If you want to decorate and customize different things in your house, one of the quickest ways is to use stickers. However, it can be challenging to find the perfect sticker that will bring your idea to life. So what's a cost-effective way to get the stickers of your choice? Print them at home. But how can you do this?
At first thought, printing stickers seems like an easy process. Almost everyone knows how to print on paper, so it’s probably as straightforward as that, right? Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as it sounds. While it’s not a totally complicated process, there are some things that you need to consider before you go about the process.
Before we discuss the steps, below are the things you will need to start printing stickers at home. Here are them:
1. Choosing The Right Paper
The most important step in this process is selecting the right paper for your needs. There are different types of sticker paper available, each designed specifically for various uses. So, ask yourself, how do you intend to use your stickers? Will they be labels for certain packages? Will it get wet? Are you okay with them leaving some residue on the surface of where you will stick them?
Once you have a clear picture of where and how you will use your stickers, you can now choose what paper to use. Two common types of sticker paper can be easily found in stores: paper labels and vinyl papers.
Paper labels are your best choice if you’re on a budget and don’t need a waterproof or weatherproof sticker. They’re the cheapest options you can find and come in different finishes and colors.
You can even get them pre-cut already if you don’t want to spend time cutting them yourselves or if you think you don’t have stable hands. But if you prefer to cut them on your own, don’t worry. You can get a whole sheet of paper labels for more freedom with the size and cutting. They may not be weather or waterproof; you can laminate them for extra protection.
On the other hand, viny papers are the more durable choice. They might not be as affordable as paper labels, but they're more resistant to water and sunlight. So if you need a sticker for things that get wet frequently, this paper should be your choice. They also come in different finishes and paper, so you can get one that suits your design needs.
Another thing you need to consider when choosing the right paper is the type of printer you have. If you have a laser printer, get sticker paper made for this type of printer. If you own an inkjet, you must choose the inkjet sticker paper.
2. Create Your Design
After you settle on what paper to use, the next thing you will do is start creating your sticker designs. You don’t need to start from scratch. You can use preexisting designs you find on the internet; just make sure that you’ll be using a design with a creative commons license if you intend to use it for commercial purposes like selling them. However, if you’re only using it at home, feel free to use any design that suits your taste.
But if you want to test your creativity, you can design your own sticker using a free application like Canva or even draw your own using a tablet or paper. If you're using paper, you need to digitize your print. You can do so by scanning them. Make sure that the device can provide high-quality images for better output.
DIY stickers can also be just plain text. For example, you just need to label different containers at home and not care much about their aesthetic; you can use word apps like Microsoft Word to create your designs. You can also choose what font to use to make it more personalized.
Other apps that you should consider using apart from Canva and Microsoft Word are GIMP, Paint.net, and Photoshop Express. All of them can help you create the design you need for your stickers.
3. Check If Your Printer Can Handle Sticker Printing
Not all printers are created equally. Unfortunately, some of them won't be able to print stickers, especially if you have a complicated design. So before you start, you need to make sure that you choose the right printer.
Generally speaking, the best printers for stickers will be 4-color inkjet printers with a 1200 dpi print resolution. But if your design needs more colors and requires variation in tones, you can use any printer with less than six cartridges.
Remember, the printer you will use can make or break the sticker you produce. Be sure to thoroughly check your printer to see if it can give you the result you’re looking for. To do this, it’s best to print a test page using regular paper. This ensures that you can achieve the quality you’re looking for. Sticker papers can be expensive, and you don’t want to waste a page without knowing how the output will look.
If you’re not too familiar with operating a printer and don’t know which side is up and down, you can mark one side of the paper when doing the test print. This will give you a better idea of how your printer works, so you won’t have to waste ink and sticker paper when you start the printing process.
4. Start Printing
After you’re done preparing for the actual printing process, you’re now ready to print away. But do note that sticker papers are thicker than your regular paper, and you can't load them all at once. If your printer has a single paper feeder, use that. Otherwise, load the paper one sheet at a time.
