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Printing Custom Paper Labels
CUSTOM PAPER LABELS 101
Paper labels are used for packaging products—product identification, classification, information, instructions for use are what you would place on your custom labels. Custom paper labels do not have any laminate or coating on them, which means they are not reflective or high-shine and makes these best for applications that will require finishing touches (handwritten details) to personalize each label.
While your custom paper labels will be less durable than plastic film labels, paper labels are cost-effective branding materials that can be reinforced with laminate to enhance its appearance while giving these more resistance to wear and tear. Let’s take a look at the differences between coated paper labels and uncoated paper labels.
As it is, paper labels are uncoated in their original form. Uncoated paper labels are more natural-looking and will be receptive to writing, if you foresee occasions wherein additional information needs to be placed on the labels. The ink penetrates the surface quickly as the paper fibers would be in direct contact with your pen or marker. Custom paper labels can be made more durable by adding what is called a “coating” or “laminate”, to suit any of your labeling requirements.
But first…
WHAT IS COATING?
Coatings or Laminates consist mainly of pigments (chalk, clay, or talcum). Without any processing, these are powdery substances that would be blown off the paper surface like dust. To keep them in place, binding agents (such as starch) are used so that they stick to each other, and to the paper.
Process materials add specific properties to the coating. One commonly used process material is optical whitener. It converts invisible, ultraviolet light into visible bluish white light, giving an impression of true whiteness.
Coating enhances paper’s visual and tactile characteristics – whiteness, smoothness – but it also improves its printing behavior, allowing the use of very fine screens, yielding more color in thinner ink layers and producing more contrast in printed images.
Coating makes the paper stiffer – it even adds weight and thickness to your paper labels.
Coating makes the labels a bit more durable because it protects the paper (and of course the print on the paper) against ink scuffing, moisture, and tearing.
INKABLE TIP: SHOULD I USE COATED OR UNCOATED (NATURAL) PAPER FOR MY LABELS?
So, do you need coating for your labels? Consider two things: application and aesthetic value. Let’s discuss application.
COATED
Application is a more crucial factor as this is a functional element that will dictate whether your paper labels are a good fit for the environment that they are to be placed in.
If your product is to be handled frequently and will be exposed to moisture (labels for plasticware, box labels for desserts, lip balm pots, and the like) then you would need that extra level of protection to ensure that your branding labels are sturdy enough.
UNCOATED
Your uncoated paper labels are “evergreen labels” that can be printed once, and then used time and again. Printing uncoated paper labels, for example, with your brand logo and name, is perfect if you are dispensing products in batches and need to have time-sensitive information written by hand on each paper label. If you are looking to save on printing costs, our uncoated paper labels are great for stock labels use. Print more labels for a nice price break, and enjoy paper label longevity by simply doing away with information that states the year or date of your product batch.
Once you’re clear on where and why you’ll be applying your labels, you can then decide on the look of your custom labels. Aesthetics is important because it projects your brand image and speaks about your brand personality. Make sure you set up files correctly so that the soft proof is correct. We run all our files manually through our Prepress Team—this saves our customers from costly errors on the press.
COATED
There are two types of coatings, Gloss and Matte. Confused which to choose?
If you would like sturdier labels while going for the uncoated/subtle shine look, you would then go for the matte laminate. This kind of laminate also allows writing with fine ballpoint pens and markers. Printing labels with photos, promotional messaging, or needing a vibrant multicolored logo label? Perhaps gloss would be better—its smooth and highly reflective property will definitely make colors more vibrant!
Gloss features full-color prints nicely, and product labels will look more professional and commercial with a fine coat of this kind of laminate.
Matte-laminated paper labels are non-shine, which means they aren’t as slick as gloss paper labels; however these are great if you want more sudbued colors with less contrast, for a more sophisticated and natural look and feel.
UNCOATED
Simple and organic, the natural paper finish adds a warm touch. Without any coating or laminate, uncoated paper labels are not reflective and resistant to writing which makes them best for applications that will require finishing touches (handwritten details) to personalize each label.
*A note with uncoated paper labels: Prints will be slightly less crisp as ink will be absorbed into the fiber, unlike labels with laminate which allow the ink to sit on top of the coating.
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR CUSTOM PAPER LABELS WHEN NOT IN USE
Remember to store your paper labels in a dry place, not exposed to sunlight, as these labels will fade more quickly if not stored in the recommended conditions. Keep them away from places where they might come in contact with water or places with high humidity.
Gloss is highly reflective, and makes colors appear more alive and vibrant, as opposed to matte laminate with provides a finish that is closer to uncoated paper.
Whether you choose uncoated or coated paper labels for your labeling needs, make sure you consider the above characteristics. Once you are ready to move forward, and you find yourself in the designing stage, you also need to be aware of print considerations so that you get exactly what you need for your product labels.
Remember to list down the requirements of your print project, prepare your design correctly considering the laminate (Again, a matte laminate on uncoated paper labels will develop subdued colors and gloss laminate on uncoated paper labels will give you vibrant colors, using the same artwork file) and be sure to have your designer perform a Prepress Check so that you receive perfect custom paper labels, every time. Remember also to thoroughly clean the surface of your containers with alcohol and letting this dry before you apply your labels to ensure excellent tack.
INTERESTED IN PRINTING YOUR LABELS WITH US?
Take advantage of our quantity discounts when you are ready to order in larger quantities.
GET A SAMPLE SHEET OF YOUR PAPER LABELS NOW (INCLUDES FREE PREPRESS CHECK) FOR AS LOW AS $50.
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Silver Pet (Plastic) Film with Matte Laminate
Silver Pet (Plastic) Film with Gloss Laminate
Silver Metalized Paper with Gloss Laminate
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CLEAR PVC FILM WITH GLOSS LAMINATE
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