Frequently Asked Questions

Get an instant price anytime with our Live Quote Tool. If you'd rather talk to someone, call our Customer Care Team at 877-277-4682 or start a Live Chat.

No. We have no minimum or maximum order quantities, so you can order as few or as many as you need. The larger your order, the lower your price per unit.

Our Standard processing time begins at 3 business days for Labels and 4 business days for Folding Cartons, but will vary based upon your order's exact specifications. Additional features added to your order may require additional processing time which we indicate clearly for you on the Live Quote page.

We offer an Expedited processing option that cuts your processing time in half. In some instances, same-day turnaround may be possible.

Orders that enter our system before 10:00 am ET on a business day will begin processing that same day. If the order is placed after 10:00 am ET, it will begin processing the following business day.

Material delays and shortages can create delays from our normal turnaround times. If you have questions regarding your order timeline, reach out for an update and we'll work to accommodate you as best we can!

Yes. Expedited processing cuts your processing time in half. For especially tight deadlines, same-day turnaround is sometimes possible. Call our Customer Care Team at 877-277-4682 or start a Live Chat to see whether your order qualifies.

No. As a fully digital printer, we do not require the use of plates, nor do we require significant setup time in order to print your labels, so no fees of that nature are required.

High order demand and supply chain delays may have impacted the timeline for your order. Material delays and shortages can create delays from our normal turnaround times. If you have questions regarding your order timeline, reach out for an update and we'll work to accommodate you as best we can!

Yes. We offer spot UV gloss and gold or silver foil on labels. Spot UV adds a raised, glossy finish to selected areas of your design, creating a tactile and visual contrast, so logos, text, or graphics catch the light. Foil adds a bright reflective metallic finish, perfect for accents that need to stand out. Spot UV gloss or foil embellishments can elevate your label's premium appearance and feel, making it stand out on the shelf.

Contact our team to discuss how these finishes can enhance your design.

Yes. For the brightest metallic finish, choose gold or silver foil. For a lower-cost option, we print on Metallic Plastic or Holographic Plastic using translucent inks, so the metallic shine shows through any color we print. Yellow ink becomes metallic gold, and you can get metallic blue, green, pink, or any other color. It's less shiny than foil because laminate goes over the ink, but it's an economical way to get a metallic look. Contact our Customer Care Team at 877-277-4682 for free samples of our metallic materials.

To determine the best label size for your unique product, use our custom label size calculator or follow these simple steps:

1. Take a piece of graph or printer paper and wrap it around your product.

2. Make tick marks where you want the label to be.

3. Cut the paper down to size and wrap it around your product again.

4. Repeat until your prototype is the perfect shape and fit.

5. Measure the width and length of your mockup label in inches.

And you’re done!

Still stumped? Check out our blog for a visual walkthrough of how to determine your label size.

The largest label we can print is 12″ x 18″, and the smallest we recommend is 0.5″ x 0.5″. At very small sizes, solid-color designs work best, since fine text and detail are hard to read.

Yes, as long as every design uses the same label size, material, and laminate. Because pricing is based on your order's total quantity, combining designs lowers your price per label.

A PDF or Electronic Proof is more than just a digital copy of your label. Our prepress team takes time to prepare your files for press, making sure all fonts and images are in place, as well as double-checking that the format of your label fits neatly within the die you selected. It’s a great way to see your label once more before sending it off to press. The prepress team usually sends an Electronic Proof within about 24 business hours of receiving your order.

A Printed Proof is integral if you want to test your label design(s) on the material and laminate combination of your choice, or if you want to review how your colors print before processing a full label order. We highly recommend ordering a Printed Proof if color consistency is vital to your label design. Printed Proofs are processed in about 2-3 business days and shipped overnight to your door.

Making Your PDF Proof Work For You

We produce all labels on rolls by default. While we don't offer labels individually cut, you can specify a certain quantity per roll on your orders to make distribution easier.

Yes. We can wind rolls to a maximum outer diameter, up to 13", to fit your label applicator, or put a specific number of labels on each roll. Add your requirements to your Order Instructions, or contact our Customer Care Team at 877-277-4682 after you place your order. Custom roll requests may add time or material cost, and we'll let you know before we proceed.

We produce label rolls on a Sttark branded industry-standard 3″ core. We do not have the ability to put labels on smaller or larger cores at this time.

It depends on how you'll apply them. If you apply labels by hand, roll direction doesn't matter, so choose "hand-applied" when you order. If you use a label applicator, you need the roll direction (also called unwind direction) that matches your machine. Check your machine's manual, ask the company applying your labels, or contact the machine manufacturer. Our guide explains how to determine your label roll direction.

