Most modern printers are able to print on sticker papers. First, identify whether you are using a laser or an inkjet printer. Match your printer’s specific sticker paper (laser or inkjet) to the type of paper you have. Check your printer manual to find out the maximum paper weight that it can support (GSM).
What type of printer do you have? This is the first step.
You need to identify the type of printer you have before you can even consider sticker paper. It’s the most crucial factor. Getting it wrong could lead to wasted funds, messy prints or a damaged printer. We’ve been in the material engineering business for 15 years and have seen everything. Imagine putting gasoline in a diesel car. It won’t do.
Consumer printers are available in two basic types:
- Inkjet printers: This is the type most commonly used at home. These printers work by spraying tiny droplets of ink on the paper. This category includes brands like Epson Canon and HP. These printers are experts in color and detail. They make excellent photo quality stickers.
- Laser printers: These printers are often found in office settings. They use toner, a powdery substance that is heated by a component called the fuser. Toner powder is heated and then melted on the paper to create a durable image that’s smudge proof. This group includes Brother, Xerox and some of the higher-end HP LaserJet printers.
What is the difference between them? Inkjets have small and often colored boxes that contain ink cartridges. Lasers require large toner cartridges. You can find out the model of your printer by searching for it.
It’s a Golden rule: match your sticker paper to the printer type
The rule to follow is: Inkjet sticker papers are for use with inkjet printers and laser stickers for laser printers. These two types of paper cannot be used interchangeably. There are differences in the chemistry between the top coat of paper and adhesives’ heat resistance. Here’s why.
Inkjet printers and the World of Color and Detail
Sticker paper for inkjet printers must have a porous coating or swelling surface that will absorb the ink and retain it. Ink will smudge and not dry correctly without this special coating.
You’ll come across a number of terms when shopping for inkjet stickers paper. These include the composition, as well as which inks it is best suited to:
- The face stock is the layer that you will print. Inkjets use wood-free (similar to office paper of high quality) for labels and cast coated for stickers.
- Compatibility of Ink Types: You printer can use either Pigment ink or Dye ink . Inks that are dyes can produce vibrant colors, but they will fade with time. They also do not have a waterproof finish. Pigment inks have a longer shelf life, are archival and resistant to water, which makes them perfect for sticker applications. The majority of high-end Canon and Epson photo printers use pigment inks.
The incredible print quality of the inkjet printer is measured by Dots per Inch. Inkjet printers can create stickers with incredible detail that are often superior to laser printers in terms of photo quality.
Laser printers: speed, durability, and… heat
Our engineering expertise becomes an important warning. The Fuser Temperature of a laser printer can be as high as 400degF. The toner is bonded to the paper by this intense heat. You’re asking trouble if you use paper that isn’t designed for it.
AVOID: Never feed inkjet stickers (especially glossy ones) through a laser printer.
This exact error has caused catastrophic failures in our testing. Inkjet papers can have their glossy surface melt, and then wrap themselves around the fuser of the printer. Adhesive can also leak out of the edge of the paper, gumming up the rollers. It’s not just a paper jam, but a serious problem that could permanently damage the machine.
This environment is designed to accommodate laser-compatible sticker papers.
- Face Stock with Heat Stability: Synthetic materials such as PET(Polyester) are often used instead of paper. PET is extremely durable, tearproof, waterproof and dimensionally stable when heated. Other vinyls, such as PVC are also available. However, PET is the most common.
- Adhesive for High Temperature: The adhesive must not liquefy or soften in the fuser. The adhesives used in laser-grade stickers are specially formulated acrylic glues. These adhesives maintain their integrity. The “edge ooze”, which can damage a printer, is prevented.
The Engineer’s view on the sticker paper spec sheet
You’ll find technical specifications on a pack of professional sticker paper. Do not be afraid; the specs will tell you all you need to about the performance.
Face Stock Material
Here’s an overview of the ones we’ve already mentioned:
- Paper-based stickers with a matte finish. It is easy to write and perfect for shipping labels.
- Cast-Coated Paper: High-gloss, premium-quality paper for inkjet stickers.
- PET: Clear or white polyester films. Highly durable, waterproof, and heat resistant. Laser-printed labels are the best choice when it comes to durability.
- Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): What most people call “vinyl.” This flexible, durable material is often used to make outdoor decals. However, it’s less popular in the form of sheets for printers.
What is Adhesive Science?
It is important to use the right glue. If you use the wrong glue, it can cause your project to fail or leave an unpleasant residue.
- Acryl Adhesives : Workhorse for the Industry. These adhesives are highly effective and resistant to UV light. Both paper labels and filmic ones are made from them.
