Rub-On vs. Transfer Stickers: What’s the Difference & How to Choose?

1. On Paper: Rub-on has a matte, printed feel; transfer is more vivid and glossy.

2. On Cardstock: Rub-on creates a soft, printed look. Transfer adds a bold and shiny finish.

3. On Dark Background Paper: Rub-on tends to look darker on black paper, especially for lighter designs. The glue ring is also more noticeable. Transfer stays sharp and bright — ideal for dark backgrounds.

4. On Fabric: Rub-on works on non-stretch fabric and survives 2–3 gentle hand washes. Not for T-shirts. Transfer doesn’t work on fabric.

5. On Glass: Rub-on stickers show a glue edge on glass and won’t hold up to repeated washing. Transfer stickers are nearly invisible, waterproof, and ideal for glass surfaces.

6. On Wood: Both rub-on and transfer work well on wood. Transfer is easier to apply on smooth surfaces and offers better waterproof and long-lasting performance.

7. On Plastic Storage Box: Rub-on leaves a visible glue edge on plastic and may look less clean. Transfer gives a brighter, smoother finish — waterproof and scratch-resistant, perfect for storage boxes.

8. On Metal Tin: Rub-on shows a noticeable glue ring on metal surfaces. For a cleaner look and better durability, transfer is recommended.

9. On PVC Sheet: Rub-on shows a visible glue ring on PVC and may affect the overall look. Transfer applies cleaner — we recommend it for a better finish.

10. On Stone: Rub-on stickers may darken and show glue outlines on stone surfaces. Transfer stickers are brighter and hold up to sun and rain, making them ideal for decorating garden stones or outdoor crafts.

11. On Cork Coaster: Rub-on stickers appear more muted on cork and may not stand up well to water. Transfer stickers offer brighter colors and better waterproof performance — recommended for coasters in regular use.

12. On White Canvas: Rub-on stickers match the texture of canvas better and give a more natural finish. While transfer stickers can apply, they may peel up at the edges over time.

13. On Shell: Rub-on stickers may lift or wrinkle on shells due to uneven surface texture. Transfer stickers apply more easily, but because the shell isn’t flat, a perfect fit isn't guaranteed. It's best to test before applying.

14. On Clay Surface: Rub-on stickers match the texture of clay and keep a matte feel. Transfer stickers appear glossier once applied. Both work — it depends on the look you want.

Rub-on stickers can hold up to gentle sponge cleaning — the design won’t come off immediately. But scrubbing with a steel pad will leave scratches, and the image will fade over time with repeated washing.

Transfer stickers, on the other hand, are waterproof and scratch-resistant. They stay intact no matter how many times you wash the surface.

🎥 Watch the video below to see the difference.

Rub-on stickers can usually be removed from hard, non-porous surfaces like glass or plastic using an adhesive remover. Simply rub the area with a soft cloth and the design will lift off.

Transfer stickers require more effort. First, use a scraper or craft knife to remove the top layer. Then apply adhesive remover to dissolve the remaining glue. For easier removal, you can warm the area with a hairdryer before scraping.

⚠️ Please note: Neither type of sticker can be removed from paper without damaging the surface. They are not repositionable once applied to paper or cardstock.

🚫 If a transfer sticker has been applied to a car surface, we do not recommend attempting to remove it, as it may damage the paint.

At ViVi Stationery, both our rub-on and transfer stickers are developed with extra care to work better on real surfaces — not just for show.

Rub-On Fabric Wash Test: What Really Matters

In the video below, we compare our fabric-safe rub-on stickers with a typical market version. Ours is designed with a fabric-compatible adhesive that holds up after gentle hand washing — perfect for paper and fabric surfaces.

One side shows our rub-on, the other side uses a typical market version. The market rub-on isn’t made for fabric, so it’s expected to fade after washing. However, it does transfer more easily. This test isn’t about which one is better — just showing how they’re made for different uses. For fabric projects, ours offers better hold.

Our rub-on stickers can withstand 2–3 gentle hand washes without damage to the design. However, repeated washing may eventually cause fading or peeling. We are continuing to test and improve the durability.

Transfer Sticker vs. Paper Tear Test

We also tested our custom transfer stickers on paper. Standard UV DTF stickers tend to tear the surface, but ours are designed specifically to work on paper and cardstock without damage.