No. We currently print only single-layer labels and stickers with full adhesive backing, not multi-layer labels.

No, but for a premium finish that stands out, we offer spot UV gloss and gold or silver foil.

A folding carton is a paperboard box that's printed, laminated, cut, and creased to hold and display a product. It arrives flat and folds into shape when you're ready to pack it. Folding cartons are common for cosmetics, food, supplements, and other retail products, and at Sttark both the structure and the design are fully customizable.

A folding carton is made from thin, lightweight paperboard and designed for retail shelves and product display. A mailer box is made from thicker corrugated cardboard and designed for shipping, with more protection in transit.

We offer five styles. Straight tuck end and reverse tuck end boxes work for a wide variety of products. Auto lock bottom boxes have a sturdy base for heavier items. Sleeve cartons let your product slide into an open-ended sleeve, a popular choice for premium products. Snap lock bottom boxes lock together without glue (other than the main seam) for quick assembly.

Yes. You can order any of our carton styles in your exact dimensions, from small boxes for delicate items to larger cartons for bulky products. If we don't already have a cutting die for your size, we'll create one for your product.

Use our online box size calculator to determine the best carton size for your unique product. Our team can also help you measure your products to ensure the right fit. Contact us, and we'd be happy to help!

The smallest auto lock bottom box we make is 1.5″ x 1.5″ x 3″, and the smallest straight tuck end box is 0.375″ x 1.25″ x 1.25″ (length x width x depth).

White Paper (FBB): Economical and eco-friendly, this material is FSC®, SFI®, and PEFC® certified, making it an excellent choice for sustainable packaging. It’s suitable for dry goods and 100% recyclable​.

Bright White Paper (SBS): A popular choice for products requiring resistance to moisture and oils, such as candles and cosmetics, with optional coatings for added protection​.

White Vellum Paper: A luxurious matte-like finish for brands that value authenticity and sustainability, this option is uncoated and recyclable​.

Metallic Paper and Rainbow Holographic Paper: For a premium, eye-catching look often used in specialty products like CBD or cosmetics​.

Black Vellum: A rich, sophisticated substrate with a deep black finish that’s 100% recyclable​.

We print in full color (CMYK) and offer gloss, satin, soft-touch matte, linen, and leather laminates. Embossing and debossing are available for a raised or recessed, premium look. On certain materials, we can also print the inside of the carton for a fully branded unboxing experience.

Yes. Embossing raises part of your design, such as a logo or text, above the carton surface, and debossing presses it in. Both add a premium look and feel you can see and touch.

No. Spot UV and foil are available on labels only. For a premium finish on cartons, we offer embossing and debossing.

Yes. You can add a window to your folding carton so customers can see the product inside.

Yes. Our White Paper, Bright White Paper, and Vellum boards are 100% recyclable in curbside bins, and many of our materials are FSC®, SFI®, and PEFC® certified for responsible sourcing.

Yes. We can make a printed proof of your carton, cut and creased to shape, with double-sided tape so you can fold and assemble it yourself before approving your full order.

Your cartons arrive flat with the side seam already glued, so they're ready to open and fill. Just pop each box open, fold the ends closed, and pack your product. Auto lock bottom boxes lock into place on their own when you open them.

Folding cartons are used across many retail industries, including cosmetics and beauty (soap, skincare, makeup), food and beverage (snacks, specialty foods, tea), health and wellness (vitamins, supplements), and consumer electronics (accessories, small gadgets).

We offer Waterproof, Paper, and Eco-Friendly label materials.

Waterproof Label Materials: Versatile and diverse, our waterproof materials can suit just about every application need.

White Plastic

White Vinyl

White Plastic Removable

Silver Metallic Plastic

Rainbow Holographic Plastic

Clear Plastic

Ultra Clear Plastic

Paper Label Materials: Find character, texture, and savings all in one with a paper label material.

White Paper

Estate 4

Avon Classic Crest

Black Vellum

Eco-Friendly Label Materials: Materials for organic and eco-conscious businesses.

TerraSkin

Recycled Kraft Paper

For an in-depth look into each material, check out our Ultimate Guide to Custom Labels.

Yes!

Most of our plastic and polyester-based materials can be applied at -20° F and, once applied, withstand temperatures between -65° F and 200° F.

Most of our paper-based materials can be applied at 25° F and, once applied, withstand temperatures between -10° F and 150° F.

Our vinyl material can be applied at 25° F and withstand temperatures between -10° F and 200° F.

