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Metallic vs Holographic Stickers

Both finishes replace the plain white sticker base with something reflective. The difference is what that reflection does when the sticker moves.

How holographic material behaves

Holographic film carries a microscopic pattern that splits light into shifting colour. Tilt the sticker and the surface moves through a rainbow; hold it still under a lamp and it flares. Metallic film reflects light without splitting it, so it stays silver.

In practice, holographic is the louder of the two. It attracts attention across a table or a market stall in a way flat print cannot.

Choosing between them

Pick holographic for

Creator merch, launches, limited editions, events, kids' products and anything sold on impulse.

Pick metallic for

Corporate logos, premium packaging, minimal brand marks and understated product branding.

Pick either for

Laptop stickers and promotional giveaways — the choice is tone, not function.

Designing for a shifting surface

Leave transparent areas so the film shows through; that's where the effect lives. Keep text solid and reasonably heavy, because thin type over an active pattern becomes hard to read. Avoid busy gradients — the material already supplies the gradient.

A white underlay behind a small area of your design is a useful trick: it keeps a logo or a line of text legible while the rest of the sticker shifts around it. Mention it in your special instructions and PlaqD will handle it at proof stage.

Photographing them

Both finishes are hard to photograph and easy to under-sell. Shoot at an angle, use a single soft light source and move the sticker rather than the camera — a short video sells a holographic finish far better than a still image.

Before you order

Confirm your size against the sticker size guide and prepare your file using the artwork guide. Then build the order and see live pricing per quantity.

Create holographic stickers

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