How to get the best looking clear stickers

Are you searching for how to get the best possible clear stickers, or just wanting to learn more about them?

Whatever your interest in clear stickers, we’re going to explain more about them and ultimately show you how to get the best-looking clear stickers.

Let’s get stuck in!

1. Go for gloss over matte

There are many finishes you can have on your clear stickers. Gloss and matte are two of the most used finishes.

We highly recommend going for gloss over matte.

A clear matte sticker will give a frosted effect, whereas a clear gloss sticker will be highly transparent. The reason is the matte effect is rough, so it causes light to refract as it hits the surface of your sticker.

Here’s an example of how highly transparent a clear gloss sticker can be.

2. Find a reliable print supplier

The most crucial point, of course, is that they print onto your transparent material. However, there are other factors to consider, some specific to printing. Here’s a list to check for:

  • Ensure they deliver before you need the stickers.
  • Check they are within budget for the size & quantity you require.
  • Can they print the colors you require? Choose a print supplier who prints CMYK and white ink. White ink is essential for transparent stickers unless you want your whole design see-thru!

3. Supply high-resolution artwork

There are two types of artwork you can supply; vector & bitmap. Try to use vector wherever possible.

Vectors are made up of mathematical equations and can scale without losing quality. Bitmap images are made from thousands of pixels when scaled, can become visible, making the image appear blurry.

If you supply a bitmap, ensure it’s 300 DPI (dots per inch) resolution and the same size or larger as the final size.

4. Choose simple shapes

A complex cutline on a die-cut sticker doesn’t create the best possible finish. The finer details on the edges can catch the light, making the sticker appear less transparent. They also get picked up over time, making the sticker not as durable. A smooth, simple cutline gives a cleaner edge and a better final finish.

5. Double check you’re getting the right size

A simple point, but amazing how many people get it wrong. Customers zoom in to 300+% on their computer and view their sticker design on the screen and are then surprised when it arrives at 1″ square!

Check you’re viewing it at a 100% scale. It’s crucial for small stickers (sub-1.5″) for too small text.

We hope these 5 points will help you to get the best-looking stickers. If you have any other questions, please leave a comment below, and we’d be happy to help.