What Are Gloss Vinyl Stickers and How to Set Them Up?

What Are Gloss Vinyl Stickers, How to Set Them Up and How to Order?

Gloss vinyl stickers are some of the most popular stickers we print. They’re shiny, weatherproof, and good for pretty much anything, from laptops and bottles to product labels and shop windows. They look sharp, hold up well, and they don’t cost the earth.

In this post, we’ll explain what gloss vinyl stickers are, how to prep your design for the best results, and how to place an order (yes, we can print them for you).

What Are Gloss Vinyl Stickers?

Gloss vinyl stickers are printed on white vinyl with a shiny top layer. That top layer reflects light, which gives the sticker a clean, slick finish. They feel smooth to the touch and give colours a bit more pop.

Vinyl is waterproof and more durable than paper, which means these stickers can be used outside. Once they’re laminated, they can handle rain, sun and scratches without peeling or fading.

Why Choose Gloss Vinyl?

If you want a sticker that lasts, this is a solid pick. Whether you're using them for business or fun, gloss vinyl works well for:

• Branding or product packaging

• Outdoor signs or shop windows

• Bikes, helmets, water bottles

• Laptops, skateboards or notebooks

• Promo giveaways or merch

The gloss finish makes colours feel brighter and images look sharper , so it works well for logos, graphics and illustrations.

The effect isn’t printed. It’s part of the material itself. That means even plain designs with no ink can still look interesting , because the base shines through.

Gloss vs Matte – What’s the Difference?

The main difference is how the surface looks and feels.

• Gloss is shiny and smooth. It reflects light and makes colours more vibrant.

• Matte is flat with no shine. It gives a softer, more muted look.

Gloss is louder. Matte is more subtle. Both hold up well, but gloss tends to grab attention a bit quicker. If you’re not sure which one’s right, ask, we’ve seen every type of sticker under the sun.

How to Set Up Your Artwork for Gloss Vinyl Stickers.

Getting your design right from the start makes the print smoother. Here's what you need to know when setting up your files:

1. Use the Right File Type

We prefer vector files like AI, SVG or EPS . They scale without losing quality and make cut lines easier. If you’re sending a PNG or PDF, make sure it’s high resolution (300dpi or more).

2. Work in CMYK Colour Mode

We print in CMYK. If your file is in RGB, colours might come out different than expected. Switch your file to CMYK before you send it, or let us know what colours you’re aiming for.

3. Add a Cut Line (If You Know How)

If you want a custom shape, include a cut path in your file. If you don’t know how, no stress — just send the artwork and we’ll set it up.

4. Leave a Bleed Area

Add 2–3mm bleed around the edge. This gives us a bit of room when cutting so there’s no white edge or clipping.

5. Keep It Simple

Small details and thin lines can get lost, especially at smaller sizes. Stick with clear lines, bold colours and clean shapes for best results.

Do You Need Lamination?

For gloss vinyl stickers, we add a clear gloss laminate on top. It’s not just for looks, it protects the ink from:

• Water

• UV light

• Scratches

• General wear

That laminate is what makes gloss vinyl good for outdoor use . Without it, your sticker might fade or rub off sooner than you'd like.

How to Order Gloss Vinyl Stickers

Ordering stickers shouldn’t be a faff. Here’s how we keep it simple:

Step 1: Send Your Design

Email us your artwork ( Jay@tackyandupsetting.com works fine). If you’ve got questions about size, cut shape or anything else, include that too. We can help tidy up files or add cut lines if needed.

Step 2: Pick a Size and Quantity

Tell us how big you want the stickers and how many you need. If you're not sure what size works, think about where the sticker’s going — bottles, laptops, labels, etc.

Step 3: We Print and Pack

Once everything’s sorted, we print your stickers, laminate them, cut them, and send them out. Standard turnaround is quick, and we’ll let you know if anything looks off before printing.

Step 4: Stick ‘Em Anywhere

All our gloss vinyl stickers are waterproof and UV-resistant, so they’ll stick and stay stuck whether they’re indoors or out.

Tips for Applying Gloss Vinyl Stickers

Before slapping your sticker on a surface, do a quick clean. Dust, oil or moisture can stop the adhesive from sticking properly.

• Clean the surface with a bit of water and let it dry

• Peel the backing off slowly

• Smooth it from the middle out to avoid bubbles

They’ll stick best to smooth surfaces like glass, metal, plastic or sealed wood.

Quick Summary...

Gloss vinyl stickers are printed on shiny, waterproof vinyl and laminated for extra durability. They’re ideal for both indoor and outdoor use and make designs stand out with a clean, bold finish.

If you’re setting up your own design, stick with vector files and CMYK colour. If that’s not your thing, send us what you’ve got, we’ll help you make it work.

And yes, we print custom gloss vinyl stickers. Big runs, small batches, weird shapes, we’re ready for all of it. Just send your file, and we’ll take it from there.