What is a Label Sticker?
A label sticker is a decorative adhesive that features images or text. It can be used as decoration or for functional purposes, like identifying a product or its ingredients.
They can be made of many different materials, and some use foiling or embossing to add a luxury touch. They can also be cut-to-size or on a roll to be dispensed one at a time.
Types
There are different kinds of stickers and it’s important to know what type works with your specific product or environment. For instance, if your label isn’t going to be exposed to the elements and will be used for simple office use then a standard matt paper is likely to work well. You should also decide how durable you want your sticker to be, and this will affect the material that’s chosen.
Other more durable options include vinyl and polyester labels which are both waterproof and weatherproof. These are commonly found on outdoor products like equipment or car decals and are equipped with a tenacious adhesive that’s capable of withstanding harsh conditions. Other specialty materials can be used for more eye catching stickers, such as holographic or metallic materials. These are ideal for boosting brand recognition or elevating the design of your stickers.
Finally, you can choose whether you want your stickers printed on sheets or on a roll. Sheets are label sticker great for larger orders as they’re easily managed and can be fed into a dispenser to speed up application. This format also preserves the edges of more intricate designs, protecting them from damage during individual sticker applications.
Alternatively, a roll of stickers are typically a better option for smaller orders as they can be fed into label dispensers, or simply stuck onto the item you’re branding. They’re a great choice for more permanent labels, and can be laminated to boost durability or protect against fading.
Materials
Stickers are made from a variety of materials, and selecting the right facestock is an important part of the label-design process. Some material options can be purchased in sheets while others can be ordered on rolls for a faster printing and application process with less waste.
One of the most popular choices for custom labels is vinyl. This type of material offers a long life (9-11 years) and holds up well against harsh weather conditions and chemical exposure. It is a great choice for repositionable labels such as “Oil Change” stickers and window and door installation labels, as it easily adheres to most smooth surfaces without leaving adhesive residue behind when removed.
Paper is another common option for custom labels. It is available in a range of colors and can be printed with a clear adhesive to help your design stand out. It is also a good choice for customers who want their stickers to look more handcrafted or homemade. In addition, there are specialty papers such as kraft and felt that add an extra element of texture to your design and provide a more interesting unboxing experience for your customers.
For the ultimate in precision and durability, consider using a high-performance film stock. This is an ultra-bright biaxially oriented polypropylene that produces crisper images and text with finer detail. It also has a water-resistant surface and can be used with direct thermal printing machines.
Printing Options
Whether you are designing for a business, school, or special event, sticker labels can be an excellent way to convey your message. In addition to making products look more attractive, they also promote your brand when stuck on vehicles and other items that are visible in public. Stickers are an inexpensive marketing tool that can reach a wide audience, fostering a sense of community and support for your organization or cause.
There are a number of different printing options for label stickers, depending on your desired look. Paper stickers are cheap and available in a variety of finishes, while rotary-printed laminated vinyl is more durable and has a metallic finish. Using digital printing for your labels is the best option when you want a high-resolution design that’s bright and eye-catching. This technology also offers additional benefits, like variable data printing (VDP), which can allow you to change text or images on each label in the same print run.
When choosing your printing method, be mindful of the colors you use in your designs. Lighter color values often don’t translate well when printed using the CMYK process. This is particularly true for white, which can become washed out or faded when printed in large quantities. To prevent this from happening, use Pantone colors in your designs instead of CMYK to achieve more accurate color.
Finishing Touches
There are a few finishing touches that can make your label stickers stand out. For example, you can choose label sticker a matte or gloss laminate to protect the label from moisture and scuffing. The type of finish you choose will depend on the environment your label will be in. For example, if you are printing labels that will be used on outdoor products, a polyester laminate will help the label to resist moisture and weathering.
Embossing and debossing are other finishes that can add a premium look to your labels. Embossing creates a raised appearance that can’t be flattened and highlights key design elements. This can be especially effective on a dark background and is an excellent choice for creating a textured pattern. It also offers a tactile effect that encourages customers to linger over the product. It’s also a great choice for labels that need to be readable by someone who is blind or visually impaired.
Another option is to add a special ink that glows in the dark. This ink is printed on the label, and under a UV black light, it glows fluorescently. This is an ideal way to promote a new product, highlight important information or create a fun and interactive element. It’s also a great option for labels that will be attached to children’s clothes, such as onesies and shirts, or for handmade creations like socks, tights, support stockings, or quilts.
