Welcome to “Pressure Sensitive Labels 101,” a comprehensive overview shedding light on the crucial elements and considerations in creating top-quality labels for various products and packaging needs. Understanding the intricate components of pressure-sensitive labels is vital in crafting a visually appealing, durable, and functional label. From the face stock that forms the label’s visible surface to the adhesive, printing techniques, and other label-specific considerations, this guide aims to provide insights into the critical factors that contribute to a successful label design and application.
Material
Facestock: This is the top layer of material, visible and printable. Face stock comes in various forms including, coated, uncoated, metalized stock, film and more. It plays a crucial role in design and influences the label’s end use. Providing samples aids in informed decision-making for the appropriate face stock selection.
Adhesive: Similar to a sticker, the adhesive is the sticky part allowing the label to adhere to the intended component or packaging. Factors to consider when choosing an adhesive include the surface to which the label will be applied, its permanence, and the environmental conditions it will endure to ensure durability.
Liner: Serving as the backing for the label, the liner acts as a carrier, facilitating easy removal and application to the end product. With various liner types available, primarily paper or plastic, it’s crucial to verify the bottling line restrictions for seamless usage, with a recommendation to opt for a clear plastic liner.
Printing
Inks: Utilized to showcase the label’s artwork, inks come in diverse color varieties, in forms such as PMS and 4-Color Process inks to achieve specific color targets. Different printing processes rely on various ink types, from UV and water-based FlexoInks to Inkjet or Digital printing. Specialized inks like Thermochromic and Scented inks offer unique enhancement possibilities.
Embellishments: Adding an extra dimension to labels, embellishments such as cold or hot foil, Embossing, or Raised Silkscreens provide an eye-catching appeal and are typically added on top of the printed ink, enhancing the label’s visual allure to make your label stand out of shelf.
Varnishes: Often Matte or Gloss, varnishes protect the inks and face stock, ensuring a long-lasting label while also offering a desired visual effect.
Other Label Considerations
Size: Determining the label’s dimensions in height and width is pivotal for copy position considerations.
Unwind/Copy Position: Crucial for understanding the direction labels come off the roll when being applied, a reference chart aids in this determination.
Max OD: Signifying the Maximum outside Diameter, this measurement determines how large the label roll can be for your bottling line. This is important to make sure the roll will fit on your line properly. These specifications can come from your bottling line.
Core Size: Referring to the size of the cores onto which labels are wound, commonly available in 3” and 6”, checking with the bottling line for the required core size is essential for proper label fitting.
Crafting an impactful label involves a delicate balance of aesthetics, functionality, and practicality. Understanding these label components is pivotal in creating a standout product that resonates with consumers and end-users alike. Whether it’s choosing the right materials or perfecting the printing techniques, each aspect plays a role in making a label not just a piece of packaging but a distinctive representation of a brand’s identity.
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