Loading them one sheet at a time may seem like a lot of work, but it will help minimize any disaster, such as the paper getting stuck. At the same time, ensure that the sticker paper is entirely flat. If there are any bends or wrinkles, it can also cause them to get stuck on the printer.
In addition, you also need to use the correct setting for printing. This depends on the type of brand and model you have. It will help to check your printer's documentation to see if there are specific settings for printing stickers. But if you can’t find any information about this, you can always use the setting with the best print quality available.
Lastly, dry the stickers. Don't touch them right away, or you might ruin the colors and design. Make sure to lay it out on a flat surface and wait for it to completely dry before doing anything. This is because stickers use more heavy concentration on inks to achieve your desired design.
5. Cut, Cut, Cut
The final thing you need to do is cut them. If you have steady hands and the shape isn't too complicated, a pair of scissors will work fine. But if you're having difficulties with cutting, even if it's just a straight line, you can use a paper cutter to speed up the work.
You can use a Cricut machine for more complicated designs, but it might be too expensive if you only use it to print a few stickers. But if you want to sell them commercially, it might be a good investment to purchase one.
Sticker Layout & Design (Tips From An Expert)
If you don’t have any creative background, don’t fret. You can still print stickers at home without any hassle. Fortunately, some apps allow you to create designs easily. Some even have a drag-and-drop interface, allowing you to make stickers in just a few clicks. For example, you can use Canva, as mentioned above.
You can also design labels in Microsoft Word. All you need to do is explore different fonts and colors so that you can make a simple text sticker a little more appealing. Also, be careful with colors. Not all printers can print vibrant colors, so it’s best to stick with simple ones to minimize any color problems in the future.
Additionally, add borders to your stickers. It’s not necessary, but it will help you cut them faster. Without them, it may be challenging to cut the stickers evenly. Lastly, your imagination is the limit. Don’t be afraid to mix and match fonts, design, color, graphics, and images. To avoid waste, you can always do a test print before printing it on sticker paper.
How To Print Stickers On Popular Printer Brands
There are many brands of printers available, and it’s natural to think that all may have different processes for printing one. Fortunately, all brands of printers follow the same sticker printing process. The only difference that you have to check is whether they have a single paper feeder or not.
However, we recommend you purchase a printer from popular brands. That way, you can access additional documentation online to help you achieve the best quality sticker you need. You also need to check the type of printer. In general, inkjet printers are better for sticker printing and often provide more vibrant colors.
Canon, HP, and Epson printers are all excellent choices for sticker printing. Some models may require a different process for printing stickers, but it’s best to consult with the printers’ documentation on how you can print stickers.
Printing Stickers At Home FAQs
Can you print stickers without a printer?
Yes, you can. It may not be as high quality as using a printer, but there are some DIY processes you can do. You can use baking paper by drawing a design on it using a colored pencil. Then, put clear tape over your design. The design will stick on the clear tape, and you can now attach it wherever you want.
How much does it cost to print vinyl stickers?
It depends on the vinyl sticker paper brand you use and the ink you’ll need for the sticker.
Can you use a regular printer to print stickers?
Yes, a regular inkjet printer will work just fine to print stickers.
Can all printers do sticker paper?
Yes, most commercially available sticker paper can be used on many standard printers.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to print stickers at home, it will be easy to label and design your home. Even if you don’t have any background in graphic design, it will still be a straightforward process. Just make sure you buy the right sticker paper for your needs, and you’re good to go.
Andrew White is the founder of TechGearoid, a leading technology review & information website that is designed to help consumers make better decisions when it comes to their IT purchases. As a specialist tech writer (nerd) with over 10 years of experience, he enjoys writing about everything there is to do with modern technology & the newest market innovations. When he isn’t providing value for his readers, he’s usually drinking coffee or at the beach. Andrew lives in Sydney, Australia with his wife and family.