Even as someone who works with stickers and decals on a daily basis, I will admit I use the terms interchangeably. For someone who is in the market to purchase these products though, it can be confusing and will want to know the difference between the two as well as the different types that are available. So here’s what you need to know:
When most people hear sticker they think of things like the gold star you’d get on your homework in grade school. By definition, a sticker is “an adhesive label or notice, generally printed or illustrated” which brings in the further question of what exactly is a label?, but we’ll get back to that later. A sticker is often a piece of paper or plastic that has an adhesive on the back attached to a backing which can then be peeled off and placed on any smooth surface. Essentially “sticker” can be used as a catch all term for an object (typically paper or plastic) with an adhesive backing. It is also important to note that stickers are one solid piece. For example if you have a “sticker” that says America on it, you would peel off one solid piece rather than each individual letter. Stickers also typically have a stronger adhesive as they are meant to last a longer time.