Sticker Mule recently launched Economy Stickers, a budget-friendly option for customers who love our legendary stickiness, vibrant colors, and precision die cuts, but don’t necessarily need all the bells and whistles like lamination, UV protection, or our thickest premium vinyl.

We designed Economy Stickers for people who still want a professional-quality sticker but can live without certain premium features. Our product team challenged themselves: how much could we scale back without compromising on the quality Sticker Mule is known for? The result is a sticker that's affordable, reliable, and still makes your designs shine. With prices as low as 28 cents per sticker, we believe they're the best-value stickers available anywhere.

But we get it—sometimes you need stickers even cheaper than that.

Maybe you're printing a few just-for-fun rewards for your kids. Maybe you're running a school event or community fundraiser on a tight budget. Or maybe you're a designer looking to test new ideas before placing a big order.

Whatever your reason, here's a definitive guide to printing stickers at home: cheap, fast, and easy.

How to make DIY stickers

What You’ll Need

Inkjet printer

• Most home printers will work, but inkjet printers tend to produce better color depth and detail on sticker paper than laser printers. That’s because inkjet technology lays down liquid ink, which soaks into the paper more like real paint—making it ideal for vibrant, artwork-quality prints.

• Inkjet printers typically use one of three kinds of ink: solvent, dye-based, or pigment-based. At Sticker Mule we use solvent inks which produce the best quality and UV protection but are also out of the price range of most home users.

• When choosing a home printer you'll typically be choosing between dye-based and pigment-based. Dye-based ink is generally best for printing photos and designers where you need the colors to pop (but aren't waterproof so you'll need to laminate them). Pigment-based ink has less color vibrancy than dye-based but is more fade resistant and water resistant. Some printers use a hybrid approach where the black cartridge is pigment-based but the color ones are dye-based.

• A few brands come up regularly in the discussion of the best home printers for stickers. The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 and Canon Pixma series (such as the G620) are often cited as the best budget-friendly option to get started—both are dye-based. If you want to dip your toes into more durable pigment-based ink, higher end Epson EcoTanks like the ET-8500 are popular.

Vinyl Sticker Paper

You can find vinyl sticker paper online or at office supply stores. It's important to use paper made for inkjets especially with dye-based ink, as the paper is design to allow ink to soak into the paper fibers.

Sticker paper is generally available in:

• Matte – A smooth, non-glossy finish that looks more subtle and is easier to write on.

• Glossy – A shiny, vibrant finish that makes colors pop. Make sure the paper is compatible with inkjet printers (it should say so on the packaging).

Scissors or a craft knife

You’ll need something to cut your stickers out after printing. Precision scissors, a craft knife, or even a paper trimmer can do the trick.

For intricate shapes or professional-level cuts, a cutting machine like a Cricut or Silhouette will make the job easier and more precise.

A computer or tablet

Use your device to design, resize, and arrange your stickers before printing. Free tools like Canva, Adobe Express, or Sticker Mule Studio are perfect for beginners.

(Optional) Clear laminate sheets

If you want to add basic water resistance and extra durability, consider applying clear self-adhesive laminate sheets over your printed stickers. It’s an easy and inexpensive way to protect them from smudging, light scratches, or moisture—especially if you're not using waterproof paper.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Create your design

If you're a seasoned designer you can use tools like Adobe Illustrator or Adobe Photoshop to create your artwork.

If you're not a professional designer, you can still get professional-looking results with our own Sticker Mule Studio. We built this from the ground-up for sticker design. Some people have compared it to Canva, but we feel it's even cleaner and simpler than Canva—and it's 100% free. We won't pester you to pay to use certain features or download certain templates. We just want to help you make great stickers.

Here's how to use Sticker Mule Studio to create your design.

1. Go to stickermule.com/studio
   
2. Scroll through the design templates or enter a word describing the type of sticker you want to create in the search bar. They are all free for you to customize and use.
3. If you don't see any suitable designs, you can create your own from scratch.
4. As I mentioned, we built Studio from the ground up for sticker design, so your designs will be ready to go whether you're printing your own DIY stickers or sending it to be professionally printed.
5. I'll use the "Michael's Birthday" template under Circle Stickers. .
6. I'll use Sticker Mule Studio's tools to make a few adjustments, changing the name and the font and adding a date.

