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How to Choose the Right Laminate for Your Stickers
Matte, Glossy, or Cracked Ice, what fits your design best?
Laminate is more than just a finish. It affects how your stickers look, how they feel, and how long they last. Will they live on a laptop indoors, shine on a car in the sun, or sparkle in a storefront window? The laminate you choose makes a bigger difference than you might think.
TL;DR:
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Matte = Softer look, reduced glare, great for indoor use. Pair with: Classic white vinyl, low tack vinyl, holographic, transparent, mirror
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Glossy = Most durable, best for outdoor use and UV protection. Pair with: : All materials except kraft paper and glow in the dark
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Cracked Ice = Holographic shimmer with serious wow-factor. Pair with: White vinyl, holographic, and transparent
Matte Laminate - Subtle and Refined
Matte laminate gives your stickers a soft, muted finish with no glare. It reduces reflections, which makes text and fine details easier to read. If your design includes small typography, thin lines, or intricate artwork, matte can really help it shine without actually shining.
It is also more resistant to fingerprints, which helps maintain a clean look even with frequent handling.
However, matte laminate is not as durable as glossy and does not offer the same level of UV protection. That makes it better suited for indoor use or environments with limited sun exposure.
Choose matte if you want:
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A modern, understated look
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Reduced glare
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Stickers mainly for indoor use
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Glossy Laminate - Vibrant and Durable
Glossy laminate offers a classic smooth finish that enhances color vibrancy and adds a polished shine. It is our most durable laminate option and includes UV protection, making it ideal for outdoor use.
If your stickers will face sun, rain, or general wear and tear, glossy laminate helps protect them while keeping the colors bold and bright over time.
The reflective surface naturally draws attention, making it perfect for eye-catching branding and designs that need to stand out.
Choose glossy if you want:
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Maximum durability
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UV protection
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Bold, vibrant colors
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Outdoor performance
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Cracked Ice Laminate - Sparkly and Eye-Catching
Cracked Ice is our holographic showstopper. It covers your entire sticker in a frosty, glittery shimmer that catches the light and shifts as you move it - like a subtle sparkle with an icy attitude.
It’s waterproof and tough enough for outdoor use. However, since it doesn’t include UV protection, colors can fade faster than with glossy laminate. So if you want to keep that icy glow looking fresh for as long as possible- keep it out of the sun!
Keep in mind that this laminate covers the whole design and cannot be applied selectively. Because the effect itself has a detailed pattern, we recommend using it on designs that are not overly intricate, so the shimmer enhances rather than competes with the artwork.
Choose Cracked Ice if you want:
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A sparkly, holographic finish
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A frosty, textured look
Extra attention and visual impact
Custom Cracked Ice sticker design samples
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Design by @whotattooedyou
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Design by @still.groovy
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Design by @remiandoliver
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Design by @remiandoliver
Design by @whotattooedyou
Design by @still.groovy
Design by @remiandoliver
Design by @remiandoliver
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Which Laminate Works with Which Material?
Now that you know more about our laminates, it’s helpful to understand how to pair them with the right materials. Not every laminate is compatible with every option, so here’s a simple guide to help you choose the right combination:
Cracked Ice
Available only with white vinyl, holographic vinyl, and transparent vinyl.
Glossy
Works with all materials except kraft paper and glow in the dark.
Matte
Available only with classic white vinyl, low tack vinyl, holographic vinyl, transparent vinyl, and mirror.
Final thoughts
It all comes down to two things: environment and aesthetic. Will your stickers live indoors or outdoors?
Do you want subtle and refined, bold and glossy, or sparkling and playful? Once you know that, the choice becomes much easier.
And if you are still unsure, our team is always happy to help you figure out what will work best for your specific project.
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