If the sticker will get wet or handled a lot, choose waterproof vinyl. If it will stay dry and you want a lower price, paper is usually enough.
Vinyl vs paper at a glance
| Waterproof vinyl | Paper | |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproof | Yes | No |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
| Best for | Bottles, cups, products, giveaways | Mailers, boxes, bags, seals |
When to choose waterproof vinyl
Vinyl stickers are waterproof, so they hold up to spills, condensation and handling. They are the better choice when the sticker is part of the product or will be used again and again.
- Drink bottles, cups and anything that sits in a fridge
- Candles, soap, cosmetics and other products that get picked up often
- Stickers you hand out for customers to put on laptops and bottles
How much more does vinyl cost?
Vinyl costs more than paper at the same size and quantity. For example, 100 two-inch stickers cost $42.99 in paper and $65.99 in waterproof vinyl. Smaller stickers and larger packs bring the price per sticker down for both materials, so check the price calculator for your exact order.
When to choose paper
Paper stickers are the budget-friendly option. They are not waterproof, but many packaging jobs never get wet. If the sticker is only there to seal and brand a parcel, paper does the job at a lower price.
- Mailer boxes and poly mailers
- Shipping thank-you stickers and tissue paper seals
- Paper bags and dry, indoor uses
Three questions to help you decide
Common mistakes to avoid
- Paper on cups or bottles. Condensation soaks into paper, so use vinyl on anything cold or wet.
- Vinyl on throwaway seals. A box seal is torn when the parcel is opened, so paper is usually enough.
- Ordering a large pack first. Start with a small pack of each material and test them on your real packaging.
Can you use both?
Yes. A simple setup for small business stickers is paper thank-you stickers to seal parcels and vinyl logo stickers for the products inside. See all our business stickers.
You can choose either material in our logo sticker designer, or compare prices with our logo sticker price calculator. Every order is printed and cut in Calgary and ships within 1 business day, with free shipping across Canada.
Frequently asked questions
Are paper stickers waterproof?
No. Paper stickers are best for dry uses such as mailers, boxes and bags. Choose waterproof vinyl for anything that gets wet or handled.
Is vinyl worth the extra cost?
Yes, when the sticker will get wet, sit in a fridge or be handled often. For box seals and other stickers that get thrown away with the packaging, paper is usually the better value.
Can I order vinyl and paper stickers together?
Yes. Add one pack of each to your cart. Many businesses use paper to seal parcels and vinyl for the products inside.