Weather-resistant and waterproof labels for outdoor use
Why use weatherproof and waterproof labels?
Labels used outdoors over extended periods of time must be highly durable. For example, exterior doors, wind turbines, light poles, pallets, crates, solar panels, vehicles, bicycles, agricultural machinery, engines, big bags, barrels, barriers, liquid containers, generators, air conditioning systems, and shipping containers are exposed daily to extreme weather conditions.
Heat, cold, wind, UV rays, humidity, and drought can all significantly impact the lifespan of your labels. This may result in:
- Adhesives hardening and drying out.
- Cracking and disintegrating of labels.
- Colours fading.
- Shrinkage of labels.
- Barcodes becoming unreadable.
The total cost of replacing damaged labels can be up to 100 times higher than the initial cost of the labels. For instance, if a label costs €1, replacing it could cost between €25 and €100, including labour and lost time.
To avoid unnecessary expenses, it is crucial to select a combination of base material, adhesive, and optional laminate that is weatherproof and tailored to your working environment.
How to choose weatherproof label materials
When selecting weatherproof label materials, consider the following factors:
- The surface where the labels will be applied.
- The temperature of the working environment.
- The desired durability of the weatherproof labels.
- Your available budget for purchasing labels.
It is also important to differentiate between weatherproof and waterproof labels. While weatherproof labels are waterproof and also resistant to UV rays and other environmental factors, waterproof labels are typically designed to withstand rain or saltwater only. The type of label you need depends on the specific weather conditions at your worksite.
Which weatherproof label materials are available?
Vinyl is a popular choice for customers seeking weatherproof label material. Vinyl labels offer exceptional durability, minimal shrinkage, and an average lifespan of eight years for outdoor use.
Another widely used material for outdoor applications is polyester. When paired with the right adhesive, polyester labels can last 5, even up to 10 years outdoors. For short-term outdoor use (up to two years), polypropylene is a cost-effective alternative to polyester.
Why choose ONE2ID for your weatherproof labels?
We stock a wide range of weatherproof and waterproof label materials designed to withstand the test of time as well as challenging weather conditions. These materials can be used on surfaces such as metal, wood, stone, and plastic. Since the labels do not tear, crumble, or lose their adhesive strength, you can be count on continued legibility of your product or location information.
If you need advice on weatherproof labels, our labelling experts are here to help. Simply share the details of your application, and we will recommend weatherproof a label material that meets your requirements and is best suited to your environment.
No time to print your labels? Let us take of it for you. If you do not have the time or resources to print your own weatherproof labels, our experienced production team can take care of the process for you. Simply provide us with the information you want printed on the labels, and we will produce custom-made labels to your specifications. If needed, we can also laminate the labels to extend their lifespan and protect the printed information.
Feel free to contact Sales Manager Anton Damen at +31 (0)172 769 123 to discuss your labelling needs. He will be happy to advise you on weatherproof labels suited to your working environment and can also provide you with free samples.