- Adhesives with Hot Melt: They are made of rubber and have a high Initial Grasp. They can become yellowish with time and they are not as resistant to UV and chemicals. They’re not usually used as high-quality printing media.
- Solvent Based Adhesives They offer better performance under harsh conditions or at extreme temperatures, but they are more rare and expensive in consumer grade products.
What is Paper Weight?
GSM is a measurement of the paper’s density and thickness. The facestock of a sticker sheet is measured in GSM, and the backing paper (called the liner) has a different value. The typical sticker sheet would be 100 GSM with 80 GSM liner.
It is important to know: You printer can only handle a certain amount of paper. You can find this information in your printer’s specs under “Media Weight Compatible” or “Paper handling.” The majority of home printers, such as those from HP and Canon, can print up to 200 GSM. Paper jams can occur when you try to feed too-thick sheets. Heavy cardstock or sticker sheets might require a “manual feeding” or “straight path” tray.
Comparison Table: Inkjet vs. Laser Sticker Paper
| Feature | Inkjet Sticker Paper | Laser Sticker Paper |
|---|---|---|
| Print Technology | Absorbs liquid ink (Dye or Pigment) | Bonds with heat-fused toner powder |
| Best For | Vibrant colors, photos, intricate details (high DPI) | Sharp text, high-volume, durable and waterproof labels |
| Common Materials | Wood-free paper, Cast Coated glossy, Matte vinyls | Heat-resistant PET (polyester), special matte/glossy papers |
| Heat Sensitivity | Low. Not designed for heat. (WILL MELT IN LASER) | High. Engineered to withstand fuser unit temperatures |
| Durability | Varies. Can smudge if not dry. Waterproof with pigment ink on waterproof media. | Excellent. Naturally smudge-proof, waterproof, and scratch-resistant. |
How to print your first stickers: A Step-by-Step guide
Are you ready to start? This is our tried and tested process to ensure a flawless print every time.
- Please confirm your printer type. You can never say this enough. Does it have an inkjet printer or a laser?
- Purchase the Correct Paper With your newfound knowledge, you can purchase paper that is specifically labeled to your printer.
- Change Printer Settings Most people miss this step! Before you hit print, go into your printer’s properties (usually File > Print > Properties/Preferences).
- You can find a setting named “Paper Type”, or “Media Type”.
- Choose the option best suited to your sticker paper. You can find settings such as “Labels,” Heavy Paper,” Cardstock,” and “Glossy Photo Paper.”
- The printer will slow down and use less or more ink (for lasers), and adjust the temperature of the fuser to ensure a high-quality print.
- Always run one test sheet first. This is our pro tip to save money and time. Do not load all the sheets. You can check the alignment and quality of print without having to waste ten expensive sheets of PET vinyl. This is a step we take for each new batch of products we test. It’s based on industry standards like the ASTM-D3330 adhesion peel tests that we conduct with our industrial products.
- Handle and Print Correctly. Let inkjet stickers air dry for several minutes after printing to avoid smearing. As the laser-printed toner has been fused with the paper, the stickers can be used immediately.
We Recommend Flawless Stickers
We’ve found that after 15 years of experience in the printing industry, quality materials can prevent 90 percent of all problems. Any compatible paper should work. However, by using paper from a reliable manufacturer that has clear specifications (and perhaps certification indicating responsible paper procurement) you can ensure consistency and reliability. Materials that are trustworthy will produce a reliable result.
We invite you to browse our carefully curated collection of inkjet sticker and laser paper that has been tested and proven to last. Our lab-tested inkjet and laser sticker papers have done all the work so that you can concentrate on creating.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Question)
Can I print on inkjet stickers with a laser?
Absolutely not. Heat from the fuser unit of a laser printer can cause the coating on the paper to melt, damaging your printer. Use only paper that is marked “Laser Compatible.”
How can I make my stickers water-proof?
You need to use a combination waterproof material and waterproof ink/toner for the best result. It is easiest to use a printer that has a synthetic surface like vinyl or PET. In order to print inkjet stickers, you need waterproof labeled sticker papers (often PET or vinyl) and pigment-based, rather than dye-based, inks.
What is causing my sticker paper to jam up the printer?
Two possible causes are: The paper may be too heavy or thick (the GSM too high) to feed through your printer. The maximum GSM supported by your printer should be checked. You may also have selected the incorrect “Paper Type”, causing your rollers to feed the paper in the wrong direction.
What is a ‘First Tack’ adhesive?
Initial Tack is the instant stickiness that an adhesive has when it first contacts a surface. This happens with little to no pressure. High-tack adhesives will stick to surfaces very quickly. Low-tack, or removable adhesives can be moved around easily within the first couple of seconds.
