Labels/Stickers

Stickers can be used for decoration or for functional purposes, depending on the products. Stickers can come in many different shapes and sizes and also vary widely in color and design. ?

Custom labels are one of the most diverse printed products available. They can be created in virtually any size, shape or color, and can be constructed using a variety of materials, adhesives and coatings.

Sometimes referred to as stickers, decals or adhesive tags, labels are primarily used to communicate important information. Printed labels can provide identification, assist with distribution, give instructions, issue warnings, display promotional messages or serve a variety of other important purposes.

When you have a custom label project, you can expect your printer to ask a series of questions in order to accurately quote and produce the optimal label solution for you.

Below are some questions your printer will likely ask and the corresponding aspects for you to consider.

How will the Label be used?

When a customer requests custom-printed labels, the first question we ask is how the label will be used. Knowing the label’s purpose, what it will be affixed to, and the environment and handling it will be subject to, helps us determine its basic physical characteristics…

• Base Material
• Paper (the most economical choice)
• Plastic – Vinyl, Polyester, Mylar, etc.
• Metallic Foil
• Adhesion Method
• Permanent Bond
• Removable/Repositionable
• Static Cling
• Protective Coatings
• UV Coating
• Plastic Lamination
• Chemical/Moisture Resistant

How will the Label be applied?

After we know more about the label’s basic physical characteristics, we want to learn how the label will be applied and if the label will be printed upon or otherwise marked on by the customer or another party. This helps us determine the optimal format for dispersing the label as well as factors that may affect the durability of the label and its ink…

Format

• Flat Sheets, multiple labels per sheet
• Individual Labels
• On Rolls
• Fan-folded
• Durability
• Standard or Heavy-Duty Thickness
• Subject to Heat, such as a LaserJet?
• Written on by Pen, Marker, Pencil?
• Matte or Gloss Finish

How will the Label look?

Determining the dimensions and appearance of the label is usually the next step. The options here are virtually endless, so it helps to discuss the most economical choices that meet the customer’s needs. Design elements to consider include…

• Size and Shape
• Stock or Custom Size (a Stock size avoids any die expense)
• Rectangular or Square, Sharp or Rounded Corners
• Oval, Circle or Other Common Shape
• Specialty/Die-cut Shape
• Ink Colors
• Full-Color (CMYK)
• PMS/Spot Colors
• Black Ink Only
• Other Features
• Embossing
• Consecutive Numbering