The terms “sticker,” “decal,” and “label” are often used interchangeably, but they actually refer to different types of adhesive products. At Qikawa, we get asked this question often, and while there’s no absolute answer—since people use these terms in various ways—we hope to clarify the distinctions.
Often, online searches don’t offer much help. For example, you might see claims like:
“A decal is just a more professional word for a sticker”—No.
“I think of a sticker as a white label, and a decal as clear”—No.
“A sticker is paper, like an Avery label, and a decal has a permanent adhesive and is more durable”—Again, no!
Let’s break it down using the New Oxford Dictionary definitions, and then we’ll explain how we at Qikawa categorize these products.
Sticker vs. Label
The terms “sticker” and “label” often overlap. A sticker can be considered a type of label, and any adhesive product with a label is, in essence, a sticker. But there’s a subtle difference.
At Qikawa, we use the term “sticker” to describe more durable products—like bumper stickers, die-cut stickers, and window stickers—that are meant to withstand outdoor conditions. These are typically made from vinyl or polyester, printed with durable inks designed to endure the elements over time.
On the other hand, we refer to adhesive products used indoors—such as address labels, shipping labels, lapel labels, and foil seals—as “labels.” These are typically printed on paper or foil with inks that aren’t suitable for outdoor use.
What About Decals?
The term “decal” is often used interchangeably with outdoor sticker products, but as defined by the New Oxford Dictionary, a decal refers to a design that is transferred from one medium to another. The term “decal” comes from “decalcomania,” a decorative design technique that involves transferring a design to a surface like glass, porcelain, or metal.
In everyday use, “decal” usually refers to a more decorative, transfer-type design. For example, in model-building, “slide-on transfer decals” or water-slide ceramic decals (used for tiles) are considered decals.
Vinyl Cut Decals
The confusion between decals and stickers often arises with vinyl cut lettering and graphics. These products are meant for long-term outdoor use and come with a pre-masking sheet, allowing the design to be transferred from one sheet to a surface. This is different from a traditional sticker, which you peel off its backing and stick wherever you want.
At Websticker, we refer to vinyl cut lettering and graphics with a masking sheet as “decals.” All other one-piece, outdoor-printed vinyl or clear polyester products are considered “stickers.” That said, you may still see terms like “vinyl cut stickers,” as both decals and stickers can be made from similar materials and intended for similar uses.
Conclusion
To sum up, while the terms “sticker,” “decal,” and “label” can sometimes overlap, the main difference lies in the intended use and the method of application. Stickers are typically durable and can be used in outdoor environments, while labels are more often indoor products. Decals, on the other hand, involve a transfer process and are often used for decorative purposes.
At Qikawa, we’re happy to help you find the best product for your needs. Whether you need a custom sticker, decal, or label, we can guide you to the right choice based on your requirements and where you want to apply the product.
If you’re looking for small quantities (short runs) of custom stickers, decals, labels, or magnets, making your own isn’t always the best option. Visit Qikawa for exceptional digital printing on small runs.
