Matte stickers are best if you like to write on your stickers, glossy stickers give the brightest colours and the most durable finish, and transparent stickers let your planner page show through for a seamless, printed-on look. If you've ever stood at the "Paper" drop-down on one of our products wondering which to pick, this guide is for you.
Welcome to the very first post on the Little Linda blog! Every sticker sheet in our shop is handmade by Linda here in Australia, and the question we get asked most is simply: which finish should I choose? So that's where we're starting. Below you'll find what each paper looks and feels like, what it's best for, and a few of our favourite sheets to try in each finish.
Quick answer
Matte paper has a soft, smooth, non-shiny finish that looks a lot like the paper in your planner. Because there's no shiny coating, it's the easiest finish to write on. Pencils, ballpoints and most fineliners glide straight over it, which is why so many planners choose matte for functional stickers like date covers, checkboxes, headers and trackers.
Matte is best for:
Try it on: our Functional Stickers, the 2026 Back to Basics range, or the dreamy Alcohol Ink collection, which looks especially lovely in matte.
Glossy stickers have a shiny finish that makes colours pop. Rich tones look richer, pastels look cleaner, and the coating helps the sticker stand up to everyday handling. Our glossy paper is also waterproof, so it's a great pick for planners that travel in your bag or sit next to your morning coffee.
The trade-off is writing. Some inks can smudge or bead on a shiny surface, so if you want to write on a glossy sticker, test your pen first and give it a moment to dry.
Glossy is best for:
Try it on: our Mini Journaling Doodle Icons, the Floral Collection or Fashion Girls.
Transparent stickers are printed on clear sticker paper, so there's no white background around the design. Your planner page shows through, and the sticker looks almost like it was printed there. Our transparent stickers can also be gently repositioned shortly after you place them, which takes the pressure off getting it perfect the first time.
Because the background is clear, transparent stickers look best on white, cream or lightly coloured pages. Light designs can fade into darker paper, so keep that in mind if your planner has coloured or patterned pages.
Transparent is best for:
Try it on: Highlight Minimal Scripts, Arched Scripts or our Mini Icons.
| Matte | Glossy | Transparent | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Look | Soft, no shine | Shiny, vivid colour | Clear background, blends in |
| Writing on it | Easiest | Test your pen first | Best with small notes |
| Durability | Good | Best (waterproof) | Good |
| Best on | Any page | Any page | White or light pages |
| Perfect for | Functional stickers | Decorative stickers | Minimal spreads and scripts |
Most of our sheets come in all three finishes, so you can pick per sheet rather than committing to one. Here's how we'd mix them:
Still not sure? Pick up a Mini Sheet in two different finishes and see which you reach for. It's the cheapest way to find your favourite.
Matte. It has no shiny coating, so pencils, ballpoints and most fineliners write on it cleanly without smudging.
Yes. Our glossy stickers are printed on waterproof glossy sticker paper, so they handle splashes and everyday wear well.
Yes, gently, shortly after placing them. It's a handy safety net if a sticker goes on a little crooked.
They work best on white, cream or light pages. On darker paper, light-coloured designs can fade into the background.
Yes. Every sheet is handmade by Linda in Australia and checked before it's packed. Orders are made to order, and shipping is free worldwide on orders over $50 AUD.
New stickers every month
Our monthly journaling collection is out now. This month it's Spring Moments, full of soft seasonal journaling stickers.
Got a finish question we didn't answer? Ask us in the Little Linda Stickers community on Facebook or tag us on Instagram with your spreads. We love seeing where our stickers end up.