2. Save as an image file

If you're using another editor, export your design as a high-resolution image file like PNG or JPEG. PNG is best if your design has a transparent background.

Continuing with my Sticker Mule Studio example, normally this is where I'd tell you to go ahead and click "Order prints" in the upper right corner for you to purchase stickers. In this case, I'll have you click the icon to the left of that button to download the design to your computer.

In this case, download it in PNG. It'll save as an individual file on your computer.

3. Paste into a document for printing

Open a Word document, Google Doc, or any basic layout software and paste your image file in. Resize and duplicate it as needed to fit as many stickers on one page as you can.

Using Google Docs, I'll create a new file. Because I want to maximize my printable space, I'll go to File > Page setup and set the margins to 0.5" for all four sides

Next, go Insert > Image > Upload. Navigate to where you saved your sticker design and select it (likely a folder called Downloads).

The image will fill your whole page.

Click on the image and drag the corners to resize it. You can use the on-screen rulers to approximate the size. 2x2 and 3x3 are the most common sticker sizes. If you like, just print out a test copy to see if you like the size.

Once you're happy with the size, you can simply copy the resized image and paste it until you fill the whole page. Add some horizontal and vertical spacing between so you can have room to cut (you can just use a space and return just like you would any other document).

4. Select high-quality print settings

To get the best-looking stickers from your home printer, it's important to tell your printer to prioritize quality over speed or ink savings. Every printer brand is a little different, but most give you the ability to adjust print quality, paper type, and color settings — usually in the print dialog box or printer preferences.

Key Settings to Check

• Print Quality

Look for options like: Best, High, High Quality, Photo Quality or Fine.

If you can set DPI (dot per inch), set it to the highest setting, usually around 600dpi - Avoid settings like Draft or Standard, which save ink but produce lower-quality results

• Paper Type

  • Choose a setting that matches your sticker paper. Common options include:
  • Photo Paper
  • Glossy Paper
  • Matte Paper

If you're using vinyl sticker sheets, try Premium Matte or Other Specialty Paper (if available). Choosing the correct type helps your printer lay down ink more effectively and prevents smudging.

• Color Management

  • Make sure Color (not grayscale or black & white) is selected.
  • Some printers offer a checkbox like Vivid Photo or Enhanced Color — these are often worth turning on for bold, vibrant stickers.
  • You can also disable "Economy mode" or "Ink Saver" if it's checked.

• Paper Size & Orientation

  • Double-check that your paper size matches your actual sticker sheet (usually Letter or 8.5" × 11").
  • Use Portrait or Landscape depending on your design layout.

• Tips by Brand

  • Epson: Look for "Photo Quality Inkjet Paper" and "High" print quality in the settings.
  • Canon: Try “High” or “Photo Paper Plus Glossy II” and uncheck "Fast" mode.
  • HP: Choose “Best” under Quality and “HP Photo Paper” or “Other specialty paper.”

Using the right settings can make a huge difference in the sharpness and color of your stickers — so it’s worth a quick double-check before hitting “Print.”

Here's what the dialog box looked like on my Mac; I'm using an old Canon inkjet printer. I got to this screen from the Print dialog by clicking Print using system dialog… (⌥⌘P).

5. Print

Load the vinyl sticker paper into your printer.

This part can be a little tricky, as some printers will flip the paper before printing and others won't. One little trick I do is to draw a little arrow on a piece of paper and then print out a test page (making sure the arrow is on top and pointing forward when you put it in the paper tray).

You'll want the glossy side of the paper (or if you're using matte, the side opposite the backing paper) to go on the same side as your arrow.

Double-check your settings and then press Print.

The ink will be wet coming out of the printer; you'll want to let it dry completely before handling the sheet, whether or not you'll be applying a laminate later.

If you're using decent quality vinyl, the ink should penetrate into the vinyl within 5 minutes. That should give it a certain amount of permanence, although remember that unlike stickers professionally printed with solvent inks, the colors will start to fade relatively quickly.

6. Cut out your stickers

If you printed square stickers, use a good quality paper cutter to get smooth, straight edges.

