Decal vs sticker: What's really the difference?

Decals and stickers are two similar yet distinct items that are commonly used for decorative and advertising purposes. While they may seem interchangeable to some people, there are actually some important differences between decals and stickers.

What do they mean?

First, let's define what we mean by decals and stickers. A decal is a design that is normally printed onto a special type of paper and then transferred onto a surface, typically by soaking in water. This allows the decal to be easily applied and removed without damaging the underlying surface. However, some decals nowadays may come on special paper that is peel and stick. Stickers, on the other hand, are designs that are printed directly onto a backing material such as vinyl or plastic.

What are the differences?

One of the key differences between decals and stickers is their durability. Decals are generally considered to be more durable than stickers because they are printed onto a special type of paper that is designed to withstand wear and tear.

In contrast, stickers are printed directly onto a backing material, which can be prone to tearing and peeling over time. This makes decals a better choice for applications where the design needs to last for a long period of time, such as on vehicles or storefront windows.

Another difference between decals and stickers is the way they are applied. Decals are typically applied by soaking the decal in water and then sliding it off the backing paper and onto the desired surface. This allows the decal to be easily positioned and repositioned until it is perfectly aligned.

As for stickers, you typically apply them by peeling them off the backing material and sticking them directly onto the desired surface. This makes stickers a more convenient option for applications where the design needs to be applied quickly and easily, such as handing out promotional materials at an event.

There is also a key difference between decals and stickers when it comes to the range of surfaces they can be applied to. Decals are designed to be applied to a wide range of surfaces, including smooth and curved surfaces, making them a versatile option for many different applications.

Stickers, in turn, are typically limited to being applied to flat, smooth surfaces, which limits their versatility. This makes decals a better choice for applications where the design needs to be applied to a wide range of surfaces, such as on vehicles or storefront windows.

Final words

As you can see, decals and stickers have a lot in common, and can be used as decoration or advertisement. They aren’t exactly equivalent, although to some they may look alike. Decals are more durable, can be applied to a wider range of surfaces, and are more adaptable than stickers. This makes them better suited for scenarios where you need your design to stick around (no pun intended!) for longer periods, or to different kinds of surfaces.