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Level up your labels: a simple guide to label materials
Choosing the right material and vibe for your labels can honestly be a bit tricky. I mean, what do you actually want your brand to say? Each material kind of has its own personality and way of expressing your design. Of course, the design itself matters a lot, but the material you choose can really change the whole feel.
So let me do the honors and break it down for you.
TL;DR: Get to know our label materials, how to design, and pick up a few tips along the way.
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Kraft labels = natural, uncoated paper with a warm, tactile feel, best for indoor use and simple, earthy designs
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Clear labels = transparent, clean “no-label” look, great for glass and packaging, supports recyclability
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Metallic labels = reflective, premium finish that adds depth and stands out, ideal for eye-catching designs
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Vinyl labels = durable all-rounder, water- and scratch-resistant, perfect for products that face everyday wear
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Laminate = glossy for shine and extra durability, matte for a softer, more subtle premium feel
What makes labels different
Labels are all about information and identification. They usually carry the important stuff, ingredients, barcodes, instructions, legal info, but that does not mean they have to look boring (!!!).
They carry the important stuff, ingredients, barcodes, instructions, legal info, but that does not mean they have to look boring. A good label does both. It informs, and still feels like your brand. Clarity is key here.
Another thing that makes labels a bit different, they are delivered on rolls. Which might not sound that exciting, but it actually makes them more cost-effective than for example, die-cut stickers. So if you are branding a whole lot of stuff rather than handing things out, this is kind of a no-brainer.
And if you feel like going full nerd on this, we actually have a whole article breaking down the difference between stickers and labels.
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Four options - different vibes
In our label lineup, we’ve got four different materials. Vinyl, metallic, clear, and kraft. All with their own feel. Scroll down and see which one matches your vibe.
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Our trusty best-seller. The OG classic. Vinyl labels works for pretty much anything. Go glossy or matte depending on your vibe. Vinyl is your go-to when you want something that can handle real life. It is durable, water-resistant, and keeps its look over time.
Great for:
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Bottles
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Containers
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Products that get handled a lot, or anything exposed to moisture.
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The show-off. Metallic labels makes everything look a bit cooler, a bit more premium. Also comes in matte or glossy, depending on how loud you want it. Combined with sharp print quality and strong durability when laminated, it creates a label that feels high-end without trying too hard.
Great for:
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Cosmetics
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Beverages
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Luxury packaging, or anything that should catch attention fast.
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Clear labels might feel a bit “meh” at first, but trust me, it makes everything look more premium. Blends into the surface and lets your design shine. Pro tip, matte on clear gives a nice frosty look.
Great for:
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Glass bottles
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Cosmetics
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Beverages, or anything where you want a clean and modern finish.
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Oh the lovely Kraft paper labels. The eco-friendly, down-to-earth one. It is made from 100% recycled paper and has that raw, slightly rough finish that instantly feels handmade. Just remember, since it's uncoated it does not love water. However, it makes the perfect material for writing.
Great for:
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Organic products
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Candles
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Food packaging, or anything where you want a warm and down-to-earth vibe.
Find your muse (aka, how to actually design this thing)
The label is the informer, sure. But it does not have to be boring just because it carries information. Start with the feeling. Do you want it to feel clean and minimal, bold and loud, or soft and premium? That decision will guide pretty much everything else.
Then comes the finish. Matte or glossy? Both are premium, just in different ways. Glossy catches the light and pops right away. Matte is softer, more subtle, almost like a rose petal kind of feel. Less shine, more texture.
Think about contrast and hierarchy too. What should people see first? Your brand, the product name, something else? If everything screams, nothing stands out.
Lisa Champ, aka @redhalftone, is one of the artists we’ve had the pleasure of working with at StickerApp. Among the many things she’s created with us are labels.
I created a theme around each fragrance to create more of a mood with: Good Luck, Memento Mori, and Magic. Each label follows a similar layout and design structure because they’re part of the same collection, but the color scheme and illustrations differ. I created these scale mockups beforehand, so I knew how the final product would look and how to size the labels.
Lisa Champ, the artist behind Red Halftone
Below, you’ll find a video where she walks through her process step by step. Watch and get inspired!
Looking for some more inspo?
Need a bit more direction, or just some extra inspiration? Take a look at these labels.
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Vinyl
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Metallic
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Kraft Paper
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Final thoughts
Now that you’ve got a feel for all our label materials, and even how to design them, you’re pretty much ready to get started. Or at least you have a clearer idea of where to begin, which honestly is half the battle. It is not just about the material, of course, but it is a big part of it. The same design can feel completely different depending on what you print it on, so it is worth thinking about.
And don’t forget the laminate! Glossy gives you that durable, eye-catching shine. Matte leans more towards a softer, almost rose petal kind of feel. Same design, different vibe. So try something out. See what works and see what sticks! ;-)
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