Magellan has produced more than 10 million sticker sheets over the past decade. Through that experience, we’ve learned an important lesson: not all sticker postcards are created equal.
As stickers continue to grow in popularity, more sticker postcard options are entering the market. While many look similar at first glance, some miss a critical component: overlamination.
Overlamination is a thin protective layer applied over the printed sticker sheet. It helps prevent scratching, scuffing, tearing, and other damage that can occur as pieces move through the mailstream. This added layer protects both the stickers and the printed artwork, helping ensure the piece arrives looking the way it did when it left the printer.
Recently, we conducted a mailing test comparing different sticker postcard constructions and print methods. The overlaminated version was the clear winner.
Why does this matter? Because sticker postcards have to survive automated mail processing. Without adequate protection, pieces can become damaged in transit, reducing their impact or rendering them unusable. A sticker postcard that arrives scratched, torn, or damaged is a wasted marketing investment.
It’s true that overlamination increases the cost of a sticker postcard. However, the additional investment is worth it. Saving a few cents on production doesn’t help if the piece fails to perform in the mail. Marketers invest significant time and resources into their campaigns, and the final product should be built to withstand the journey to the mailbox.
When evaluating sticker postcard options, look beyond the price tag. Construction matters. Choosing an overlaminated sticker postcard helps protect your investment and ensures your audience receives the high-quality experience you intended.