If you printed any other shape, use scissors or a craft knife to cut out your designs.

If you printed multiple stickers on a single sheet, cut each into its own square first, and then carefully cut around the edges one by one. This is where you might want to enlist the help of any small armies you have at your disposal.

If you’re using a Cricut or Silhouette machine, you can set up cut lines in advance for perfectly shaped stickers.

You should end up with a sticker that looks like this:

It'll take patience to cut multiple stickers, but when you're all done you can sit back and enjoy the fruit of your labor.

From here you can either hand out the stickers as favors, or use them as decorations. Here's what my sticker looks like on an iridescent paper cup.

7. (Optional) Laminate

For extra durability and water resistance, apply clear laminate sheets over your printed stickers before cutting them out. This adds a protective layer, but also makes them thicker and glossier.

Conclusion

Let’s break down the real cost of “cheap” stickers.

Here’s a rough estimate of what it costs to print a 3" × 3" sticker yourself using a home inkjet printer:

• Vinyl sticker paper: 5.8¢
• Ink: 6¢
• Printer wear and tear: 0.3¢
• Cutting time: 18¢ (valuing your time at $20/hour)
• Laminate film (optional): 5.8¢

That brings you to about 36¢ per sticker — assuming everything goes smoothly on the first try.

That's about as "cheap" as "cheap stickers" can get when you're producing low quantities.

Of course, DIY printing is a great solution for small batches, one-time uses, or creative hobbies. But it’s no surprise that home setups can’t quite compete with the precision and durability of professional printing. At Sticker Mule, we print at a higher resolution, use vibrant inks, cut with perfect accuracy, and apply a protective finish that makes our stickers UV- and water-resistant.

That said, we’re not here to talk you out of DIY. Honestly, making your own stickers can be a lot of fun. It’s a great creative outlet, a hands-on rainy-day project, or a way to test new ideas without waiting.

In fact, many of our customers use DIY methods to prototype their designs—then come to us when it’s time to go big. When you order in bulk with Sticker Mule, our cost per sticker can drop as low as 12¢, making it a no-brainer for professionals, small businesses, and creators who need the absolutely best quality at scale.

Whichever route you choose, we’re cheering you on. Making stickers—whether at home or with help—is one of the simplest, most satisfying ways to share what you love with the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Sticker Mule telling me how to print stickers at home for free?

A: Because we want everyone to enjoy making stickers, whether they print at home or order from us. DIY is great for small runs, practice, or just having fun—but when you need hundreds of stickers, fast turnaround, and commercial-grade quality, we're here for you.

Q: Can I use a laser printer instead of an inkjet?

A: Laser printers can work, but you’ll need to buy sticker paper specifically labeled for laser use. Standard vinyl inkjet paper can melt in a laser printer, so be careful! Inkjet is generally the safer and more versatile option for beginners.

Q: What’s the difference between vinyl and paper sticker sheets?

A: Vinyl sticker paper is more durable, water-resistant, and flexible. Paper stickers are cheaper, but they tear easily and don’t hold up to moisture. If you're handing out stickers to kids or need something temporary, paper might be fine. For everything else, go with vinyl.

Q: What are the best inkjet printers for printing stickers at home?

A: Epson and Canon are the top choices. Both offer excellent ink quality, media handling, and color accuracy for stickers.

Epson’s EcoTank series is great for low-cost, high-volume sticker printing. For higher-end results, the Expression Photo and EcoTank Photo models offer superior color and media flexibility.

For Canon, their PIXMA Pro and MegaTank series are excellent. PIXMA Pro models deliver professional color for art and photo stickers, while MegaTank models provide a budget-friendly option with refillable ink tanks.

Note that most consumer inkjet printers (including Canon PIXMA and lower end Epson Expression printers) use dye ink, which produces vibrant, rich colors but tends to bleed or fade without lamination. Higher end printers like the Epson EcoTank use pigment ink which is more durable and water-resistant, but may have slightly duller colors than dye. Generally, you can't substitute one ink for another in a given printer, so try to test them in person at an office supply or electronics store.

