How to select a label material
Not all label materials are created equal. Therefore, it is important to answer several questions before selecting a specific material. This ensures that the label material meets your requirements and expectations.
- What is the intended application for the labels?
- What are the desired dimensions of the labels? /li>
- How many labels do you require annually?
- What is the primary requirement the material must fulfil? Consider properties such as heat resistance, weather-proof, water-proof, chemical resistance, resistance to oil, grease, UV exposure, and extreme temperatures (both high and low).
- What is the desired lifespan of the labels?
- Should the print on the labels be long-term scratch-resistant?
- Are there specific industry standards or guidelines the material must comply with, such as REACH or RoHS?
Testing label materials
We always recommend testing any label material under real-world conditions before placing an order. This allows you to determine whether the material meets your requirements and any industry-specific standards. Some practical tips:
- Clean the surface to which you will be applying the label. The surface needs to be free of grease, oil, dust, dirt, and moisture to ensure optimal adhesion.
- Avoid touching the label adhesive as much as possible.
- Apply the label and press it firmly to activate the adhesive. For larger labels, use a squeegee to ensure proper adhesion across the entire surface.
Cleaning before installation
Installing labels can be a time-consuming task, especially if you need to apply thousands of them. However, cleaning the surface beforehand often takes three times longer. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that the cleaning process is frequently skipped or not done thoroughly – and this is where problems often arise.
If you do not clean the surface properly, we can almost guarantee that you will need to order new labels within a few months and that would be a waste of your investment. Even the strongest adhesive will not stick to a dirty, greasy, or dusty surface. You can compare it to repainting an outdoor wooden fence. You would start by removing the old paint layer and clean the surface thoroughly before applying new paint. By cleaning the surface properly, you extend the lifespan of your labels.
Personal advice
Our advisors are ready to answer any question you may have about label materials, cleaning, and more. They can also provide free samples of label materials or help you purchase installation and cleaning tools, such as squeegees, industrial adhesive removers, and degreasers.