Best Printer for Stickers: A Complete Guide for Print Shops
Stickers are everywhere—on laptop lids, water bottles, car bumpers, phone cases, toolboxes, skateboards, guitar cases, refrigerator doors, office equipment, and even kids' bedroom walls. With so many applications, it's no surprise that there are countless ways to print stickers. If you're looking for the best printer for stickers, this guide breaks down the top options for different sticker types and use cases.
Because stickers come in a variety of materials, finishes, and applications, there isn't a single best printer. Instead, we'll highlight the best printers for different sticker applications, all under $35,000. While industrial presses can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, these options are accessible to the average print shop.
Best Sticker Printer for Quick, Short Run Printing
For fast turnaround sticker jobs, the Epson SureColor R5070 is our top choice. This printer uses resin, also called latex by some manufacturers, providing a durable finish that's instantly dry. Laminating can be done immediately with no outgas period, making it perfect for walk-in orders and short-run production.
The R5070 features Epson’s world-class 6-color ink set and the smallest drop size available in a latex or resin printer. If your shop wants to offer fast, high-quality sticker printing, this printer is hard to beat.
Best Printer for Specialty Film Stickers
If you want to produce stickers on metallic, holographic, mirrored, or clear films, white ink is essential to avoid a washed-out look. The HP Latex 630 W series is the best choice for specialty films.
HP’s white inks are the brightest in the industry without UV initiators that yellow over time. These printers are also instant dry, allowing you to laminate immediately. For shops looking to expand into eye-catching specialty film stickers, the HP Latex W printers are ideal.
Best Printer for Die Cut Stickers
For businesses producing thousands of standard-shaped stickers like circles, squares, or stars, die-cut rolls save time and effort. The Epson ColorWorks C8000 is designed for these high-volume applications.
The C8000 prints up to 4.25 inches wide and 12 inches per second. For example, it can print 180 four-inch circle stickers per minute, almost 11,000 per hour. Its durable, smudge- and fade-resistant pigment ink ensures high-quality results at incredible speed. If you're printing die-cut stickers from pre-cut rolls, the C8000 is a powerhouse for efficiency.
Best Printer for Highest Quality Stickers
If color accuracy and a wide color gamut are your top priorities, the Epson SureColor S9170 stands out. With a 10-color solvent ink set, it can match exact brand colors like Home Depot orange or Monster Energy green.
The S9170 prints up to 376 square feet per hour. Laminating requires a four- to six-hour outgas period, but the image quality is unmatched. For shops prioritizing premium vibrant stickers, the S9170 is the ultimate choice.
Best Compact Sticker Printer
For small spaces or home-based sticker businesses, the Roland VersaStudio BN2-30 is an excellent option. This 30-inch wide desktop solvent printer uses a 4-color ink set and includes a built-in cutter, saving space compared to pairing a printer with a separate cutter. The BN2-30 is perfect for entry-level sticker production and getting your business off the ground.
Choosing the Right Sticker Printer for Your Shop
Selecting a single best printer for stickers is challenging. The ideal choice depends on the type of stickers you want to produce, your production volume, and your priorities such as speed, color accuracy, or specialty substrates.
If you would like guidance tailored to your needs, reach out to us at itsupplies.com. We can even print a sample sticker from your file to test on one of our printers. Submit your file at itsupplies.com/printsamples.
You are also welcome to visit our Chicagoland demo facility to see the full sticker workflow in person. Contact us to schedule a visit and experience sticker printing firsthand.
Conclusion
Stickers are versatile and fun, and the right printer can make a huge difference in your workflow and output quality. Whether you need speed, specialty effects, premium color accuracy, or a compact solution, there is a printer that fits your needs.