The 5 Best Sticker Papers for Cricut in 2023 (October)

Stickers are great, aren’t they? Whether on a car bumper, laptop cover, or a planner, stickers let us show off our personalities to the world and add color, art, and fun to our daily lives. They can start conversations, show support for a cause, highlight our artistic side, or simply bring joy with their cute and colorful designs.

But what if you can’t find the perfect sticker in a shop? What if you need a special label for a party, school project, or game? Or maybe what if you want to make your own stickers and earn some money on the side from them?

But which sticker paper should you choose? Glossy? Mate? Clear? Waterproof? Weatherproof? And from where? Browsing the internet and looking for the best sticker paper can take hours if not days considering the ordering and testing process.

So worry not, in this article, we’ve done all the hard work for you. We’ve browsed through the vast sea of options and handpicked a variety of sticker papers to bring you the best of the best. 

The 5 Best Sticker Papers for Cricut in 2023

1. Best Sticker Paper for Cricut Overall – Online Labels
2. Second Best Sticker Paper for Cricut – Koala Sticker Paper
3. Best Printable Vinyl Sticker Paper – Aiva Sticker Paper
4. Best Clear Sticker Paper – WeLiu Sticker Paper
5. Best Budget Sticker Paper – 9527 Product Sticker Paper

1. Best Sticker Paper for Cricut Overall – Online Labels

Selection Criteria

• Type of Paper: Paper, Polycarbonate
  • Our Score – 9/10
• Finish: Matte, Glossy, Clear
  • Our Score – 10/10
• Resistance: Waterproof, Weatherproof, Tear Resistant
  • Our Score – 10/10
• Quantity: 10 – 100 sheet pack (+5000 pack on website)
  • Our Score – 9/10
• Printer Compatibility: Inkjet and laser printer
  • Our Score – 10/10
• Price: $12 – $70
  • Our Score – 7/10

About Online Labels

Online Label is a well-known brand with a great reputation in the label market as well as the sticker market. They are the to-go brand for many sticker businesses for their quality, durability, and variety of materials. This brand has it all, and that’s why it’s sitting at the top of our list.

From matte sticker paper to clear glossy or matte sheets, and the best waterproof sticker paper selection in different finishes this brand has a great selection for you to try and choose what suits your stickers the best. This brand is one of the few to offer weatherproof matte sticker paper

Considering how hard it is to pick the best paper for your stickers, they also have a “sample pack”. They send you up to 5 different types of sticker paper for you to try and test. It’s free, all you have to pay for is the shipping.

Pros

• Wide variety of options for different uses.
• High-quality printing results.
• Offers both custom printed and blank labels.

Cons

• Can be a bit pricier than other brands.
• Not all varieties are waterproof or tear-resistant.

2. Second Best Sticker Paper for Cricut – Koala Sticker Paper

Selection Criteria

• Type of Paper: Printable Vinyl
  • Our Score – 9/10
• Finish: Matte, Glossy
  • Our Score – 8/10
• Resistance: Waterproof, Tear Resistant
  • Our Score – 8/10
• Quantity: 20 – 100 pack
  • Our Score – 9/10
• Printer Compatibility: Inkjet
  • Our Score – 8/10
• Price: $9.99 – $35.99
  • Our Score – 9/10

About Koala Sticker Paper

Koala is a renowned brand in the sticker paper industry. It has been tried, tested, and endorsed by various creators on platforms like YouTube and TikTok. This sticker paper shines in its compatibility with Cricut cutting machines, distinguishing itself with a standout feature that many other brands seem to lack: the accuracy of registration marks.

Many sticker makers struggle with the print and cut feature due to the glossiness or transparency of some papers, which often results in the skipping of these essential marks, consequently messing up the cutting process.

Koala evaluated these challenges, conducted rigorous testing, and developed a formula that effectively maintains the glossiness of white paper and the strength of clear paper, ensuring proper ink adherence and accurate recognition of Cricut’s print and cut registration marks.

Koala’s sticker paper variety caters to a wide range of needs; from standard to glossy, matte, waterproof, and clear sticker papers. Plus, they offer variations for both inkjet and laser printers (sold separately), producing equally high-quality stickers at a consistent price.

