STICKERS
Santa Barbara STICKER SERVICES
Whether you’re building a brand, promoting an event, or creating retail-ready merchandise, custom stickers remain one of the most versatile and cost-effective marketing tools available.
Foundation Press sources premium custom stickers through industry-leading manufacturing partners while managing the entire production process in-house — from artwork setup to proofing and delivery.
You get high-end sticker production without having to navigate the technical side yourself.
Our STICKER PROCESS
1. Artwork Review
File setup optimized for your print method.
2. Material & Finish Selection
Vinyl type, lamination, specialty effects.
3. Proofing
Digital proofs for approval.
4. Manufacturing
Produced through vetted partners.
5. Delivery
Shipped direct or bundled with apparel orders.
F O U N D A T I O N P R E S S L O V E S Y O U
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F O U N D A T I O N P R E S S L O V E S Y O U . . : : : . .
Sticker Printing Methods
Silkscreen Stickers
The Gold Standard of Sticker Printing
Silkscreen sticker printing is a time-tested process where each ink color is printed individually using UV-cured inks layered onto premium vinyl.
The result is a sticker with noticeably thicker ink, deeper color saturation, and unmatched outdoor durability.
Why Choose Silkscreen?
Ultra-Vibrant Color
Ink is layered significantly thicker than digital printing, producing richer, more saturated tones.
Embossed / Textured Feel
Layered ink creates a raised surface you can physically feel.
Extreme Durability
Weatherproof, dishwasher-safe, and built for long-term outdoor exposure.
High-Gloss UV Protection
Multiple clear coats protect against fading, abrasion, and moisture.
Best For
Retail merchandise
Artists & illustrators
Outdoor brands
Skate / surf / snow industries
Long-term applications
Minimum: 250 pieces
Turnaround: ~2–3 weeks
Digital Stickers
Fast, Flexible, and Cost-Efficient
Digital sticker printing uses high-resolution CMYK processes to produce full-color designs quickly and affordably.
It’s the ideal option for short runs and fast deadlines.
Why Choose Digital?
Quick Turnaround
Perfect for events, launches, and tight timelines.
Full-Color Printing
Great for gradients, photos, and complex artwork.
Precision Die-Cutting
Custom shapes included without additional tooling.
Outdoor Safe
Durable and dishwasher safe, though not as long-lasting as silkscreen.
Best For
Events & giveaways
Trade shows
Promotional campaigns
Short-run merch
Minimum: 50 pieces
Turnaround: ~3–5 business days
Silkscreen vs. Digital Stickers
Both sticker methods serve different purposes — the right choice depends on how your stickers will be used, how fast you need them, and the level of finish you’re after.
Silkscreen Stickers
Built for longevity and visual impact
Silkscreen printing applies real ink in layered passes, creating deeper saturation and a tactile surface you can actually feel. Because the ink sits heavier on the material and is sealed with protective coatings, these stickers are engineered for long-term outdoor use and premium retail applications.
They’re ideal when durability, texture, and color richness matter most — especially for brands treating stickers as merchandise, not just handouts.
Best suited for:
Retail & resale merch
Artist editions
Outdoor brands
Equipment & vehicle applications
Long-term promotional use
Digital Stickers
Fast production with full-color flexibility
Digital printing uses high-resolution CMYK processes to reproduce detailed artwork quickly and efficiently. This method excels with gradients, photographic imagery, and complex color blends while keeping production timelines short.
If speed, lower minimums, or budget flexibility are priorities, digital stickers are a strong solution.
Best suited for:
Events & giveaways
Trade shows
Short-run promotions
Product packaging
Fast-turn campaigns
How to Decide
If your goal is to create a sticker that feels like a product — something collectible, retail-ready, and built to last — silkscreen is the clear winner.
If you need high-quality stickers produced quickly for marketing, launches, or short-term use, digital printing gets the job done efficiently.
Not sure which direction to go? That’s where we come in — we’ll review your artwork, timeline, and budget to recommend the best production route.
Waterproof & Weatherproof Performance
Our premium outdoor stickers are built to withstand demanding environments.
Key durability features include:
UV-protective clear coatings
Aggressive permanent adhesive
Fade resistance
Scratch resistance
Moisture protection
When applied to a clean, dry surface, these stickers hold up against:
Vehicles & boats
Equipment & machinery
Outdoor venues
Snow & surf environments
Outdoor lifespan typically ranges 3–5+ years depending on exposure.
Adhesive Performance
We source stickers using high-performance permanent adhesives engineered for long-term bonding.
Adhesion curing timeline:
First 24 hrs → ~50% bond
72 hrs → ~75% bond
1 week → Full adhesion
Once cured, removal requires tools and solvent cleaning.
Color & Sunlight Exposure
All printed materials experience some degree of fading over extended UV exposure — including vehicles and signage.
However, premium silkscreen production significantly slows this process through:
Thick ink layering
UV-resistant coatings
High-grade pigment inks
This results in longer-lasting color compared to standard digital prints.
Specialty Sticker Options
Looking for something beyond standard vinyl?
We offer a range of specialty finishes:
Holographic
Glitter
Reflective
Gold & Silver foil
Matte coatings
Static cling
Minimum: 50 pieces
Turnaround: ~3–5 business days