Surprisingly Sticky Subjects... A Guide to Customised Self-Adhesive Labels

Custom Self-Adhesive Labels: A Comprehensive Guide

At first glance, self-adhesive or "sticky" labels may seem simple, but the range of customisable options is surprisingly vast. When specifying a custom label, there are several factors to consider to ensure it performs optimally for your specific application while keeping costs efficient for your business.

This article outlines key customisable features, from the choice of label material to selecting the best adhesive, to ensure your labels stay sticky and effective.

Choice of Material

Paper Labels

Paper self-adhesive labels are ideal for general use. They are biodegradable and cost-effective, making them a popular choice. Additionally, paper labels can be varnished, offering some protection against everyday hazards like minor water spills.

Synthetic Labels

For outdoor environments or where exposure to moisture or grease is expected, paper labels may not be suitable. In these cases, synthetic labels made from materials like polypropylene (PP) or vinyl (PVC) are a better option. Both materials offer durability and resistance to external factors, but each has specific advantages for different applications:

• Polypropylene (PP): Available in clear, white, and silver, PP is durable, flexible, and resistant to temperature changes. Its light-reflecting properties create vibrant metallic effects like gold, silver, or copper, giving labels a premium look. PP labels are typically printed digitally or using flexographic technology, depending on volume and unit cost.

• Vinyl (PVC): Vinyl is more durable than PP, especially when it comes to resistance to UV rays and moisture. While PP labels might last 6 months to 2 years, vinyl labels can last over 5 years. Vinyl is usually produced in white and overprinted using various methods, including thermal, digital, screen, or flexographic printing.

Choice of Adhesive

We typically use permanent adhesives with excellent adhesion across a range of applications, though it's crucial to apply labels to dry surfaces. For cases where stronger adhesion is needed, we offer "extra permanent" high-tack adhesives.

For more specific needs, specialised adhesives are also available:

Freezer Adhesives

These adhesives work effectively at low temperatures, but the label must be applied at room temperature for best results. Freezer adhesives are usually paired with paper substrates. However, standard permanent adhesives can tolerate temperatures as low as -18°C, making them suitable for many cold storage situations.

Removable Adhesives

Removable adhesives allow labels to be peeled off without leaving residue, perfect for temporary labelling, such as on book covers. For applications where no residue is acceptable, such as glass labelling, "ultra removable" adhesives can be used.

Method of Print

Two primary methods are used in label printing: digital printing and flexographic printing.

• Digital Printing: Ideal for short runs (up to 20,000 labels) and multiple print layouts. It’s especially well-suited to full-colour prints and variable data, such as barcodes, numbering, or QR codes.

• Flexographic Printing: Better for large volume runs, flexographic printing requires plates for each layout and colour. This method isn’t ideal for frequent design changes due to the cost of plates, but it’s cost-effective for bulk orders.

Additional print options include metallic effects achieved through special inks, or adding silver or gold foil using hot or cold foiling techniques to give the label a luxurious, stamped appearance.

Label Finishes

Depending on your requirements, we offer a variety of finishes that can enhance both the aesthetic and protective qualities of your labels:

• Varnish: Available in matt, gloss, or satin finishes, varnish adds a degree of protection while enhancing the label's appearance.

• Lamination: Laminating, especially on synthetic materials like PP or vinyl, provides additional protection, especially against moisture. Available in gloss or matt finishes, it offers a robust, long-lasting solution.

• Domed Labels: A printed vinyl label with a clear resin bubble applied over the top, giving it a raised, dome-like appearance. These labels typically use an extra permanent adhesive for strong, long-lasting adhesion.

Label Presentation

Labels can be supplied in rolls or sheets, depending on your needs:

• Roll Labels: Ideal for use with label applicators, they’re also convenient for manual application by simply unpeeling from the reel.

• Sheet Labels: Perfect for smaller, in-house print runs, these labels can be printed using standard inkjet or laser printers, providing a flexible option for businesses needing to print on demand.

Customising self-adhesive labels involves more than just choosing the right material and adhesive. By carefully selecting each element, from print method to label finish, you can create a solution that meets your exact needs while staying cost-effective. For further assistance in choosing the perfect label for your business, feel free to contact us.

For more information on Surprisingly Sticky Subjects... A Guide to Customised Self-Adhesive Labels talk to Universeal (UK) Ltd