If you’ve been in Portland for any length of time, you’ve seen stickers everywhere — on street signs, poles, and any other semi-flat surface. They’re even on cars. (Yes, you know you’ve seen at least one “Keep Portland Weird” bumper sticker.) Each sticker communicates a message, either to support a cause, brand, movement, or product. But what’s the difference between the cheaper paper stickers and the higher dollar stickers you see? We’re here to help you see the difference and choose the best sticker for your shop or vehicle.

The Quality of Paper Stickers

Stickers come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. The major differentiator, though, rests in the material. There are only two typical options: paper stickers and vinyl stickers. As you can imagine, paper stickers only last so long, especially in Portland’s rain. They are prone to fading, and get ruined if any liquid comes into contact with them. They scratch and rip easily, but if they’re left on anything for any length of time, they’re increasingly difficult to remove. That said, paper stickers work well for packaged product or labeling.

When trying to choose the best sticker, ask how and where

The Benefits of Vinyl Stickers

Vinyl stickers, on the other hand, are highly durable. They don’t fade, tear, or melt in rain. With laminate coating, they can last out in the elements for up to seven years. And with recent advancements in the vinyl world, you can even get environmentally friendly vinyl that PVC-free. If you’re looking to spruce up your vehicle, increase the visibility of your storefront, or promote your brand in a creative new way, consider a vinyl sticker solution. We can perforate larger stickers for either vehicles or storefronts with barely-visible holes so you can see out yet still keep privacy. From custom lettering on a vehicle door to full-color custom graphics on your windows, vinyl sticker possibilities are virtually unlimited.

How to choose the best sticker

To Choose the Best Sticker, Ask How and Where

If you’re considering stickers for your shop or your vehicle, you’ll want a higher quality than paper can offer. Your brand is worth the investment. Vinyl stickers not only last longer, they always look much more professional. You can print full-color graphics on vinyl, so the design possibilities are endless. While you have to consider how and where you will use it in order to choose the best sticker, most of the time vinyl is the right choice.

Paper stickers will cost less initially, but if you’re looking for a long-term investment that will continue to look new over time, and give you the versatility of indoor or outdoor use, choose vinyl stickers.