Gloss Stickers vs Matte Stickers: What’s the Difference and What Are They Used For?

Choosing stickers should be fun.

Somehow, it often turns into a personality test you didn’t ask for.

You’ve picked your design. You’ve picked your size. You’re ready to commit.

And then you hit the final question:

Gloss stickers or matte stickers?

If you’ve ever frozen at this point, you’re not alone. The finish you choose affects how your stickers look, feel, photograph, and survive the real world. It’s not just aesthetics, it’s function.

In this guide, we’re breaking down custom gloss stickers vs custom matte stickers in a way that’s actually useful. No fluff. No print-industry nonsense.

By the end, you’ll know:

• What gloss stickers and matte stickers actually are

• The real differences between them

• What each finish is best used for

• Which one fits your brand, art, or chaotic vision

Let’s peel into it.

Gloss stickers have a shiny, reflective finish that makes colours look vibrant and saturated.

They’re coated with a glossy laminate that enhances contrast and gives designs a polished, high-impact look.

Gloss stickers are custom stickers with a shiny, reflective finish that enhances colour vibrancy and visual impact.

If you want your stickers to pop from across the room, gloss is doing most of the heavy lifting.

The difference isn’t just shine vs no shine. It’s how light interacts with your design.

At a Glance

• Gloss stickers reflect light

• Matte stickers absorb light

That single distinction affects colour, texture, durability, and how people experience your sticker.

If you skim nothing else, skim that table.

Gloss stickers are loud, in the best way.

1. Colours Look More Vibrant

Gloss amplifies:

• Saturation

• Contrast

• Bright tones

If your design uses bold colours, gradients, or photography, gloss will make it sing.

2. They Look Polished and Professional

Gloss finishes are commonly associated with:

• Retail products

• Branding

• Packaging

They give designs a clean, commercial-ready feel.

3. They Photograph Well (Sometimes)

Under controlled lighting, gloss stickers look incredible in product shots.

That shine screams “new” and “high quality.”

If this sounds like your vibe, our gloss stickers are built to handle bold designs without falling apart.

When Gloss Stickers Might Not Be the Best Choice

Gloss isn’t perfect for everything.

Potential downsides:

• Glare under harsh lighting

• Fingerprints show easily

• Harder to read small text

If your sticker is text-heavy or meant to be written on, gloss may work against you.

Matte stickers are the quiet achievers of the sticker world.

1. Easy to Read in Any Light

Because matte finishes don’t reflect light, they:

• Reduce glare

• Improve readability

• Stay clear in bright environments

This makes them ideal for text-based designs.

2. They Feel Premium and Intentional

Matte stickers often feel:

• Softer

• More tactile

• More “designed”

They’re popular with artists, illustrators, and brands that want understated confidence.

3. You Can Write on Them

Matte stickers can usually be written on with pens or markers.

That makes them perfect for:

• Labels

• Planner stickers

• Packaging notes

Our matte stickers are especially popular for this reason.

Let’s get practical.

For Branding and Logos

• Gloss stickers = bold, eye-catching

• Matte stickers = refined, modern

Choose gloss if visibility matters. Choose matte if tone matters.

For Artists and Illustrators

Matte stickers often win here.

They:

• Reduce glare on artwork

• Preserve subtle colour shifts

• Feel more art-forward

That said, high-contrast art can still shine (literally) in gloss.

For Packaging and Inserts

Both finishes work, but for different moods.

• Gloss = retail polish

• Matte = boutique, handmade feel

Mixing finishes across product lines can also be intentional.

For Planner and Functional Stickers

Matte wins. Every time.

Low glare + writability = planner perfection.

Both finishes are durable when printed on quality materials.

However:

• Gloss laminate often adds slightly more scratch resistance

• Matte laminate hides wear better over time

Real-world difference? Minimal, but worth knowing.

Usually, no significant difference.

Pricing is more affected by:

• Size

• Quantity

• Shape

• Material

Finish choice is about function and aesthetics, not budget.

Yes and it’s honestly underrated.

Many brands:

• Offer the same design in both finishes

• Use gloss for promos and matte for packs

• Test which finish customers prefer

You don’t have to pick a forever finish.

Ask yourself:

1. Is my design bold or subtle?

2. Will it be read under bright light?

3. Do I want shine or softness?

4. Does it need to be written on?

Answer those, and the choice usually makes itself.

Here’s the short version:

• Gloss stickers are shiny, vibrant, and bold

• Matte stickers are soft, glare-free, and subtle

• Gloss is great for branding and visibility

• Matte is perfect for art, text, and planners

• Neither is “better”, just better for different jobs

Your design deserves a finish that actually works with it, not against it.

Whether you’re after bold, shiny impact or smooth, understated confidence, our custom gloss stickers and custom matte stickers are printed to last and look good doing it.

Pick your finish. Commit confidently. Stick responsibly.