Pros

• Highly compatible with Cricut cutting machines.
• Offers glossy, matte, waterproof, and clear sticker paper options.
• Designed to handle issues with registration marks in print and cut features.

Cons

• Might not be the most affordable choice for beginners or small businesses.
• Waterproofness can vary between product variations.

3. Best Printable Vinyl Sticker Paper – Aiva Sticker Paper

Selection Criteria

• Type of Paper: Printable Vinyl
  • Our Score – 9/10
• Finish: Matte, Glossy, Clear (frosted)
  • Our Score – 9/10
• Resistance: Waterproof, Tear Resistant, Scratch Resistant
  • Our Score – 10/10
• Quantity: 15 – 100 Pack
  • Our Score – 9/10
• Printer Compatibility: Inkjet
  • Our Score – 7/10
• Price: $13.95 – $31.95
  • Our Score – 8/10

About Aiva Sticker Paper

In today’s market, most sticker paper brands utilize materials like vinyl or polycarbonate for their durability and resistance. However, these tend to be priced quite high. While printable vinyl isn’t rare, finding a brand that is not only high quality and reasonably priced but also compatible with Cricut machines can be a formidable task. Aiva sticker paper fits the bill perfectly, offering an ideal blend of quality, durability, and affordability.

While there are even cheaper brands available, none can match the quality offered by Aiva. Their stickers are thick, ensuring minimal paper jams, and boast both water and tear resistance. What’s more, they are quite affordable, making them an appealing choice for those looking to start a business on a budget without sacrificing quality.

They offer various finishes, compatibility with both laser and inkjet printers, and are available in larger quantities (15 to 100 sheets pack). Notably, their frosted clear vinyl is often hailed as one of the best clear sticker papers available on the market and makes great paper car decals (with the proper protection).

Pros

• Offers a good balance of quality, durability, and affordability.
• Thick paper helps avoid printer jams.
• Water and tear-resistant.

Cons

• Not as many variety options as some other brands.

4. Best Clear Sticker Paper – WeLiu Sticker Paper

Selection Criteria

• Type of Paper: Transparent Sticker Paper
  • Our Score – 9/10
• Finish: Clear
  • Our Score – 9/10
• Resistance: Waterproof, Tear Resistant, Scratch Resistant
  • Our Score – 10/10
• Quantity: 15 – 30 pack
  • Our Score – 7/10
• Printer Compatibility: Inkjet and Laser printer
  • Our Score – 10/10
• Price: $7.99 – $13.69
  • Our Score – 10/10

About WeLiu Sticker Paper

WeLiu is another notable brand in the world of sticker paper, particularly known for its clear sticker paper, what sets WeLiu apart is its superior clarity, while other brands have high-quality clear sticker paper, those tend to be “frosted” which is not to the liking of everybody.

When applied correctly, their clear sticker paper nearly vanishes, making your design appear as if it’s directly printed on the application surface. This makes it an excellent choice for transparent stickers or labels, window designs, or any project where a clear background is desired.

WeLiu’s clear sticker paper is specially designed to ensure high-quality prints. It works perfectly with inkjet printers, producing vibrant colors and sharp details that truly bring your designs to life. Plus, this paper holds the ink well, preventing smudges and ensuring your stickers look professional and clean.

Pros

• Superior clarity, making it excellent for transparent sticker applications.
• Easy to peel, adheres well to a variety of surfaces.
• Withstands light moisture.

Cons

• Not as waterproof as some vinyl-based products.
• Needs an additional layer of protection (lamination)

5. Best Budget Sticker Paper – 9527 Product Sticker Paper

Selection Criteria

• Type of Paper: White Sticker Papers
  • Our Score – 8/10
• Finish: Matte
  • Our Score – 9/10
• Resistance: Tear Resistant
  • Our Score – 8/10
• Quantity: 50 – 5000
  • Our Score – 10/10
• Printer Compatibility: Laser and Inkjet Printer
  • Our Score – 10/10
• Price: $8.89 – $135.99
  • Our Score – 10/10

About 9527 Product Sticker Paper

If the ultimate affordable option is what you seek, then your search ends here. While these fall more into the “label” rather than the “sticker paper” category, they offer a viable and cost-effective solution for your needs.

