About Labels
All About Pressure Sensitive Labels

Before You Order Labels

Before placing a label order consider how they will be used, especially whether they will be used for indoor or outdoor application. In addition to the label material, there are also different label adhesives with choices that are better for particular uses.

Many label materials, adhesives and other label options are explained below. Feel free to call Summit Printing or email us for a free, no-obligation consultation to be sure that you order the right labels for your particular needs.

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Facestock   ·   Adhesive   ·  Liner  ·   Top Coatings   ·   Core

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Anatomy of Roll Labels
Label Materials, Adhesives, Coatings and Core

A standard label is made of paper and is not moisture proof, such as for outdoor use or durable enough to be rubbed with a cleanser. Although laminates or coatings will help protect a paper label, a durable label is not just a paper, but is made from materials such as vinyl or polypropylene. If in doubt, please contact us to be sure that the labels you intend to order are suitable for the environment where you wish to use them.

Below are explanations that you may find useful. Feel free to call Summit Printing or email us for a free, no-obligation consultation to make sure you are ordering the right label for your particular needs.

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1) Face Stock
Label Materials that Fit your Needs

The facestock it the part of the label we print on - the label itself. The most common facestocks for pressure sensitive labels are paper, film, and foil.

Standard Paper Materials: For indoor use only - not moisture or rub resistant. Standard shelf life is one year.

White Gloss - High-gloss, quality appearance, but not recommended when labels will be written on. White gloss is available with either permanent or removable adhesive.
Matte Litho - High quality coated litho stock for excellent print characteristics. Matte litho is available with either permanent or removable adhesive.
Fluorescents - Matte paper with attention-getting bright colors. Only black ink is recommended. Permanent adhesive.
Paper Foils - Silver or Gold Foil available with a bright or dull finish. Permanent adhesive. See Inks for color match information. Not for application to equipment or to be written on.
Smudge proof - Use where lift-off or correction ribbons will not work properly. This uncoated litho stock is not recommended when high quality color resolution, screens, or fine detail is required. Available with either permanent or removable adhesive.

Label Specialty Materials

Block-out Opaque: Often used to cover up dated information or mistakes and prevent see-thru. Permanent but not tamper-proof. For indoor use only. Available on Semi-Gloss Opaque or White Litho Opaque. Add 25% to one color price. PMS colors or sample matches may not be exact on opaque materials.
Blue Fluorescent: Matte paper with attention-getting bright blue color. Recommend black ink for indoor use. Permanent adhesive.
Brownkraft II Lightshade: Looks much like a corrugated box. Permanent adhesive only. Due to brown facesheet ink colors matching may not be exact.
Clear Acetate: For indoor use only. Available with permanent or removable adhesive.
Polyesters: Durable, weather resistant material. Permanent adhesive. Best outdoor material. Available in Silver, Gold, Clear and White. Lamination is recommended for ink protection.
Recycled Semi-Gloss: Contains 30% post consumer waste. This supercalendered product comes with a brown liner and a slight blue-grey tint to the facesheet.
White Vinyl: Durable, weather resistant material. For both indoor and outdoor use. Available with permanent or removable adhesive.

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2) Label Adhesives

The adhesive is the sticky part of a label. The adhesive will easily peel-away and detach from the liner for easy application to your product or container. There are many specialty adhesives, but below are some of the most common:

Permanent Adhesives - apply at room temperature to a clean, dry, smooth & flat surface (non-oily) for indoor use.
Removable Adhesives - available on White Gloss, Matte Litho, or Smudge proof materials.
Freezer Adhesives - For application as low as -20°F with a service temperature range from -65°F to +200°F. Apply to a clean, dry surface (indoor use only). Available on Gloss Freezer (a mid-gloss), White Litho or White Gloss.
Specialty Adhesives - A variety of special hot melt, acrylic, and pattern adhesive constructions are available for your project needs.

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3) Label Liner

The label liner of pressure sensitive labels, also called the backing, it is typically white or brown color paper with a special coating that enables the labels to be easily removed.

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4) Label Coatings
Label Protective Top Coatings

Standard Clear UV Varnish - Provides a measure of rub resistance protection and adds extra glossy appearance.
Lamination - Clear film applied over printed labels provides high gloss appearance and protection from abrasion, such as nestled packaging and protection from moisture/dampness with vinyl or film base material.

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5) Label Core

At the center of the roll of labels is the Label Core. Typically 3″ - the label core size is the inside diameter of the (cardboard) core in a roll of pressure-sensitive labels. If your labels will be machine-applied, some label machines require a different core size, so check with your equipment manufacturer for exact specifications.

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Need a different size or type of label? Pricing on larger quantities? Many other options are available - contact Summit Printing for a custom quote on your particular label specifications or to discuss other available options.

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Summit Printing can print from your camera ready artwork or we can create a professional postcard design for you. Art files can be emailed or you can use the automated art uploader located on the website for files up to 500 MB.

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An effective label, sticker or decal requires good design. Visit the marketing design tips page for some useful tips to help you create an eye-catching label design.

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Summit Printing
— Your Best Label, Sticker and Decals Printing Service —