At 904 Stickers when we get a custom sticker and the design uploaded at checkout, we format it to look the best for your size and shape. However, there are some printing mistakes we can’t avoid without altering the design.
We make custom stickers that are vibrant, waterproof and formatted for each customer.
But, the uploaded design is out of our control (we offer a 30-day guarantee or reprint no matter what the blame).
From our decades serving marketing material with our parent company, Holmes Custom, we know what works best with each customer upload.
If we think any of these mistakes from this blog could be a problem, we will reach out to you before the proof is made.
There are several things to be aware of when choosing your image to upload at purchase.
This blog is going to discuss the most common mistakes with the design files that we see.
This way, you can start offline marketing with your stickers as soon as possible and not have to get a new batch sent out. Here are our top sticker printing mistakes.
Low-Resolution Files
This is the most common mistake we’ve seen in our short time around.
Your image’s resolutions are measured in pixels or pixels per inch. If it doesn’t have enough, it will look blurry and pixelated.
It’s extremely important to upload a high-resolution file when buying stickers. This way, your artwork is ensured to be crisp and vivid.
If you don’t have a high-resolution version, ask us for help or reach out to your designer.
Do not try to export your low-resolution design at a higher one.
Text Too Thin
Every printer has some variation with its alignment of inks. If your text is too small or thin, it may result in small halos around the lines.
We suggest that your text is 14 points unless it is a type of fine print for disclosure purposes.
Too Many Colors That Are Similar
Our printers are capable of printing multiple varieties and combinations of color.
We can print colors that are similar side by side, but including them may cause them to look a like.
The main colors to look out for this are grey, black or white.
Usually, companies go for contrasting colors that complement each other, so it’s not as common as a problem as other things. It still happens occasionally though.
Using Gradient Colors
Our printers can handle these along with color blends, but sometimes it won’t come out as you imagined it. There are a few tips to help with this when choosing colors.
Try to only use light colors when choosing any gradients. The dark ones can cause banding sometimes. Also, keep them short to ensure that the transition won’t be stretched.
Light Text On A Dark Background
Light text placed on a dark background is always much harder to read. It can still be used, but only to call certain attention to areas.
A headline on your logo is a good example of it, but large bodies of light text on a dark background is a bad one.
A good rule of thumb is if it requires more than skimming while reading, then don’t do this.
No Room For Bleed
Bleed is the place where your elements touch the edge of the printed product. You need just a little bit of padding on your product.
We’ll add this to our proof. Still, it will help you with other design needs if you leave room for bleed.
You need to do this to make sure there won’t be any white lines or borders around the design if the machine shifts during the printing process.
Not Measuring Your Exact Needs
If you are getting labels for packaging or product labels, measure and maybe even print out a paper sample to see how it fits.