This economical choice doesn’t skimp on quality, making it an excellent choice for those on a budget or just starting out in the sticker-making world. With its commendable performance and durability, it’s a go-to product for anyone seeking to get the most out of their money.

Pros

• Wide variety of options for different uses.
• High-quality printing results.
• Offers both custom printed and blank labels.

Cons

• Can be a bit pricier than other brands.
• Not all varieties are waterproof or tear-resistant.

Types of Sticker Paper

1. Matte Sticker Paper

Matte sticker paper is a popular choice among crafters due to its non-glare surface, which gives printed stickers a soft and professional look, this type of sticker paper is perfect for crafting projects that require uniformity and softness. 

Matte sticker paper is also highly receptive to various types of ink and provides clear, crisp prints; however, it may not be as vibrant or shiny as other types, like glossy, and it’s not resistant to water or UV damage.

2. Glossy Sticker Paper

As the name implies, glossy sticker paper has a shiny finish that can make your designs pop with color and vibrancy. This type of paper is excellent for projects where you want the colors to really stand out. It is more resistant to water and UV damage compared to matte paper, however, unless the inks are archival and the stickers are laminated, you shouldn’t expect them to last much in outdoor conditions.

Additionally, the glossy finish can produce a glare under certain lighting conditions, and fingerprints are more visible on this type of surface.

3. Clear Sticker Paper (Transparent)

Printable clear sticker paper allows the color of the surface it’s applied to show through, making it a perfect choice for glass, plastic, or any surface where you want the background to be visible.

These stickers blend seamlessly into the surface they’re applied on, creating a professional and sleek appearance. However, designs printed on clear paper may appear less vibrant than those printed on white paper, and application requires a bit more care to avoid air bubbles.

4. Printable Vinyl Sticker Paper

 

Vinyl sticker paper is a durable, weather-resistant option, ideal for outdoor applications or where longevity is crucial (daily use items, washable items, etc). Printable vinyl stickers are waterproof and UV-resistant, meaning they won’t fade in sunlight or get damaged by water.

The flexibility of vinyl also makes it an excellent choice for curved surfaces. On the downside, they’re usually more expensive than other types of sticker paper and can be slightly more difficult to work with due to their thickness.

Vinyl sticker paper can also become weather and dishwasher-proof by adding a layer of lamination since the ink still might bleed or fade without it.

5. Removable Sticker Paper

Removable sticker paper, as its name indicates, is specially designed to be easily removed without leaving any adhesive residue and without damaging the surface it’s applied on, making it a perfect choice for temporary applications or for those surfaces that might get damaged by adhesive. 

This type of sticker paper is ideal for wall decor, temporary signs, or any design that might need to be repositioned or changed. The downside is that they may not adhere as firmly or as long as permanent stickers.

6. Waterproof Sticker Paper

Waterproof sticker paper is a good choice for stickers that will be exposed to moisture or liquids. This type of sticker paper is often made from vinyl or coated with a waterproof layer. Waterproof stickers are excellent for drinkware, outdoor equipment, or any situation where durability is key. However, they can be more expensive and may require special printer settings.

7. Cricut Sticker Paper

Cricut’s printable sticker papers is designed to work seamlessly with Cricut’s cutting machines, it is intended to be the best sticker paper for Cricut and deliver clean, precise cuts and vivid prints (with Inkjet printers), ensuring that your designs come to life in the most vibrant way. Here are a few types of sticker paper offered by Cricut:

– Cricut Printable Sticker Paper: This is a standard, white sticker paper that’s perfect for printing colorful, detailed designs using an inkjet printer. It comes with an adhesive backing for easy application.

– Cricut Printable Vinyl: Although technically not paper, this is an excellent option for stickers due to its durability and versatility. It has a slightly glossy finish and can be used in a variety of indoor applications.

The printed results are water-resistant, but for more durability, especially for outdoor use, it’s recommended to apply a clear sealant over the printed surface.

– Cricut Printable Clear Sticker Paper: This clear sticker paper allows the color of the surface it’s applied to show through. It is excellent for custom decals and decorations where you want the background to be visible. Currently, it’s out of stock and quite hard to find.