We highly recommend testing our materials on your product before making a material selection. We have a complimentary Sample Pack that makes this process easy! Reach out to our Customer Care Team to request one, as well as to ask further questions about choosing the best material for your product.

Each of our materials, except the White Plastic Removable, has an adhesive that is considered permanent once applied. Cleaning the surface of your product with a solution like isopropyl alcohol before applying your label will ensure the greatest adhesive performance.

Our products have a pre-application life expectancy of 6 months in a climate-controlled environment; (between 55° F and 85° F). After 6 months, we cannot guarantee the degree of adhesion to your product.

Samples of our materials are available free of charge when shipped standard domestic USPS. We highly recommend testing these samples on your product to see what looks and works the absolute best with your packaging. To acquire samples, simply contact a Customer Care Team member at Sttark.

If you need to write a date, variety name, or other information on your labels, simply choose either an unlaminated paper or a material with a matte laminate.

With unlaminated papers, you can use a ballpoint pen, fine point or ultra-fine point permanent marker, pencil–really any writing implement on those materials.

With a matte laminate, we recommend using a fine point or ultra-fine point permanent marker. Since the laminate is made of plastic, ballpoint pens or gel pens aren’t recommended.

We have two materials that may suit your needs: Recycled Kraft Paper and the TerraSkin.

The Recycled Kraft is a brown unlaminated paper with great character and texture–plus, it’s water-resistant!

The TerraSkin is a unique material made of 80% calcium carbonate and 20% polyethylene resin to create an environmentally friendly paper. TerraSkin is water-resistant and inherently durable. This material does require a gloss or matte laminate, which are made of plastic; otherwise, it is a great, eco-friendly choice!

You may have come across the terms waterproof and water-resistant when researching the best label material for bath and beauty. While you may see these terms listed together, they are not interchangeable, and knowing the difference will help you decide which material will perform best for your bath, body, and cosmetic products.

A truly waterproof label is made of plastic or vinyl material, with an over-laminate (either glossy or matte) for even more protection. These materials will shield against water, and protect the label from shriveling, curling, or peeling. After being applied to a clean, dry surface, your waterproof labels can withstand full submersion in water for extended periods of time. You can make a splash with any of our plastic or vinyl materials! Choose from clear, white, or metallic plastic options, or select a white vinyl for supreme durability.

Water-resistant labels will be able to endure moisture to a degree, but not entirely. While these materials will shield against water for a time, the look and feel of the label will be affected after contact with water is made. Water-resistant materials are recommended for products that will encounter damp environments, but not experience full immersion or long-term exposure to moisture. We refer to these materials as having a “wet-strength.” Avon Classic Crest, Estate 4, and Black Vellum all have wet strength capability.

Though our plastic and vinyl options are waterproof and oil-resistant, we typically recommend White Vinyl labels for products using pure essential oils or strong chemicals.

We offer kraft-colored background options that can be applied to our white paper folding cartons to simulate a kraft material. We have developed a variety of options for you to choose from that allow you to still have an eco-friendly material option and the ability to choose a kraft color that matches your brand. Feel free to contact our Customer Care team to see what kraft product box options are available.

On the Order page, browse your computer for the appropriate files, then simply drag and drop your artwork onto the Upload Artwork section.

Digital Proofs:

You will typically see a digital proof within 1-2 business days of placing your order with Standard Processing.

Some options can delay the proofing process, such as having over 10 designs (we need time to prepare all those files, after all!), large orders, or changes to your artwork files.

Printed Proofs:

Printed proofs with Standard Processing take approximately 2-3 business days to prepare and are shipped UPS Next Day Air.

We're always happy to provide updates if you have proofing questions. Contact us.

We accept .PDF, .PSD, .AI, .EPS, .JPG, and .TIFF file formats. Vector file formats (files built using Adobe Illustrator) tend to yield the best print quality.

Check out our Prepress Checklist to determine how to set up your file for print before submitting your order!

No, we do not have any design templates or stock graphics, but we do have templates available to help with sizing. Contact the Customer Care Team to request specific size templates.

How to Use Sttark's Template

Use our template generator to download a dieline for any label shape or carton style in any size we can produce, then add your artwork to it. The generator doesn't show whether we already have the cutting die for that size, so contact our Customer Care Team before finalizing your design if you want to confirm.

Yes! We are happy to help. We can answer questions about preparing your files for print, offer design services for a fee, and can give feedback on work you're doing yourself. Give us a call or start a Live Chat today!

Yes. Our in-house design team can help with everything from a new concept to refining your existing artwork, including print-ready layout and finishes that fit your brand.

