Enhancing Brand Identity – Choose Custom Printed Labels for Your Products

Standard and customized labels are used for various purposes, such as product branding, shipping, organization, etc. So, choosing the right printed labels for your project is essential. Although these labels may look simple, some specialized terms and technical descriptions may need clarification. This post aims to demystify common label terminology that would aid you during label selection based on its features vis-à-vis your requirements.

Durability and Reliability to Ensure Label Performance

First, the label must be durable and reliable enough to serve its purpose. They should remain on the product surface for the intended period of time. For instance, a product may have a shelf life of six months. The label must be durable enough to withstand the environmental and human usage factors throughout these months. Gaining an understanding of the following terminologies will help you in this matter.

• Waterproof: These labels must be durable enough to withstand moisture when they come in direct contact with liquids such as water or oil. You may want to consider such labels when choosing products for outdoor use, in bathrooms, kitchens, or on food and beverage containers or areas where moisture is present.
• Oil/Chemical Resistant: If you are dealing with products such as cooking oils or cosmetic oils, cleaning chemicals, or other chemicals, you must consider labels that are oil- and chemical-resistant. These labels would remain fixed on the product bottle or jar and serve well in environments like industrial facilities, kitchens, workshops, spas, and so on.
• Weatherproof: As the names suggests, these labels are designed to resist extreme weather conditions, including rain, sun exposure (UV rays), and temperature fluctuations, ensuring long-term readability. They feature strong and permanent adhesive and are usually resistant to tearing, scuffing, and smudging. These labels are the best choice if you are shipping more often or storing your products in warehouses for a long time. These labels are also good for retailers dealing with food products, cosmetics, medicines, and so on.
• Heat-resistant: These labels may sometimes be referred to as “high-temperature” safe or “industrial-grade.” They are more appropriate for products exposed to high temperatures.
• Cold-resistant: These labels are also called “low-temperature” cryogenic, or “freezer-safe,” depending on their intended use. As the name suggests, you can use them to label products that require deep-freezing for long periods.
• Tamper-Evident: These are security seals that show visible damage if someone tries to remove them or alter the product package they’re applied to. These labels act as a deterrent against tampering with the product and ensure the safety and authenticity of the contents. They are commonly found in industries where safety and integrity are paramount. The list includes electronics and software, pharmaceuticals and food packaging, evidence collections, personal use products, barcoding, and so on.

Finishes: All About Appearance 

Different types of label finishes are in use today. Each of these offers unique functional benefits and visual effects. They are categorized based on appearance, texture, and more. Here is a detailed breakdown of the most common terms you will come across when deciding on the finishing.

Based on Appearance

• Glossy Finish: This has shine and a reflective surface. This finish enhances the vibrancy of colors, graphics, text, and other important information on the label. They are used in product labels with a desired high-end or glossy appearance.
• Matte Finish: Unlike glossy finishes, matte finishes are known for offering a non-reflective, smooth, and subtle look for product labels. They are minimally glare-resistant, making them easily readable under different lighting conditions.
• Satin Finish: As the name implies, this finishing provides soft, smooth, and semi-gloss surface that reflects tough elegance without being overly reflective. Thus, they are used for labels for branding purposes or on upscale products.

Based on Texture

• Varnished Finish: It is a transparent, hard, protective coating applied to the label to enhance its overall appearance and lifespan. It mainly serves two purposes-protection, which creates a barrier against scratches, stains, moisture, and UV light; extending the label lifespan; and preservation, which enhances the label’s aesthetics. Varnishing is well-suited for labels demanding visual impact and durability, such as food and beverage labels, cosmetics labels, and promotional stickers.
• Laminated Finish: It is a protective layer of plastic film on the surface of a label to enhance its durability against abrasions, scratches, moisture, and more. Laminated finishes can have either a glossy or matte appearance, or even textured.
• Soft-Touch Finish: A coat is applied on labels to create a luxurious and velvety texture. Despite its soft texture, it offers durability and resistance to scratching, scuffing, and abrasion.

Other Special Finishes 

• Metallic Finish: This finish exudes sophistication and elegance to the label, which is required for luxury products. A metallic finish imbues the label with a metallic sheen reminiscent of gold, silver, or other metallic hues.
• Holographic Finish: This finish features a dynamic interplay of colors that shift as the viewing angle changes, evoking a sense of magic and wonder. This finish creates a captivating visual effect that dazzles consumers.
• Textured Finish: These finishes include a tactile experience with raised textures, patterns, or embossing, adding another dimension to the label design.

Other Important Terms You Must Know About 

• Laminate: This is an essential layer for product labels as it enhances resilience and durability against any form of damage. This ensures the label’s integrity and visual appeal throughout its lifespan, even in demanding conditions during storage, shipping, or handling.
• Adhesive: It is a sticky backing, allowing product labels to adhere to surfaces effectively. Consider the surface type the label will adhere to while selecting an adhesive for your labels. Also, ensure whether you need a permanent or removable adhesive.
• Die Cut: This involves cutting labels to a custom shape, allowing brands to showcase their creativity and differentiate their products in the marketplace. Whether it’s a logo or intricate design, these labels add visual interest to product packaging.

An appropriate label can significantly affect the product’s appeal, performance, and brand value. If you are looking for easy-to-make yet cost-effective labels for your business, consult a reliable player from the industry, like Performance Label Company. With years of market presence and experience, the company creates a variety of printed labels and stickers that suit your business needs. They also offer customized printed labels. Contact the team at PLCTX for your custom label printing needs.