Custom Labels: Materials, Adhesives, Formats & Uses

Label Format, Material, Adhesive & Finish

Label terms often describe different characteristics of the product rather than different types of labels. Understanding the distinction makes it easier to compare options and choose the right label construction.

For example, a label supplied on a roll is not defined by a specific material or adhesive. The same roll format can use different face materials, adhesives, surface treatments and finishes depending on the product, application method and intended use.

Specialty effects such as holographic, glitter, metallic or shimmer are not a separate construction layer. They can originate from the face material, ink, laminate or a combination of these.

How a Custom Label Is Constructed

A self-adhesive custom label can consist of up to five functional layers. Each layer influences print quality, appearance, adhesion, durability and how the label performs in its intended application.

• 1. Protective Top Layer / Surface Treatment (Optional)

  The printed surface may be left uncoated, protected with a varnish, or covered with a separate laminate. The appropriate treatment depends on the required resistance to abrasion, moisture, chemicals and handling, as well as the desired finish.

• 2. Ink & Print Layer

  This layer carries the printed information and graphics, which may include branding, product information, instructions, barcodes, warnings and variable data. Print method and ink system affect color reproduction, durability and compatibility with the face material.

• 3. Face Material

  The face material is the printable substrate that forms the main body of the label. Common materials include paper, PP, PET and PVC, each offering different properties such as flexibility, tear resistance, moisture resistance and dimensional stability.

• 4. Adhesive

  The pressure-sensitive adhesive bonds the label to the application surface. Adhesive selection depends on factors such as surface material, texture, temperature, moisture, expected lifespan and whether the label needs to be removable.

• 5. Release Liner (Backing)

  The release liner protects the adhesive before application and allows the label to be removed cleanly from its backing. Labels supplied on rolls or sheets remain attached to the liner until they are applied by hand or dispensing equipment.

Sticker vs Label vs Decal vs Transfer: What's the Difference?

For labels, the defining characteristic is information. They may include branding and decorative elements, but their primary role is to identify, describe, instruct, organize or track the product, package or asset they are applied to.

Label Material Families Explained

The face material is the printable layer that forms the body of a label. Material choice affects appearance, flexibility, moisture resistance, tear resistance and how well the label performs on its intended product or package.

For self-adhesive labels, common material families include paper, polypropylene (PP) and polyester (PET). PVC (vinyl) is also used for more specialized applications where flexibility, conformability or outdoor durability may be required.

• Paper

  Paper is one of the most widely used label materials, particularly for dry products, packaging and indoor applications. It offers excellent printability and is available in coated, uncoated and textured constructions.

  Best for: Product packaging, retail products, dry goods, shipping and identification labels.

  Why choose it: Excellent print quality, broad availability and a natural paper appearance when moisture resistance or extreme durability is not required.

• Polypropylene (PP)

  PP is a lightweight synthetic film with good resistance to water, oils and tearing. It provides greater durability than paper while remaining suitable for a wide range of packaging applications.

  Best for: Bottles, jars, cosmetics, food packaging, household products and general product labeling.

  Why choose it: Good moisture resistance and durability with a lightweight construction, making it a versatile choice for everyday film labels.

• Polyester (PET)

  PET is a strong, dimensionally stable synthetic film that can provide excellent resistance to moisture, heat, chemicals and physical wear, depending on the construction.

  Best for: Electronics, equipment, asset identification, industrial products and durable product labeling.

  Why choose it: High dimensional stability and durability for applications where the label must remain readable and intact under more demanding conditions.

• PVC (Vinyl)

  PVC is a flexible and conformable synthetic film that can adapt well to curved, irregular or more demanding surfaces. It is generally more specialized in label applications than paper, PP or PET.

  Best for: Curved or irregular surfaces, equipment, outdoor products and applications requiring greater conformability.

  Why choose it: High flexibility and conformability where a more rigid film may not follow the application surface as effectively.

Surface Treatments & Finishes Explained

A label's surface treatment and finish describe different characteristics. Surface treatment describes whether and how the printed surface is coated or protected, while finish describes how the final surface looks or feels.

• Uncoated

  An uncoated label has no additional varnish or laminate applied over the printed surface. Its appearance and performance therefore depend largely on the face material, ink and print process.

  Best for: Dry indoor applications, paper labels, packaging and applications where additional surface protection is unnecessary.

• Varnish / Clear Coat

  A varnish, sometimes called a clear coat, is a liquid coating applied over the printed surface and then dried or cured. It can add protection against handling, abrasion and moisture while adding relatively little thickness compared with a separate laminate film.

  Best for: Product labels, packaging and roll labels that need moderate surface protection without a separate laminate film.

• Laminate

  A laminate is a separate transparent film applied over the printed face material. It can provide greater protection against abrasion, moisture, chemicals and environmental exposure, depending on the laminate construction.

  Best for: Durable product labels, frequently handled products, moisture-prone environments and more demanding applications.