While Cricut’s sticker paper is compatible with all Cricut cutting machines, please note that for best results, it’s generally recommended to use an inkjet printer for printing your designs.

Kiss Cut vs Die Cut

There are two main types of cuts you can make with your Cricut when making stickers. You can either cut through your paper and your backing (Die cut) or cut only through the paper, leaving the backing intact for an easy peel (Kiss Cut) or to make sticker sheets.

Creating Die-cut stickers is the easiest process, all you have to do is set your machine to sticker and if it fails to cut through the paper, just do it again; however, for a perfect Kiss-Cut, you’ll have to test your sticker paper several times until you find the perfect setting that doesn’t cut through the back.

The most used settings for the perfect Kiss-Cut and for thin sticker papers are:

• Premium Vinyl
• Washi Tape
• Washi Sheet
• Sticky Note
• Rice Paper
• and Adhesive Foil

Testing on the same sticker sheet for different materials will save you tons of time, struggle, and especially money.

How to Find the Best Sticker Paper

Type of Paper

As we mentioned in the previous section, there are several types of sticker paper. To find the perfect sticker paper for you, consider how you plan to use your stickers. If you want your stickers to be water-resistant, opt for materials like printable vinyl or printable polycarbonate.

For stickers intended for planners, agendas, and scrapbooking, paper stickers should suffice. If you desire transparent stickers or a special translucent effect, choose transparent sticker paper.

For extremely durable stickers resistant to UV rays, water, or dishwashers, you’ll want to pick robust materials like permanent vinyl or laminated sticker paper.

Finish

Another important aspect to consider is the finish. Many sticker papers are made of paper, vinyl, or plastic but have different finishes. The main finishes are glossy and matte. Glossy-finished stickers tend to have very vibrant colors but can be too flashy in some cases.

Matte stickers, on the other hand, look more elegant and are generally appreciated more, though their colors might appear less shiny or more muted due to the finish.

There also exist papers with metallic or satin finishes, which could be perfect as they maintain the vibrancy of colors without adding additional glare. However, these papers tend to have a high cost, which could be detrimental for businesses.

Resistance

You should also consider how resistant the sticker papers are. While a sticker paper may be water or UV resistant, if it tears easily, then the cost of the resistance might not be worth it. Encapsulated in resistance is the thickness of the sticker paper.

Thicker papers tend to be more resistant, but this can take away their flexibility and make them more challenging to print. If you’re not concerned about resistance, consider buying a laminator or cold laminating sheets to add a protective layer to your stickers.

Size and Quantity

The number of stickers in a pack is also something to consider. Some packs are the same price but offer fewer quantities. The size of a sticker paper is also essential as printers tend to support various paper formats, like Letter (8.5 x 11)or A4. This could interfere with the cutting and printing process if you use the wrong paper size or if the printer settings aren’t correct.

If you plan on printing stickers on Letter or A4 paper using Cricut’s Print then Cut feature, I recommend you learn about the cutting size limits. You could end up wasting a lot of material due to these limitations.

Printer Compatibility

How compatible a sticker paper is with your printer is also very important. Some sticker papers are specially made for laser or inkjet printers This should be clearly noted on the seller’s page and in the product features, so you know which paper best suits your printer.

Furthermore, some types of paper, like glossy finish sticker paper or transparent paper, don’t work well with some printers like Epson Workforce or EcoTank. These printers use a printing mechanism that doesn’t seal the ink with heat, causing the ink to dry slowly on glossy or transparent papers making them smudge easily.

Before buying sticker paper, I recommend reading reviews and comments, specifically looking for printer names to see which printers have had bad results with these papers.

Price

The last and most crucial factor to consider is the price. If you plan to make stickers for personal use, purchasing high-quality, expensive sticker paper won’t be a problem. However, if you plan to make stickers for your business, it’s ideal to find the best price for the best value regarding sticker papers.

While there are many brands of cheap sticker papers on Amazon, these brands generally don’t accept ink well, don’t last long, or are very thin. So, opting for a recognized, quality brand, even if it’s slightly pricier, would be ideal.

In regards to brands like Cricut or Silhouette, which are of very high quality, we must say that their price is slightly above average.