Have you ever been shopping for something and gotten bogged down trying to figure out the difference between two products that look similar but are advertised as different things? Maybe it was pronation vs. flat running shoes, greek vs. regular yogurt, or vinyl decals vs. vinyl stickers. All you wanted was a pair of shoes, a tub of yogurt, or a new large window decal. But of course, it wasn’t that simple. These seemingly hard-to-decipher decisions face us all on a regular basis.

Likely the best thing to do in this situation is Google the difference, right? Maybe that’s how you arrived here. We may not have all the answers, but we can tell you all you need to know about vinyl stickers and vinyl decals and which one you should buy.

Aren’t they the same thing?

Vinyl Stickers and vinyl decals are similar but not the same. People often use these terms interchangeably to describe vinyl graphics for walls, floors, and windows. To decide which is best for your application, you need to understand the differences in how vinyl stickers and decals are made, what they are used for, and what they cost.

General Differences:

Vinyl Decals:

• Generally one color
• Only cut through the vinyl (not the backing paper)
• Rarely transparent

Vinyl Stickers are:

• More colorful and intricate
• Cut all the way out of the vinyl
• May feature transparent vinyl with a printed design on top

The Manufacturing Process:

Although both decals and stickers are made out of vinyl, the way they are printed and cut is different. A machine called a plotter cuts decals. The plotter uses a computer file to direct a blade to precisely cut the vinyl sheet.

A plotter only cuts through the top paper, leaving the backing paper intact. The finished product looks like the original sheet of vinyl from a distance. On closer inspection, you will see all the cuts waiting to be weeded.

Weeded? Yes, weeding isn’t just a term for pulling plants out of the ground. It also refers to the delicate and satisfying job of peeling all the vinyl out of the negative space, leaving only the intended design behind. Think of it like rolled-out Christmas cookie dough. The plotter is like the cookie-cutter, and weeding is removing all the dough from around the cookie shapes.

Finally, we put the decal through a taping machine that applies the adhesive to the back. Then, it’s ready to use.

So if that’s how vinyl decals are made, how are stickers any different?

Good question. We create vinyl stickers by printing designs onto ink absorbent vinyl. Printing allows stickers to have multiple colors, images, and more intricate designs. Transparent vinyl can fill in negative space when placed on a surface, so it doesn’t look cheap. After printing, stickers are also cut to the shape of the design, a process called die-cutting.

Different Applications:

Vinyl stickers are great for people who want a DIY solution. Since they are less intricately cut than a decal, you can generally order a sticker and apply it to a wall, window, or car without too much trouble. On the other hand, decals can be a little less intuitive and may require a professional installer.

Because decals are usually one color, they are best for simple lettering, borders, or theming a space. Stickers are best for wall art, multi-color logos, and images.

Both decals and stickers are suitable for large format printing on vinyl or smaller applications like the back of your laptop. Both of them last for over five years and, depending on the type of vinyl used, are resistant to sun fading or distortion.

The Cost:

Like most shopping decisions, all the technical details are nice to know, but the price is the real clincher. As it turns out, the cost of vinyl graphics generally isn’t dependent on whether they are a decal or a sticker.

What you end up paying for your decals depends on the size, complexity, and quality of vinyl you order rather than how it is prepared. Stickers can be more expensive because of the colorful ink costs. Think of the difference between printing black and white and printing in color. Decals can also be more costly if they are installed by a professional. However, professional installation can lead to a much more professional look.

Both decals and stickers are removable, although many will require professional removal to avoid damaging the underlying paint or glass.

Bingo

Hopefully, you now know what to buy, sticker or decal, for your brand, business, or personal project. It’s not surprising you were confused, even people in the industry use the terms interchangeably from time to time. If you are ordering online and are unsure what you’re getting, a decal or a sticker, don’t hesitate to call the supplier and ask for clarification.