When I first started out my art business, I made all of my stickers at home using my trusty printer and Cricut machine! Through trial and error, and countless brands of different inkjet-compatible sticker papers later, I've narrowed down my top three waterproof vinyl inkjet papers for quality handmade stickers.
For the full list of materials for at home sticker making, please visit my Materials You Need to Make Waterproof Vinyl Stickers at Home article.
But for this article, let's focus on my favorite inkjet vinyl sticker paper options!
#3. Small Smile Premium Printable Vinyl Sticker Paper
This is a great budget-conscious option for sticker-maker beginners! Because you're paying less per sheet, if you mess up on a few prints or cuts, it's less impactful than a super premium vinyl sticker paper.
This is a perfect option if you're only looking to make stickers for yourself and not planning on reselling to consumers. I like to use this paper for custom mailing or packaging stickers, or for one-off projects where I only need 1-2 prints. One downside is that this paper is the thinnest of the three options, so something to consider depending on your sticker needs.
#2. JOYEZA Premium Printable Vinyl Sticker Paper
This is a great paper if you're looking for a paper that is both water resistant and tear resistant! The ink colors are also incredibly vibrant upon printing. I would recommend however that you confirm if this vinyl sticker paper is compatible with your inkjet printer. Although I've never experienced problems with printing myself, there are reviews of smudges for some inkjet printer models.
The tackiness of the sticker is also lighter than some other papers I've tested, so if you're looking for non-permanent stickers, this might be a good option for you.
#1. Online Labels Waterproof Matte Sticker Paper
Why do I love it? There are countless reasons, but here's what keeps me going back to them:
- This vinyl sticker paper captures the color of the inks beautifully. Some papers dull the colors during the printing process, and with my artwork being full of color, was a huge sticking point! I am always pleased by the brightness of the colors on this sticker paper.
- The texture is matte which is perfect for all cutting machines, whether you prefer the Silhouette or the Cricut machines. Glossy materials often make these machine misalign the cut, which results in wasted ink and paper.
- While I don't believe this paper is entirely "waterproof" like the brand claims, it certainly is water resistant. When I make my stickers, I usually add an additional laminate overlay to all of my stickers to make my stickers truly waterproof, to protect the artwork, and to increase the durability of the sticker.
- You are able to purchase it in bulk as you scale your business, so the cost per sheet decreases significantly. Plus, it's available on Amazon for quick shipping!
While I no longer make my stickers at home due to volume (I save my time and use Sticker Mule now!), I still stand by these choices for new artists and art storefronts that are looking to test out new designs.