Whatever brand you go with, look for the following:

• Borderless printing
• High resolution (at least 4800 x 1200 dpi)
• Manual feed tray (for thicker vinyl or specialty paper)
• Wide color gamut (at least 6-8 ink colors for best results)

Q: What's the best vinyl sticker paper for home printing?

The premium vinyl we use at Sticker Mule is designed for industrial printers and isn’t available for home use — and even if it were, it wouldn't work with most consumer inkjet printers. So when shopping for vinyl sticker paper for home printing, it's important to set your expectations accordingly.

A few tips before you buy:

• Avoid ultra-cheap paper. While tempting, low-quality paper can cause printer jams, smudges, or poor adhesion. In some cases, it may even damage your printer or cutter.

• Watch for curling. Some mass-produced sticker paper (especially from overseas) arrives curled due to poor storage or flimsy backing. Excessive curling can make it difficult to feed through your printer or get clean cuts.

• Stick with trusted brands. A little extra investment goes a long way when it comes to print quality and ease of use. Look for brands like Neato labels, Photo Paper Direct, Cricut Printable Vinyl, or Orajet 1917 Printable Vinyl.

Q: Why don't the colors come out as nice when I print at home?

A: Home printers, especially inkjets, are designed for everyday use—not professional-level color matching. One big reason colors look different is because your screen uses RGB (Red, Green, Blue) to display color, while your printer uses CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) inks.

RGB can show a wider, brighter range of colors that CMYK simply can't reproduce exactly—especially vivid greens, deep blues, and neon tones.

Additionally, consumer printers typically use fewer ink colors and rely on general settings that aren't fine-tuned for your specific paper or artwork. That's why home-printed stickers may look lighter, duller, or slightly different from what you see on your screen. It's a normal tradeoff for the convenience and affordability of printing at home.

Q: How do I get better results printing stickers at home?)

A: You can improve the quality of the stickers you print at home with a few key tweaks:

• Print in high quality mode: Select "Best" or "High Quality" in your printer settings to maximize color and detail.

• Set the correct paper type: Match your settings to the type of sticker paper you're using (e.g., "Photo Paper – Glossy" or "Premium Matte").

• Disable automatic color adjustments: Turn off settings like "Printer Manages Colors" to avoid unwanted color shifts. Use an ICC color profile if your sticker paper manufacturer provides one.

• Use a color-managed app: Print from programs like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator when possible, rather than basic photo viewers or browsers.

• Choose good sticker paper: Higher-quality vinyl sheets absorb ink better, leading to richer, more accurate prints.

• Test small prints first: Make adjustments to brightness, contrast, or saturation if needed before committing to a full sheet.

With these adjustments, you can get closer to pro-quality results even on a basic home setup.

Pro tip: For even sharper, more vibrant prints, download and install your printer’s latest drivers and software from the manufacturer’s website. Newer drivers often improve color handling and unlock additional quality settings you won’t see with the default setup.

Q: How do I print white on a home printer?

A: Unfortunately, most home printers can’t print white ink. Standard inkjet and laser printers don’t include white ink because they’re designed to print on white paper—so any areas left blank are assumed to be white.

If you're trying to print on clear or dark sticker paper and need white in your design, the easiest workaround is to use white sticker paper. By printing on white paper, any "white" areas in your design will simply show the paper underneath.

Q: Who do you recommend for clear laminate sheets?

A: There are several good options depending on your budget and how you plan to use the stickers. For home use, we recommend:

• Avery Self-Adhesive Laminating Sheets – Easy to use, widely available at office supply stores and online. Great for beginners.

• Scotch Laminating Sheets – A popular choice with strong adhesive and a smooth finish. All of these are compatible with scissors or cutting machines like Cricut. Just peel and stick over your printed sticker sheet, then cut out your designs.

• If you need UV protection, you'll want to upgrade to a higher quality laminate like Oracal Oraguard 210 Laminate.

Q: Can I sell stickers I make this way?

A: Technically, yes—but we wouldn’t recommend it. Stickers printed at home tend to lack the durability and finish that paying customers expect. If you're serious about selling, you'll need to invest in pro equipment: high-end printers, cutting machines, and laminate systems. That adds up fast—usually more than the cost of ordering from Sticker Mule, which already uses industry-best gear.