“The stickiest sticker isn't always the best sticker.” 

Now, this may not be the kind of mantra that you’d expect to hear from diehard vinyl sticker enthusiasts like us, but if you’ve ever spent 20+ minutes trying to delicately, or aggressively (we’re not judging), scrape a sticky price label off of someone’s soon-to-be birthday gift, you might see where we’re going with this one…

The truth is, whether you’re using permanent labels or removable low-tack labels, the best kind of sticker is always the one that does the job well. And in this handy post, we’re hoping to show you exactly what kind of sticker that is, why you might want to use it, and what sort of surface to stick it to.

Sticker strength comparison: the lowdown on sticker adhesive types

When it comes to finding the best adhesives for your stickers, there are two main types to consider: permanent adhesives, made from powerful, high-bond glue, and low-tack adhesives, made from gentle, no-trace glue.

Permanent adhesives often use stronger synthetic resins or rubber-based glues, while low-tack versions are formulated with lighter, repositionable adhesives designed to peel cleanly without damage.

When choosing between high and low-tack for your project, consider whether your sticker needs to be in it for the long haul or whether it’ll only be sticking around for a short while. Low-tack stickers can stick around for weeks or months, whereas permanent stickers can last indefinitely, resisting wear, weather, and handling.

Need super sticky stickers for your project? Take a peek at our high-tack extra permanent labels — they’re our strongest stickers yet!

What are the most common uses for low-tack removable stickers?

As we mentioned in the intro, low-tack, peel-off stickers are ideal for price labels or anything that needs to be removed cleanly before gifting, but that’s not all they’re helpful for. You can use low-tack stickers to:

Add dates to food items or products: Ideal for when you want to keep track of items in the fridge without ruining your precious storage containers.

Create temporary signage at events: Why not use low-tack stickers to mark directions at events or provide safety warnings? Once the event is over, you can simply peel them off. 

Mark workbook pages: Use vibrant stickers to mark pages or book covers without doing damage. Perfect for helping little ones become more interested in learning.

Make name tags or signs for school desks: Great for when kids are switching seats, trying out new groups, or you've got a substitute teacher who needs to figure out who's who!

What are permanent stickers best for?

Permanent labels aren't going anywhere without a fight, so they’re ideal for when you need stickers that are safe, secure, and durable. Use them for:

Brand labels and logos: Perfect for when you want your company name or logo to stay put on products, equipment, or packaging, no matter how much handling they get.

Windows, outdoor signage and warnings: Weather, UV rays, temperature changes — permanent stickers just keep on sticking.

Product labelling: When you need ingredient lists, barcodes, or safety information that absolutely cannot disappear, permanent adhesive is your best friend.

Address labels: Your courier company will never be able to use the excuse that your labels “weren’t stuck on properly”…

Can permanent stickers be removed?

Since they’re designed to be stuck for good, permanent stickers are a bit of a challenge to remove, but it’s not totally impossible. 

Methods like applying heat (using a hairdryer), soaking in warm soapy water, or using adhesive removers like rubbing alcohol or citrus-based solutions can help loosen the bond. Just be sure to test any removal method on a small area first to avoid damage to the surface.

What’s the ideal surface type for my stickers?

Before sticking your stickers anywhere, it’s important to consider the surface. Clean, smooth surfaces like glass, metal, and certain plastics allow for optimal adhesion with both high and low-tack stickers. Whereas porous materials, like paper or rough-textured surfaces, may not fare too well with low-tack options, so this is something to bear in mind.

For best results, always ensure your surfaces are free from dust, grease, or moisture before applying your stickers — nothing ruins a well-placed label faster than poor adhesion!

Get high-quality vinyl stickers from StickerShop

Whether you need ultra-durable branding labels or flexible temporary signage, choosing the right sticker adhesive makes all the difference. With premium paper and vinyl sticker options designed for every purpose, StickerShop has you covered.

Ready to find the perfect sticker for your next project? Browse our collection today and stick with the best.