Labels | Stickers

Custom stickers and labels can be used for product packaging, jars, bottles, boxes, bags, envelopes, event giveaways, promotional campaigns, thank-you stickers, address labels, branding stickers and seasonal packaging. They are a simple way to make your brand look more professional and memorable. Businesses use stickers and labels to add logos, product details, ingredients, QR codes, offers, prices, safety information or finishing touches to packaging and marketing materials.

Stickers and labels are very similar, but they are usually used in slightly different ways.Stickersare often used for promotion, branding, decoration, giveaways, packaging seals and customer engagement.Labelsare usually more practical and are used to identify products, show information, display prices, add ingredients, mark packaging or organise items. In simple terms, stickers are often more promotional, while labels are often more informational — but both can be custom printed with your logo, design, shape and message.

The best sticker or label depends on how it will be used.Paper labelsare a good choice for indoor packaging, jars, boxes, envelopes and short-term use.Vinyl or waterproof stickersare better for products exposed to moisture, handling, fridges, bathrooms or outdoor conditions.Kiss-cut labelsare ideal when you want a custom shape that peels easily from a backing sheet.Gloss labelsgive a shiny, vibrant finish, whilematt labelsgive a softer, more refined look. Print Zoo offers standard self-adhesive labels in gloss or matt sheets, and custom cut kiss-cut labels for more unique branded shapes.

Some stickers and labels are waterproof, but it depends on the material, ink, adhesive and finish. Paper labels are usually best for dry indoor use, while vinyl, polypropylene or other synthetic materials are better for products that may face water, moisture, oils or outdoor conditions. A waterproof sticker needs the face material, printed layer and adhesive to resist water together; if one part fails, the sticker can peel, bleed or break down. If your stickers will be used on bottles, bathroom products, chilled goods, outdoor packaging or anything exposed to moisture, choose a waterproof or vinyl-style option. 

For the best print result, supply your sticker or label artwork as a high-quality print-ready PDF, Illustrator file or high-resolution image. Use the correct finished size, add bleed where required, keep important text and logos inside the safe area, and make sure images are high resolution. If your design has a coloured background, photo or graphic running to the edge, bleed helps prevent unwanted white edges after trimming. For custom-cut or kiss-cut labels, the cut line should be clear and artwork should allow enough space around important details. Print Zoo’s standard label page says PDF is preferred and also accepts Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign and high-resolution JPG files at 300dpi. 

Yes, stickers and labels are generally standard-rated for VAT in the UK. HMRC’s printed matter guidance lists labels as standard-rated and also lists stickers as standard-rated. This means they are treated differently from some zero-rated printed items such as qualifying leaflets, brochures, pamphlets and books. If you are unsure whether VAT applies to a specific sticker or label order, Print Zoo can confirm during the ordering process.