Sticker Guide · Match & Materials

Find the right starting point for the real job.

Answer 6 focused questions, or review how materials and testing affect the finished sticker.

Find My MatchMaterials & Testing
A sticker project being evaluated by surface, exposure and intended use
Step 1 of 6
1. What are you making?
2. What exact surface will it stick to?
3. Is the application flat or complex?
4. What exposure must be considered?
5. How long must it remain?
6. What is the removal requirement?
E1 · Engineering starting direction

Packaging sticker construction direction

A starting build for packaging that must still be confirmed on the exact board, coating and exposure.

View Full Construction
FacestockCandidate synthetic film or paper-compatible face
AdhesiveCandidate removable adhesive for sealed paperboard
InkCMYK; white ink only where opacity requires it
ProtectionCandidate handling-resistant varnish or laminate
Liner / applicationStandard application liner candidate
EvidenceE1 · No supplier construction code or project test report is attached
Best onClean, dry, sealed paperboard
Test firstRecycled, waxed, rough or dusty board
ReviewRegulated or unusually demanding uses

“Removable” is not an unconditional residue-free promise.

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The five-layer system

Each layer answers a different question.

Changing one component can alter print quality, wet-out, removability, durability, converting and application.

Exploded view of five sticker construction layers: protection, ink, facestock, adhesive and liner
Five layers are separated here for clarity. In production, they work as one finished construction.
01

Facestock

Controls opacity, clarity, stiffness, conformability, appearance and the surface available for printing.

02

Adhesive

Must wet out on the named substrate and meet the planned bond, duration and removal requirement.

03

Ink system

Creates color, white opacity and critical information; adhesion and cure depend on the face and topcoat.

04

Protection

Varnish or laminate can address handling, rub, moisture, chemicals or light only within defined conditions.

05

Liner & application

Supports die cutting, release, dispensing and controlled transfer to the final surface.

Traceable technical methods

Use standards to define the test—not to invent a product claim.

These primary sources establish repeatable methods and regulatory frameworks. They do not identify Inkelligent’s materials or set our project acceptance criteria.

On a phone, each method is shown as a readable reference card.

TopicPrimary sourceSupportsDoes not prove
AdhesionFINAT FTM 1/2/8/9; ASTM D3330, D3654, D6195Repeatable peel, shear and initial tack measurementFunctional suitability, clean removal or service life
Ink & protectionFINAT FTM 16/17/21/22/27/29/30Chemical exposure, ink adhesion, rub, scratch and UV-ink curePerformance of an unidentified ink/face/protection combination
Outdoor weatherISO 4892-3:2024; ASTM G154Controlled UV, heat and water exposureA direct conversion from test hours to outdoor years
QR print qualityISO/IEC 18004:2024; ISO/IEC 15415:2024QR symbology and standardized 2D print-quality gradingVerification from one successful phone scan
Food-contact use21 CFR 175.125; EC 1935/2004Applicable US conditions and EU framework principlesCompliance of an unidentified final label and package
Safety labelsANSI/UL 969 programComplete recognized marking systems for covered safety usesRecognition of an ordinary decorative sticker
View all 6 referenced test methods

Adhesion

Supports
Repeatable peel, shear and initial tack measurement
Does Not Prove
Functional suitability, clean removal or service life

Ink & Protection

Supports
Chemical exposure, ink adhesion, rub, scratch and UV-ink cure
Does Not Prove
Performance of an unidentified ink, face and protection combination

Outdoor Weather

Primary Source
ISO 4892-3:2024; ASTM G154
Supports
Controlled UV, heat and water exposure
Does Not Prove
A direct conversion from test hours to outdoor years

QR Print Quality

Supports
QR symbology and standardized 2D print-quality grading
Does Not Prove
Verification from one successful phone scan

Food-Contact Use

Supports
Applicable US conditions and EU framework principles
Does Not Prove
Compliance of an unidentified final label and package

Safety Labels

Primary Source
ANSI/UL 969 program
Supports
Complete recognized marking systems for covered safety uses
Does Not Prove
Recognition of an ordinary decorative sticker

Source register reviewed August 25, 2026. Public supplier data is industry reference only unless the same supplier code is confirmed in Inkelligent purchasing and production records.

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