or spaced shapes. Essential for vinyl transfers and any decal or sticker requiring perfect alignment.

A graphic where the artwork consists of separate cut shapes rather than one connected piece.

It requires transfer film for precise alignment during application.

Large-format printed wall graphics (wall decals), designed for indoor use with removable adhesive.

Used for interior decoration, branding or feature walls.

A section of a sticker, label or decal where no adhesive is applied.

See Variable Data Printing.

The measure of how much light or background color can be seen through a printed material.

High opacity means less show-through. Opacity ensures colors appear accurate and readable regardless of the surface behind the print.

The expected lifespan of a sticker, label or decal when exposed to outdoor conditions.

Premium decals can last 5–7+ years, while standard outdoor materials last 1–3 years.

A standardized color system used to ensure exact color matching between digital design and print.

Pantone colors provide consistent, repeatable results. This is especially important for brand colors.

The industry-standard adhesive designed for long-lasting bonding on most surfaces.

Not intended for easy or residue-free removal.

A strong, thin, dimensionally stable film often used for labels and durable stickers.

Benefits:

• high clarity

• excellent printability

• widely recyclable

More eco-friendly than PVC in most recycling systems.

A lightweight, smooth synthetic film with a lower carbon footprint than PET and PVC.

Eco-friendlier in production and commonly used for product labels. Ideal for bottles, jars and general packaging.

Describes the resolution of a digital image in pixels. Higher PPI means sharper, more detailed artwork.

The standard for print is 300 PPI for raster images. PPI refers to digital images, while DPI refers to printed output.

The adhesive system used in stickers, labels and decals.

It bonds to surfaces with light pressure. No heat, water or solvent activation is needed. Includes Low-tack (removable), Permanent and Hi-tack variants.

Extra printed area extending beyond the final cutline to prevent unprinted edges.

Standard bleed is typically 1–3 mm. Essential for precision cutting and clean final edges.

A digital artwork file prepared correctly for printing.

A print-ready file includes:

• correct size and resolution

• bleed

• visible cutline

• CMYK color mode

• outlined or embedded fonts

• high-resolution images

It ensures accurate, problem-free production.

A decal produced by printing full-color artwork onto vinyl or synthetic film.

Printed decals can be applied in one piece or become transfer-applied decals if the design contains separate shapes. Common for windows, vehicles, walls and signage.

Also known as vinyl.

A flexible, durable material used for stickers, decals and signage. Available as:

• calendered vinyl (standard use)

• cast vinyl (premium, long-term use)

PVC offers excellent outdoor durability and conformability.

A machine-readable, two-dimensional barcode that stores information such as URLs, product data or tracking details.

Scanning is typically done with a smartphone camera or a dedicated barcode reader. For best print results, QR codes should be high-contrast, sized appropriately, and placed on non-textured surfaces.

Small printed marks used to align print and cutting operations.

Cutting machines read these marks to ensure the cutline matches the printed artwork precisely.

A low-strength adhesive designed for temporary or repositionable applications.

It allows clean removal without damaging surfaces when used on appropriate materials. Make Removable Stickers.

A digital color model using Red, Green and Blue light. Used for screens and digital displays, not for print.

RGB colors often appear brighter than CMYK and may shift when converted for printing.

Labels supplied on a continuous roll instead of sheets. Make Labels On Roll.

A backing liner that has been scored to make it easier to separate and peel from the adhesive product. J-cuts and crack-back liners are types of Score Back.

StickerApp's laser sticker materials are available with or without Score Back. Materials with Score Back are used for standard orders as an easy-peel feature. Back Paper Print orders and sheet products use materials without Score Back to provide an uninterrupted backing surface.

Score Back is not used for Labels, because their construction already allows them to be peeled easily. Score Back is currently not available for Decals at StickerApp.

A protective top layer designed to reduce scratches, scuffs and abrasion.

It improves durability for stickers, labels and decals exposed to handling, friction or wear.

A finish with moderate shine, sitting between matte and gloss.

Labels supplied on flat sheets rather than rolls or singles.

Common for office use, small batches, and manual application.

A flat application tool used to apply stickers, decals and transfer graphics smoothly.

A non-adhesive material that sticks to smooth surfaces (like glass) using static energy rather than glue.

Used for window signs, temporary promotions and reusable decals. Not suitable for textured surfaces.

A standalone adhesive graphic where the design itself is the product. What is a Sticker

The process of cleaning and preparing a surface before applying a sticker or decal.

Proper preparation includes removing:

• dust

• oil

• fingerprints

• moisture

It ensures strong adhesion and prevents edge lift or bubbling.

A thin coating applied to the surface of a material to improve properties such as printability, ink adhesion, or surface performance.

An application method where a design is carried on an intermediate layer, such as transfer film or transfer paper, and moved onto its final surface rather than being applied directly from a backing liner.

The carrier is removed after application, leaving the transferred design and its adhesive system on the final surface. Depending on the product, transfer may be activated using pressure, heat, or water.

A decal consisting of separate cut elements that are held in position by transfer film during application.

The transfer film keeps the elements aligned and is removed after the decal has been applied.

Also called transfer tape, mounting film or application tape.

A clear or semi-clear application film used to lift and apply multi-piece designs. Essential for cut vinyl decals and any design requiring perfect alignment.

A clear film that allows the background surface to show through.

It requires white ink for opacity and color accuracy on non-white surfaces. Make Transparent Stickers.

A material or product without a laminate or topcoat.

A type of ink that is instantly cured (hardened) using ultraviolet light.

The ability of a printed sticker, label or decal to withstand exposure to sunlight without fading, cracking or degrading.

An add-on that allows defined information to change between individual pieces within the same order, such as:

• serial numbers

• batch numbers

• barcodes

• QR codes

• sequential identifiers

Each piece can contain unique information while other parts of the design remain unchanged, in small or large batches. It can be used for logistics, inventory, product tracking, serialized packaging, and other applications that require unique or changing information.

A clear liquid coating applied during production to enhance the surface.

Varnish increases gloss, contrast and print protection, but does not provide the same thickness or durability as a laminate. It is commonly used for subtle enhancement rather than full protection.

Artwork built from mathematical paths instead of pixels. Common vector formats include AI, SVG, EPS and PDF.

A flexible and durable PVC material film within the adhesive industry. Make Vinyl Stickers.

Large printed decals designed for indoor walls. Used for interior decoration, murals, branding and feature walls. Make Wall Stickers.

A sticker or label that can withstand direct contact with water without damage.

A higher durability standard than waterproof. Weatherproof graphics are resistant to:

• water

• UV light

• temperature changes

• moisture and humidity

• outdoor wear

Weatherproofing requires UV-curable ink or a UV protective laminate. Make Weather-resistant Stickers.

The process of removing the excess material around or within a cut sticker, label or decal, leaving only the final design on the backing liner.

A layer of white ink printed beneath CMYK artwork on transparent or metallic materials.

Without a white underbase, colors may appear transparent, tinted or faded.

Decals or stickers designed specifically for windows. They can be:

• front-adhesive (applied inside, viewed outside)

• back-adhesive (standard)

• transparent

• frosted

• perforated (one-way vision)

Used for storefronts, branding, signage and privacy.

The gradual discoloration of a material, laminate or resin that turns yellow due to prolonged exposure to UV light, heat or oxidation.

High-quality polyurethane domes, UV-resistant laminates and premium vinyl significantly reduce or prevent yellowing.