Why Your Stickers Look Different in Print: The CMYK vs. RGB Guide

One of the most common questions we receive at Custom Sticker Print is: "Why do the colors on my stickers look slightly different than they did on my computer screen?"

It’s a great question. The answer lies in the science of color modes: RGB vs. CMYK.

Whether you are a graphic designer in Toronto or a business owner in Calgary, understanding this difference ensures your custom stickers turn out exactly how you expect.

1. The Screen uses RGB (Light)

Your computer monitor, smartphone, and TV screens display color using Light. They mix Red, Green, and Blue (RGB) light to create millions of bright, vibrant colors.

  • Key Feature: Because it uses light, it can create super-bright neon and fluorescent colors.

2. The Printer uses CMYK (Ink)

Printers don’t use light; they use Ink on physical material (vinyl or paper). At our Ontario facility, we use the industry-standard 4-color process: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black) — CMYK.

  • The Reality: Physical ink cannot replicate the "glowing" effect of a screen.

  • The Result: Some super-bright RGB colors (like neon green or electric blue) will appear slightly darker or duller when converted to CMYK ink.

3. Important: We Do Not Print White Ink

Another key factor to remember when ordering Clear Stickers  is that our digital process uses CMYK inks only. We do not print white ink.

What does this mean for you?

  • On Clear Stickers: Any "White" in your design will be clear (transparent). All colors will be translucent (see-through). These work best when applied to white surfaces.

4. How to Get the Best Results

To ensure your stickers look amazing, follow these simple tips before uploading your artwork:

  1. Design in CMYK Mode: If you use Photoshop or Illustrator, set your color mode to CMYK. This lets you see a more accurate preview of the final print.

  2. Avoid Neons: Steer clear of "electric" colors, as they are impossible to print with standard ink.

  3. No Pantone Matching: We print directly from your digital file and do not offer PMS color matching.

  4. Order a Sample: The only way to be 100% sure of the color is to see it on physical material. We ship samples across Canada.

Summary

At Custom Sticker Print, we use high-quality digital printing technology to get as close to your design as possible. While we can't print in light (RGB), we promise durable, professional stickers that make your brand stand out.

Ready to print?
👉 Shop Custom Stickers
👉 Shop Roll Labels

Back to News | Custom Sticker Printing