Materials & finishes
The material determines how the product behaves on its surface. The finish adds protection, texture, shine or contrast.
Four checks
SurfaceGlass, plastic, paper, fabric, metal or painted board?
ConditionsDry indoor, splash, refrigeration, abrasion or outdoor UV?
AppearanceOpaque, clear, matte, gloss, metallic or raised?
ApplicationBy hand, on a roll, onto a tight curve or onto a dark surface?
Materials by category
Materials are organised in the same five-category order as the product catalogue, so label, packaging, card, sign and promotional options stay separate.
Films and papers for labels and stickers — from everyday paper to water-resistant film.
Standard paper label stock with a smooth, printable surface — the everyday workhorse for product labels and stickers.
Surface: Paper — print-receptive, not water-resistant on its own.Typical: Product labels, packaging inserts, hand-applied stickers.White opaque film label stock — water-resistant and tear-resistant for typical product use.
Surface: White film — water-resistant, smooth.Typical: Bottles, jars, cartons — anywhere a splash-resistant label is needed.Transparent film label stock — the artwork reads through to the surface underneath.
Surface: Clear film — water-resistant.Typical: Glass jars, bottles, premium product labels, window decals.
Stronger transparent film stock — slightly stiffer than BOPP, with the same clear look.
Surface: Clear film — water-resistant, slightly stiffer than BOPP.Typical: Premium product labels and small-format stickers.Papers and fabrics for bags, wraps and reusable carry pieces.
Natural brown paper stock — gives an unbleached, eco look without an extra finish.
Surface: Kraft paper — not water-resistant on its own.Typical: Artisan and eco product labels, kraft packaging accents.
Cotton fabric for tote bags — sturdy, washable, with a clean surface for screen and digital print.
Surface: Cotton fabric — soft, washable.Typical: Tote bags, event merchandise, branded reusable bags.Card stock and rigid plastics for cards, badges and hang tags.
Heavy paper stock used for business cards and other cards — available coated, uncoated or textured.
Surface: Card stock — rigid, paper-based.Typical: Business cards, calling cards, appointment cards, hang tags.
Rigid plastic sheet — water-resistant, common for cards and small-format indoor signs.
Surface: PVC — rigid, water-resistant.Typical: Loyalty cards, event badges, indoor signs, gift cards.Rigid sheets and composites for signs, nameplates and display pieces.
Rigid plastic sheet used for signs and small-format display pieces — clean edges, lightweight.
Surface: Cast acrylic — rigid, slightly flexible up to a few mm.Typical: Counter signs, wall signs, nameplates, photo-block keepsakes.
Composite panel with a brushed-metal finish — heavier, premium feel for small-format identification pieces.
Surface: Metal composite — rigid.Typical: Mailbox numbers, door nameplates, desk plates.Everyday substrates for desk, giveaway and promotional items.
Light, adhesive-backed paper for sticky notes — repositionable without leaving residue.
Surface: Adhesive paper — light, repositionable.Typical: Sticky notes, memo pads, desk and promotional giveaways.
A soft fabric top bonded to a non-slip foam base — the standard build for desk and mouse pads.
Surface: Fabric over foam — soft, cushioned, non-slip.Typical: Mouse pads, desk pads, promotional giveaways.
Absorbent board with a cork backing — thick enough to protect a table from hot or wet drinks.
Surface: Cork-backed board — absorbent, rigid.Typical: Coasters, drinks coasters, desk and table protectors.Finishes
Compare laminates, white ink, metallic effects, cutting methods and other finishing options by the result they create.
Cut-to-shape around the artwork outline — stickers, hang tags, custom shapes.
High-gloss film overlay — adds water resistance and a glossy finish.
Foil stamped onto the printed surface — gold, silver, rose gold or coloured foils.
Cut through the top label layer only, leaving the backing paper intact — typical for sheet stickers.
Soft matte film overlay — diffuses reflection and gives a quieter look.
Reflective metallic film under the print — gives a chrome, brushed or coloured-metal look.
Clear polyurethane resin poured over a printed decal — gives a 3D raised, glass-like finish.
Roll labels wound to the core size and direction required by the application method.
Velvet-feel matte laminate — premium tactile feel.
Glossy UV varnish on selected artwork areas — adds contrast against matte laminate.
Per-unit variable printing — sequential numbers, names, codes or barcodes on each label.
White ink layer printed under the artwork on clear films — needed for solid colour over dark surfaces.
Common failure points
Use a conformable film and test adhesive lift at the smallest radius.
Move away from unprotected paper; confirm adhesive and laminate as a system.
Ask for the expected service life, UV exposure and surface energy before choosing.
White ink controls opacity; a clear film alone does not make colour opaque.
Material + finish
Open a material to see the finishing routes commonly considered with it. Final selection still depends on the artwork, surface and application conditions.
Heavier than acrylic. Suitable for indoor and outdoor small-format signs.
Common weights range from light card to thick premium stock. Heavy solid colour coverage benefits from lamination.
Prolonged outdoor UV can affect clear appearance; sample the intended print and mounting construction for outdoor service.
Use a white-ink underlay when the artwork has solid colour or light tones, otherwise colours look tinted over dark surfaces.
Heavier feel than BOPP. White-ink underlay needed for solid colour over dark surfaces.
Best with lamination for water and scuff resistance. Uncoated face shows finger-marks.
A sealed or laminated face is easier to wipe and holds print better than raw pulp.
Print method depends on the artwork. Very dark fabric may need a sample test for ink coverage.
A stitched edge resists peeling on heavily used pads. Spot-clean; full wash shortens life.
Pairs with matte lamination for limited water resistance. Avoid heavy ink coverage — kraft texture shows through.
Adhesive strength is a balance — strong enough to hold, light enough to reposition cleanly.
Often considered for indoor use. Prolonged UV and heat can affect colour and flatness, so outdoor use should be sampled.
Pairs well with gloss or matte laminate for extra durability.
Need a recommendation?
Add size, quantity, exposure and the visual effect you want. The team will narrow the suitable options.
Discuss material and finish