What is a sticker? Definition, types, and everything you need to know
What is a decal, what does the term mean, what types are there, and how does it differ from a sticker or a temporary tattoo? A complete guide with frequently asked questions.
If you've ever wondered exactly what a skin decal is, why it's called that, and how it differs from a sticker or a temporary tattoo, you've come to the right article. At Yatatu, we've been making skin decals for over a decade, and we know the term inside and out: historically, technically, and practically.
A decal is an image, design, or text printed on a special substrate that is transferred to another surface—skin, wood, glass, metal, ceramic—using water, heat, or pressure.
What does "decal" mean: origin and etymology
The word "calleta" (decal) comes to Spanish from the French " décalcomanie ," composed of " décalquer " ("to trace," "to transfer") and "mania " ("mania," "intense passion"). The term was coined around 1860 by the printer Potier, who popularized transferable image sheets in Europe as a product for entertainment and decoration.
In everyday Spanish, "calcomanía" is used broadly to refer to any transferable adhesive image, including those applied to skin. In Latin America, it has the same meaning, although it competes with terms like "sticker," "calcamonía," or "decal."
How a decal works: the transfer mechanism
The principle is always the same; what changes between the different types is the agent that activates the transfer:
| Activation type | How it works | Typical application |
|---|---|---|
| Water (wet transfer) | The paper is moistened, the adhesive is activated, and the design slides onto the final surface. | Temporary tattoos for skin, decals for ceramics and model making. |
| Pressure (dry adhesive) | The backing comes with a dry adhesive covered by a silicone paper that is removed before sticking. | Vinyl for cars, laptops, walls and objects. |
| Heat (thermal transfer) | The heat from a press or iron fuses the design onto fabric, wood, or ceramic. | Screen printing on t-shirts, labels on mugs and plates. |
Types of decals: complete classification
Skin decals (temporary tattoos). They are applied with water and adhere to the skin for 3-7 days. The inks are cosmetic grade, hypoallergenic, and certified according to EU regulation 1223/2009. They are the most popular type for events, weddings, festivals, and brand promotions. They are also called "water tattoos," "transfer tattoos," or "temporary tattoos."
Vinyl decals (for objects and vehicles). Durable PVC sheets with adhesive backing (2-7 years outdoors) that are water and light resistant. Suitable for cars, laptops, bottles, and shop windows; pressure activated.
Wall decals. Lower density vinyl, removable and repositionable, for decorating rooms, offices and shops.
Ceramic and modeling decals. Paper with metallic oxide inks that are transferred to ceramic using water and fixed with a second firing at 700-850 °C; also for scale models.
Heat transfer decals (fabric). Activated with heat to personalize t-shirts, bags, and uniforms.
Decal vs. sticker: are they the same?
This is the most frequently asked question about the term. The short answer is: they are not exactly the same , although in everyday language they are often used interchangeably.
| Decal | Sticker |
|---|---|
| It works by transfer: the design goes from a temporary support to the final one. | It works by direct adhesion: it has its own adhesive and sticks without transferring. |
| The original support (paper) is removed after application. | There is no backing paper to remove; the design remains attached to its base. |
| The result can be without visible edges (integrated appearance). | The outline of the sticker material is usually visible. |
| Example: temporary water tattoo, ceramic decal, transfer vinyl. | Example: price tag, decorative sticker, self-adhesive stamp. |
A brief history of the decal
The technique of transferring images using moisture originated in 18th-century Europe (English ceramic factories like Wedgwood). The term décalcomanie emerged in France around 1860, and water decals for children were a mass phenomenon in Spain during the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. In the 1990s, they evolved from toys to adult products (merchandise, weddings, festivals), and in 2013, European regulation EU 1223/2009 officially classified any product applied to the skin to modify its appearance as a cosmetic.
Skin stickers: what they are and how they work
How to apply a decal to the skin
- 1
Step 1
Cleanse the skin area (without cream, without oil).
- 2
Step 2
Cut out the design leaving a small margin.
- 3
Step 3
Remove the transparent protective film.
- 4
Step 4
Place the design face down on the skin.
- 5
Step 5
Press with a damp sponge for 30 seconds.
- 6
Step 6
Remove the paper: the design remains on the skin.
Yatatu's skin decals use cosmetically certified inks, are hypoallergenic, non-toxic, and dermatologically tested. They last between 5 and 7 days under normal conditions and are easily removed with body oil or soap and water.
What are stickers used for?
Personal uses: personalization of objects (laptops, bottles, helmets), decoration of walls and furniture, and temporary body art. Events: weddings, birthdays, festivals, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and corporate events with the company logo. Marketing: brand activations, light merchandising, and sports sponsorship. Industry: scale modeling, ceramics, and automotive.
Are a sticker and a temporary tattoo the same thing?
It depends on the context. On skin: yes , they are the same product—a water-transfer image applied to the epidermis; the difference is only in terminology. In a general sense: no , because a decal can be applied to ceramic, wood, glass, or vinyl. At Yatatu, we manufacture decals specifically for skin: personalized temporary tattoos using certified cosmetic inks.
Design your custom decal with Yatatu
We've been direct manufacturers of skin decals (custom temporary tattoos) for over a decade. Custom design, certified cosmetic inks, 24-48 hour delivery, and over 1,719 4.9-star reviews.
Frequently asked questions about decals
What is the difference between a sticker and a temporary tattoo?
In the context of skin application, both terms refer to the same product: an image printed on transfer paper that is applied with water. "Decal" emphasizes the transfer technique; "temporary tattoo" emphasizes the visual effect. In broader technical contexts, "decal" can also refer to products for ceramics, vinyl, or fabric.
Are skin decals safe?
Yes, provided the manufacturer uses cosmetic-grade inks certified according to European regulation EU 1223/2009. Yatatu decals are hypoallergenic, non-toxic, and dermatologically tested. Suitable for children aged 3 and up; for very sensitive skin, a patch test on a small area is recommended.
How long does a tattoo last on the skin?
Between 3 and 7 days under normal conditions. It depends on the area of the body (joints last less time), aftercare, and physical activity. In areas with little friction, such as the shoulder or forearm, 7 days is easily achieved.
What is a water decal?
"Water decal" is another name for wet transfer decals: those where the paper is moistened with water to activate the adhesive and transfer the design. When used on the body, they are called temporary water tattoos.
Can the decals be customized with any design?
Yes. At Yatatu, you can upload your own design in high-resolution PNG or PDF format (minimum 300 dpi) or create a design from scratch with our team. Designs can be personalized with names, dates, logos, illustrations, or photographs.
What is the difference between a vinyl decal and a paper decal?
Vinyl decals are durable (2-7 years outdoors), water-resistant, and UV-resistant, making them suitable for cars and signage. Paper decals are more economical, for indoor use, and for short-term applications. Neither type is suitable for skin: for body use, decals with certified cosmetic adhesives and inks are required.