Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you buy through them, Sketch Studio may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It does not change what we recommend.
Stickers are all about color. Unlike coloring pages, where black line art matters most, sticker designs need accurate, saturated color, smooth gradients and clean edges. That points you toward inkjet printers with strong color ranges, particularly photo-focused models.
This guide covers four inkjet printers, from professional photo models to an affordable all-in-one, plus a thermal label printer for plain shipping labels, what features to prioritize, and the costs to keep an eye on if you plan to sell.
Quick comparison
Comparison of the products recommended in this guide
Sticker sellers who print a lot and want photo-style color with refillable ink
Refillable-tank ("Supertank") design, listed as cartridge-free; Epson Claria ET Premium 6-color ink, per the listing, for a wider color range than a standard four-ink printer
One of the most expensive options here, and larger than a standard home printer
Top-quality color and fine detail for premium stickers, when quality matters more than running cost
A professional-series printer that the listing describes as wireless and dye-based; Built for high color quality, which suits detailed artwork and smooth gradients
Priced for professionals, so it costs much more than a home printer
Photo-quality color on larger sheets, for sellers printing in smaller batches
A photo-oriented Epson inkjet, listed as wireless and wide-format; Larger paper support fits more stickers on a sheet: check the maximum paper size on the listing
Cartridge-based printers cost more per page than tank printers, which adds up for heavy printing
Plain black-and-white label stickers and shipping labels, not decorative artwork
Thermal printing, which uses heat on special label paper, so no ink or toner; Listed as Bluetooth and wireless, and compatible with shipping platforms: check which ones on the listing
Prints in black only, so it can't produce colorful sticker artwork
Photo-focused printers often use more ink colors than standard models, which gives smoother gradients and a wider range of shades. For flat, bold designs, a standard color printer is usually enough. For gradients and illustrations, a photo model has an edge.
Inkjet or thermal label printer?
A color inkjet prints artwork onto sticker paper, which you then cut out. That is the way to make decorative stickers. A thermal label printer is a different tool: it prints on rolls of label paper using heat, in black only, with no ink. It is cheap and fast for shipping labels and simple text labels, but it can't print color artwork.
If you sell stickers, many people use both: an inkjet for the product and a thermal printer for shipping labels.
Borderless printing and paper handling
Borderless printing helps with full-bleed designs, although for stickers you'll usually leave a margin for cutting. More important is whether the printer handles sticker sheets reliably: check that it supports the thickness of your sticker paper and the sheet size you use. See our sticker paper guide.
Running cost matters if you sell
Small sellers can go through ink quickly. Compare cost per sheet, not just printer price. Tank printers often cost more up front and much less per page, which pays off at higher volumes.
A color inkjet with good photo quality. Tank-style models keep running costs low if you print often.
Can I use a laser printer for stickers?
Yes, with sticker paper made for lasers, but color laser printers are less common for home crafts, and results differ from inkjet. Use paper made for your printer type.
Do I need a special printer for waterproof stickers?
Not usually. Most waterproofing comes from the paper material plus a laminate or sealer, not the printer.
Can I use a thermal label printer to make stickers?
Only plain black-and-white ones, such as shipping labels and text labels. For colorful artwork, use a color inkjet printer and sticker paper.
What is the cheapest way to start making stickers?
A regular home color inkjet and a pack of sticker paper. You don't need a professional or wide-format printer to start. See our sticker supplies guide for the rest of a starter kit.
More from Sketch Studio
Logo to SVG — get a clean vector from a logo or drawing
Image to SVG — trace artwork into clean shapes for stickers
The best inkjet sticker paper compared: clear, vinyl, matte, glossy and holographic. Finish, durability and waterproofing, plus what to check before buying.
A step-by-step guide to making stickers at home with a printer, sticker paper, a way to cut and a protective coat, with the tools and supplies for each step.
