What Is the Difference Between Vinyl Decals and Vinyl Stickers?

In the world of marketing, there are many ways to get your product or service in front of an audience. One of the most popular is designing vinyl decals and vinyl stickers. These two products are similar in some ways but completely different in others.

Here, we’ll discuss their differences so you can decide which is best for your marketing needs.

What Is a Vinyl Decal?

A vinyl decal is a thin sheet of transparent material applied to an object using pressure. The decal is cut according to the design and then placed onto the surface you want it on. This can include walls, windows and even cars.

Vinyl decals are made from a thin layer of vinyl that is then cut into the shape you want your graphic to be. When applying your vinyl transfer decal, you must use transfer tape to remove the backing paper without damaging your design. After removing the backing paper, place your new sticker onto the object you want on and simply rub it down with your hand until all air bubbles are out of the way. Then take off your transfer tape slowly so that your sticker stays on whatever surface it is being applied to.

What Is a Vinyl Sticker?

A vinyl sticker is very similar to a vinyl decal, except that it is thin enough for you to be able to peel off from its backing onto any surface you want it on without removing paint or damaging your vehicle’s finish. They are usually made from high-quality vinyl, lasting longer than regular stickers or paper labels.

You can use vinyl stickers for various purposes, such as promotional stickers, paper stickers, custom stickers, bumper stickers and vehicle graphics.

Difference Between Vinyl Stickers and Vinyl Decals

Vinyl stickers and decals are both commonly used for decorating walls, windows or the body of a car. These adhesive products are made from vinyl, a type of plastic that can be applied to nearly any smooth surface. The main difference between vinyl wall decals and stickers is the adhesive backing used on each one.

●     Adhesive Label

The permanent adhesive label on a vinyl decal is designed to be removed from the paper backing without leaving residue. This allows you to apply a vinyl decal to a clean surface without damaging it. However, when you want to remove a sticker, you must use warm water and soap to dissolve the glue before peeling off the sticker itself.

Vinyl wall decals tend to be easy to reposition than stickers because they don’t leave any residue behind when they’re removed from their backing paper. Such special repositionable vinyl decals have a great advantage when marketing time-sensitive, temporary products, deals or offers.

●     Durability

Vinyl decals are made of high-quality, durable vinyl. They are easy to remove and reapply without damaging your walls. Vinyl wall decals can be used indoors or outdoors on any smooth surface.

Vinyl stickers are made from a thin, flexible vinyl material. They are best applied on flat, smooth surfaces such as glass, metal, plastic and painted surfaces.

The main difference between vinyl decals and wall stickers is their durability. Decals are made of high-quality, durable vinyl that can last for years if properly applied. Stickers are made of a thinner, more flexible vinyl material that may not hold up well over time, depending on their surface. So if you’re looking for a durable sticker, then combining the vinyl decal and decorative sticker is the best option.

●     The Method of Digital Printing and Cutting

A key difference between vinyl decals and vinyl stickers is the way they are cut.

Vinyl decals are generally printed onto transparent vinyl sheets from vector design files with solvent-based inks and then cut into shapes with a vinyl cutter. Vinyl decals are cut all at once into a single piece, while die-cut stickers are cut individually and applied to the surface in separate pieces with permanent adhesive.

Because of this difference, each type has its unique application process. For example, applying intricate designs on a vinyl decal may be more tricky than vinyl wall stickers. This is why we create vinyl stickers that can be used on transparent vinyl so that it looks like a vinyl transfer decal but has the characteristics of a vinyl sticker with removable adhesive.

When to Use Vinyl Decals?

Applied with a heat press or other specialized tools, vinyl decals are made from a flexible adhesive-backed material that can be applied to almost any surface. These are typically used for large-format graphics such as windows, vehicles, or flat surfaces.

If you want to create an eye-catching advertisement on your storefront window or another large surface, then vinyl cut decals may be the best choice. They’re usually available in large sizes and can be custom printed with any design or message you choose. Vinyl decals are also perfect for promoting events and special offers at restaurants or bars because they can easily be removed and reused later if needed.

When to Use Vinyl Stickers?

Apart from the cars, you can use a vinyl sticker on your items to promote your company’s message, vision and offers. Vinyl stickers are a great way to get your logo or design onto various places. They are extremely easy to use and can be used for multiple promotional applications.

Since it’s a peel-and-stick type, you can cut vinyl stickers for temporary marketing on all properties, like your company windows, company products, boxes and any other smooth surface.

 

Want to create eye-catchy vinyl stickers and vinyl decals for your marketing?

Contact our team at 1Stop Signs now for same day printing services in London.