Common Label Finishes

Material + Surface Treatment: They Work Together

The face material provides the foundation of a label, while the surface treatment determines whether and how the printed surface is protected. These should be selected together based on the product, application and environment.

For example:

• Paper + varnish creates an economical label with added protection against handling and light moisture.

• PP + varnish provides a moisture-resistant film construction with additional print protection for many packaging applications.

• PP + laminate adds a separate protective film for applications exposed to more frequent handling, moisture or abrasion.

• PET + laminate can create a highly durable construction for equipment, industrial products and other demanding applications.

Understanding Label Adhesives

The adhesive determines how a label bonds to its application surface. Choosing the right adhesive depends on the surface material, texture, temperature, moisture, expected lifespan and whether the label needs to be removed later.

• Permanent Adhesive

  Permanent adhesive is designed to create a strong, lasting bond to suitable surfaces. Once fully bonded, removal may damage the label, leave adhesive residue or affect the application surface.

  Best for: Product packaging, bottles, jars, retail products and general-purpose labeling where the label is intended to remain in place.

  Why choose it: A versatile choice for applications where reliable, long-term adhesion is more important than clean removal.

• Removable / Low-Tack Adhesive

  Removable or low-tack adhesives are designed to provide sufficient adhesion while allowing the label to be removed more easily and with less risk of residue or surface damage.

  Best for: Temporary identification, promotional labels, reusable containers and applications where clean removal is important.

  Why choose it: Allows labels to perform their function temporarily without creating the stronger long-term bond associated with permanent adhesives.

• Hi-Tack Adhesive

  Hi-tack adhesive provides stronger initial adhesion and is designed for surfaces that can be difficult for standard adhesives to bond to effectively.

  Best for: Rough or textured surfaces, some low-surface-energy plastics, industrial containers and other difficult-to-bond substrates.

  Why choose it: Provides stronger initial grab where a standard permanent adhesive may struggle to establish sufficient contact with the surface.

• Freezer / Cold-Temperature Adhesive

  Cold-temperature adhesives are formulated for applications where labels are applied or used in refrigerated or frozen environments. The correct adhesive depends on both the application temperature and the service temperature after application.

  Best for: Frozen foods, refrigerated products, cold storage and packaging exposed to low temperatures.

  Why choose it: Designed to maintain suitable adhesion under temperatures where a conventional adhesive may become too firm to wet out and bond effectively.

Why the Application Surface Matters

Adhesives need to make close contact with a surface to form a reliable bond. Smooth surfaces such as glass, painted metal and many coated materials are generally easier to bond to than rough, contaminated or very low-surface-energy surfaces.

This is why choosing an adhesive should always start with one question:

What surface will the label be applied to?

From there, factors such as outdoor exposure, temperature, removability and expected lifespan help determine the most appropriate adhesive.

How to Apply Custom Labels for Reliable Adhesion

Even the right label material and adhesive can perform poorly if the application surface or conditions are unsuitable. Proper application helps the pressure-sensitive adhesive make close contact with the surface and develop a reliable bond.

• Clean the Surface

  Remove dust, dirt, grease, oil, wax and other contaminants before applying the label.

  For many non-porous surfaces, isopropyl alcohol and a clean, lint-free cloth work well. Always make sure the cleaner is compatible with the product or packaging surface and allow it to dry completely before application.

  Avoid: Applying labels over dust, oil, silicone, condensation, wax or cleaning-product residue.

• Check the Application Temperature

  Both the label and the application surface should be within the adhesive manufacturer's recommended application temperature range.

  Many general-purpose pressure-sensitive adhesives require moderate application temperatures. Freezer and cold-temperature adhesives are specifically formulated for applications where labels must be applied at lower temperatures.

  Application temperature should not be confused with service temperature. A label may withstand freezing temperatures after application while still requiring a warmer surface when first applied.

• Position & Apply

  For hand-applied labels, position the label carefully before allowing the adhesive to make full contact with the surface.

  Peel the label from the release liner rather than pulling the liner away from the label where practical. Avoid touching the adhesive, as oils from your fingers can reduce contact in the affected area.

  For labels applied using dispensing or automated equipment, roll direction, liner construction, label spacing and dispensing characteristics can also affect application performance.

• Apply Firm, Even Pressure

  Apply firm, even pressure across the entire label to help the adhesive wet out and make close contact with the application surface.

  Pay particular attention to edges and labels applied to curved containers, where insufficient contact can contribute to edge lifting.

  On flexible packaging or squeezable containers, the label construction should also be suitable for the movement and deformation of the package.

• Allow the Adhesive to Build Its Bond

  Pressure-sensitive adhesives often continue developing bond strength after application.

  Depending on the adhesive, surface and environmental conditions, this can take several hours to several days. Where possible, avoid exposing newly labeled products to washing, condensation, refrigeration, heavy handling or other demanding conditions immediately after application.

  Always follow the label or adhesive manufacturer's recommended bonding time when available.