Yes. We highly recommend submitting artwork that is sized to fit the exact dimensions of your finished label, plus the required bleed (0.0625" on all sides).

For example: a 2″ x 4″ rectangle label should have artwork set up to have artboard or canvas dimensions of 2.125″ x 4.125″ to account for the necessary bleed.

If you submit artwork that isn't sized to fit, we will adjust your file(s) accordingly if possible, or we will reach out with a template to adjust the artwork.

How to Set Artboard Size in Adobe Illustrator

How to Adjust Canvas Size in Adobe Photoshop

Yes. Bleed is the background color, pattern, or design that extends 0.0625″ on each side of your label (or 0.125” on the width and length). Bleed ensures that your entire background is printed and does not get cut off during the converting process, where labels are cut out from the printed material. For example, artwork designed for a 2.00" x 4.00" label should be sized at 2.125" x 4.125" to account for bleed.

How to Add Bleed in Adobe Illustrator

How to Add Bleed in Adobe Photoshop

The safe zone is the area of your label where all text and design elements are safe from being cut into during the production process. All text and design elements need to be within a space 0.125” smaller than your final label size. Bleed is the background color, pattern, or design that extends 0.0625″ on each side of your label (or 0.125” on the width and length). Bleed ensures that your entire background is printed and does not get cut off during the converting process, where labels are cut out from the printed material.

How to Check Safe Zone in Adobe Illustrator

How to Check Safe Zone in Adobe Photoshop

Embedding images is an important step in setting up your label files for print. Fortunately, doing so is quick and easy in Adobe Illustrator. Select each image in your label design, making sure to grab everything from barcodes to logos, and click Embed on your top toolbar. Once you save the new version of your file, you're all set!

Images need something like a virtual passport to get from one place to the next. Embedding your images provides that virtual passport. All images in your custom label design need to be embedded; otherwise, they are at risk of not appearing when the file is opened. When you embed your images, it locks them down so that they are safe for transport.

How to Embed Images in Adobe Illustrator

Outlining your fonts is an important step in setting up your label files for print. Fortunately, outlining your fonts is quick and easy in Adobe Illustrator. Select all of the text on your designs, go to the Type menu and then select "Create Outlines" from the dropdown list. Once you save the new version of your file, you're all set!

Fonts need something like a virtual passport to get from one place to the next--outlining your fonts gives them that passport. All text needs to be converted to outlines. Otherwise, it is at risk of changing when we open the file or changing the appearance or layout of the design. When you outline your fonts, you lock them down so that they are safe for transport.

How to Outline Fonts in Adobe Illustrator

We strongly recommend that your artwork be a minimum of 300dpi to ensure that your labels print clearly. For the best print, 800dpi is recommended. We do accept files at higher resolutions; however, we will automatically down-sample to 800dpi before sending the file to press.

How to Check Image Resolution in Adobe Illustrator

How to Check Image Resolution in Adobe Photoshop

CMYK color mode is used in printing to produce physical color from a digital file. CMYK stands for the inks Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (black). The combination of these four inks can generate millions of other colors!

RGB is the acronym of the three base colors that make up visible light, and it stands for Red, Green, and Blue. Computer monitors and television screens use RGB to display your favorite Netflix show or video game but cannot truly duplicate physical color.

When creating your files, be sure to create them using CMYK color mode. Since computer monitors operate based on visible light (RGB), not physical objects (CMYK), you might notice a difference in how printed objects look compared to how they appear on screen. All files submitted as RGB color mode will be converted to CMYK, which might yield a different appearance than expected once printed.

How to Change Color Mode in Adobe Illustrator

How to Change Color Mode in Adobe Photoshop

No, we do not print PANTONE® colors because we don’t use PANTONE® specific inks. However, we can match about 90% of the PANTONE® Solid Coated and Uncoated books with our CMYK printing. Using Process Color printing, we can print most Pantone™ colors from the Solid Coated and Uncoated Color Bridge books. While we don't offer Pantone Spot colors, we can produce a CMYK version of your desired Pantone color.

You'll need to ensure your PANTONE® color from the Color Bridge Guide is included in your artwork file, and our press will take care of the rest. Select a Coated Pantone for Gloss laminated material or Uncoated Pantone for Matte, Soft Touch Matte, or Unlaminated materials.

If color is a primary concern, we would highly recommend adding a Printed Proof to your order.

To know what to expect with our printing process, please check out the article below on our Process Color Printing.

Yes. We can match to a previous label you've had printed here or elsewhere, or we can match to another physical material. Just send in the sample you need us to match to or reference your previous order number. Our color experts will review and measure the sample and let you know if it's a match!

