# Clear Stickers

> Clear stickers on transparent vinyl with a white ink layer behind the design: what stays see-through, which surfaces suit clear film, and why edges show.

Category: stickers · Minimum order: From 50 units · Lead time: Typically 7–12 working days after artwork approval

## The appeal and the catch

A clear sticker looks like the design was printed directly onto the object. On a glass bottle, a shop window or a laptop lid, that is a genuinely different effect from a white sticker with a visible border.

The catch is that clear film hides nothing. Bubbles, dust under the film, fingerprints and a slightly off-centre application all show — and the film's edge catches the light even when the design is invisible.

## White ink is the whole game

Colours printed on clear vinyl are translucent. A red logo over a dark surface reads as dark red; over a light surface it disappears entirely. The fix is a white ink layer printed behind the design:

- **Full white flood** — the whole sticker is opaque. Looks like a white sticker with a clear margin.
- **Spot white** — only the logo and text have white behind them, and the rest stays transparent. This is the "floating" look most brands want.
- **No white** — only suitable for designs meant to be translucent, such as a subtle tint or a shadow.

Spot white requires a separate layer in the artwork marking the areas. Without it, the printer has to guess, and guessing produces either a flood or an unreadable logo.

## Surfaces

| Surface | Result |
|---|---|
| Smooth glass | Best case — invisible film, clean edge |
| Gloss plastic | Good, but static attracts dust during application |
| Matte or textured plastic | Film edge visible; air trapped in texture |
| Painted walls | Removable adhesive needed; edge shows |
| Fabric | Not suitable |

## Application

Clear film is less forgiving than white. Two practical points: clean the surface and let it dry fully (dust under clear film is permanent), and apply with a squeegee from the centre outward to push air to the edge. For runs above a few hundred, an applicator produces visibly better results.

## Material and finish

Clear vinyl is the standard and stays flexible. Clear PET is stiffer and clearer — better for flat glass and premium packaging. Gloss laminate maximises transparency; matte gives a frosted look that hides bubbles but changes the design's feel.

## Quantity and cost

Clear film plus a white ink pass costs more than white vinyl. The premium is worth it only on a surface where transparency reads as intentional; on a kraft box, clear film looks like a mistake.

## Ordering

Send the surface, a photo of it, and the artwork with the transparent areas marked. If the design depends on the background showing through, say so — we will print a sample so you can see it on the actual surface before the run.

## Ordering

Quotations by email (martin@customstickersprinting.com) or WhatsApp (+86 133 2323 7275). Send size, material, quantity and destination.