Clear Stickers
Clear sticker and transparent label printing for glass, bottles and packaging. A no-label look for small brands, with free artwork set-up in Tooting.
- No design yet? We set up the artwork free of charge when we print the job.
- Tight deadline? Same-day printing is possible on many jobs if your file is ready early. Call to check first.
- Can't get here? Collect from Gatton Road, or have it delivered in the UK for a quoted charge.
Printing on a transparent background
Clear stickers let the surface beneath show through, so your logo or wording appears printed straight on to the product. This no-label look works very well on glass bottles and jars, candles, shop windows, acrylic displays and packaging. It often makes a product look more premium for little extra cost.
How colour behaves on clear
Standard print ink is translucent, so anything printed on clear film is affected by what is behind it. This has real consequences for your design:
- Dark ink on a pale surface looks good, so black text on a clear bottle of water or a white candle is a safe choice.
- Pale ink or white cannot be printed in the usual way. Without white ink underneath, a white logo simply will not appear.
- On a dark surface or dark liquid, standard colours can disappear. You will need a white layer under the colours, or a different approach.
Tell us what surface and contents the sticker will sit on, so we can check whether your design will work. We recommend a test on your actual product.
Materials and finish
Clear stickers are usually vinyl or polyester, and so are water-resistant. Gloss clear is the most invisible on shiny glass. A matt clear gives a frosted look that can be more visible on the wrong surface, but which works beautifully on matt packaging. Bubbles and dust show up more on clear than on white, so careful application matters more.
Getting a clean application
Clean the surface with soapy water and dry it with a lint-free cloth. Peel the backing and start at one edge, pressing with a soft card to push air out as you go. On bottles, try a low-tack transfer tape, or use a slightly curved motion to avoid wrinkles. Wet application can work on glass for larger pieces, but it needs drying time.
Good uses
- Bottles and jars for drinks, sauces and home fragrance
- Windows and doors for opening times and small logos
- Candles and cosmetics for a modern, minimal look
- Laptop and phone cases, where the device colour shows through
- Wedding favours on mini bottles and glass jars
For larger window jobs, see window graphics.
Ordering
Send your design and tell us about the surface it will go on. Clear stickers need artwork set up with care, and we will prepare this free of charge when we print the job. We will show you a proof and talk you through any concerns, such as low-contrast colours. Because a test is worthwhile, please allow a little extra time.
Questions we hear about clear stickers
Can you print white on clear stickers?
Not with standard ink. White needs a special white-ink layer, so ask us before you finalise a design that relies on it.
Are clear stickers waterproof?
Yes, most clear stickers are made of vinyl or polyester and handle water well.
Will my design show up on a dark bottle?
Standard colours can disappear on dark surfaces. Tell us the surface and contents so we can check, as a white under-layer may be needed.
Why does my clear sticker show bubbles?
Dust and air under clear film show more easily than on white. Clean the surface well and press out from the centre with a soft card.