Keep in mind that we cannot match metallic colors, neon colors, or gradients, though we can print our version of these colors with our CMYK printing process. In cases where metallic, neon, or gradient colors are critical, we highly suggest adding a Printed Proof to your label order so you can review your designs before we produce the full order.

Full Color (4/C) refers to the digital printing process known as CMYK. Using Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (or black), we are able to produce millions and millions of colors, making your creative label designs come to life.

When creating your files, be sure to create them using CMYK color mode. All files submitted as RGB color mode will be converted to CMYK, which may cause drastic shifts in the appearance of colors.

Black only is exactly what it implies: your labels will be printed with just black (Key) ink. If you order this printing option, we will convert your artwork to grayscale if it is not already in that mode. If you are looking for an economical way to print very basic labels and stickers, this is the option for you.

How to Convert to Grayscale in Adobe Illustrator

How to Convert to Grayscale in Adobe Photoshop

Our Double-Sided Printing option, available on clear materials, allows you to print information or a design on both sides of your label. This option allows you to utilize extra space to display more product information and/or allows more creativity in your label design.

Keep in mind that our CMYK inks are translucent, not fully opaque, so you might be able to see text or design elements from the opposing side of the label.

Full Color (4/C) refers to the digital printing process known as CMYK. Using Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (or black), we are able to produce millions and millions of colors, making your creative label designs come to life.

Full Color + White (5/C) is our standard CMYK ink plus a layer of white ink. This color process is necessary for any material that does not have an opaque white base, such as metallic, clear, or Kraft materials. Printing our translucent CMYK inks directly on these materials will be affected by the material surface, i.e. they will become metallic when printed on a metallic material, etc. When you don't want to take advantage of this effect, the primer layer of white ink will add opacity to your colors.

Yes. Our order page is straightforward, but our Customer Care Team can walk you through it or place your order for you. Call us at 877-277-4682 or use the chat feature.

Log in to your account and go to the Reorder section, where you'll find all your past orders. You can also call our Customer Care Team at 877-277-4682, and we'll walk you through it or place the reorder for you.

Yes. You can resubmit artwork, adjust quantities, change material or laminate, and more before your proof is approved. Once your proof is approved, the order moves straight to production, so please call the Customer Care Team at 877-277-4682 as soon as possible if you need to make changes at that stage.

Log in to your Sttark account and open the Active Orders tab to see your order's current status at any time. For what each status means, see the order status questions on this page, or call our Customer Care Team at 877-277-4682.

Preprinting status means the Prepress team is reviewing your design files for technical accuracy or preparing your files for press.

If you need to make changes to your order while it is in Preprinting status, please call or chat with the Customer Care Team right away to see if you are still able to do so.

Printing status means that your order is in queue to be printed, but does not necessarily mean printing is currently in progress. Once printed, your order will move to the Converting status.

If you need to make changes to your order while in Printing status, please call or chat with the Customer Care Team right away to see if you can still do so.

Converting status means that your order has been printed and is now in queue to be laminated and cut to size, but does not necessarily mean Converting is currently in progress.

Making changes to your order is not possible at this time, other than your shipping method or address.

Waiting on Customer status means that you either have an Electronic or Printed proof awaiting approval, the Customer Care Team reached out to clarify something on your order, or we are awaiting payment for your order.

If you have a proof awaiting approval, you should see an alert in yellow that says "Review Proofs." An alert in red should indicate if the order is "Awaiting Payment." If you don't see either alert, check your email for correspondence from the Customer Care Team or reach out via phone.

In Review status means that the Prepress or Production department had a question about your order which they passed along to the Customer Care Team. The Customer Care Team will likely be reaching out via phone or email to clarify or will try to answer on your behalf so as not to hold up your order.

Shipping cost depends on your location and the shipping method you choose. Enter your zip code on our Live Quote Page to see your shipping options and prices, and you'll see the exact cost of each option at checkout.

Yes. We understand the need for privacy regarding your vendors! We can produce your order without Sttark branding on the shipping box or packing slip. You will be able to select this option at checkout or in your account settings.

Yes, as long as each design ships to a single address. If your order has several designs, we can send each one to a different location, but we can't split one design across multiple addresses. Add the addresses and which design goes where in your Order Instructions, or email our Customer Care Team. Additional shipping charges may apply.

Yes, we can ship your order internationally via UPS. You will be able to review available shipping options and pricing at checkout.

Yes. Before your order ships, you can update your shipping address or upgrade your shipping method. After it ships, we can still change the delivery address, but not the shipping method. To make a change, call our Customer Care Team at 877-277-4682 or start a Live Chat.