Help using our labels

Some Basic information on Labels
A material coated with an adhesive which is self-sticking (or pressure sensitive) is referred to as a label. Unlike a label that won't stick by itself, i.e. a label to which moisture (gummed paper), heat (heatseal) or glue (plain paper) has to be applied, a self-adhesive label is pre-coated with an adhesive which is protected by a backing material or liner. When this backing paper is removed, the label will stick to a surface against which the adhesive side is placed. The adhesive does not need to be activated by moisture or heat. It merely requires a small amount of pressure to cause adhesion - it is pressure sensitive! The basic construction of a pressure sensitive label consists of five layers:-

The face material, on which information and/or design is printed.
The primer, or anchor coat, which improves anchorage of the adhesive to the face paper. The primer also acts as a barrier to migration of chemicals that could stain the label face paper.
The adhesive which allows the label to be affixed to a surface.
The silicone coating which allows for easy release of the label from the backing paper.
The backing paper.

Things to look for before you order
-What is the surface to be labeled?
-Is the label to stick permanently, or is removable adhesive required?
-Is the label required to stick permanently under 'deep freeze' conditions?
-To avoid problems it is important that both the printer and the end-user is aware of the importance of these questions. Within reason, self-adhesive laminates can be produced for almost any labeling requirement but the manufacturer cannot be held responsible if the application is incorrect.

The GOLDEN RULE is to TEST FIRST. It must be up to the end-user to make sure he has the right label (with the right adhesive) for the job.

It is recommended that the following TEST FOR ADHESION is carried out before ordering:-

-Apply several sample labels to the surface of the product.
-Leave for a minimum of 24 hours.
-Lift up one corner of the label and peel slowly away. Good adhesion is indicated by a clearly noticeable fiber tear.
-Removable labels can be tested in the same way but there will be no fiber tear and the surface of the product must not be damaged.
-There are a number of surfaces to which SATISFACTORY ADHESION IS DIFFICULT. The ones most likely to be encountered are:-

-Low energy surfaces such as those that are silicone treated or contaminated, chemically treated for corrosion resistance, waxed or greasy, or printed polyethylene.
-Rough surfaces where surface contact is likely to be low such as wood, metal, lacquered finishes, cork, foam, open weave fabrics, embossed finishes and unglazed pottery.
-Moist or cold surfaces such as those caused by condensation, ice or deep freezing.
-Irregular shaped surfaces such as glass phials, ampoules or spirit miniatures where the label is applied to a convex surface of less than 25mm diameter.
-Dusty surfaces such as plaster, asbestos and Fiberglas.
Surfaces which may be extensively exposed to the atmosphere (resulting in eventual failure of the adhesive) such as steel drums.

There are also a number of SURFACES WHICH CAN BE DAMAGED by the application of self-adhesive labels. The more usual ones are:-

-Plasticized plastics such as PVC
-Weak bonded surface finishes such as flock coated fabrics and acrylic vehicle paint.
-Animal skins and natural fibbers such as suede, leather and wool.
-Metal surfaces such as copper, brass and silver.
-Some glass surfaces such as optical lenses

The best way to store labels
Store labels in their original boxes and under stable temperature and humidity conditions in the range of 60-80°f at 50-60% relative humidity. Extremely high humidity must be avoided at all times as this will almost certainly result in curled sheets and wavy edges.
Store boxes on pallets with a solid surface or in suitable racks. Do not stack label boxes directly onto the warehouse floor.
Do not store near to sources of heat or in direct sunlight. High temperatures can affect the adhesive properties and result in possible penetration and discoloration of the face paper.
Do not stack more than 10 packages high.
Do not stand or rest heavy objects on or against label boxes.

What should you do in the Print Room
-Condition label sheets in their original packages for at least 24 hours at printing room temperature and humidity levels.
-Fan label sheets prior to printing to take out any residual static.
Cover unpacked label sheets left overnight with polythene. This will afford protection against temperature and humidity changes.
-Repack label sheets in original boxes after printing.

The area to be labeled
-Make sure that the product being labeled is totally free from condensation as occurs when a cold surface is brought into a warm atmosphere.
-Make sure that, when labeling containers, no product spillage has occurred. Also, that the container to be labeled has not been handled with greasy or oily hands.
-Make sure the surface is free from dust. When goods are stored for long periods dust can collect on the surface.
-If the labels are applied by hand make sure they are being rubbed down firmly and not merely placed on the surface.
-Take the backing paper away from the label prior to application so as to keep the label as flat as possible. If the label is taken away from the backing paper it is almost certain a memory curl will be implanted which will tend to make long-term adhesion difficult.

Tips for the printer when using our labels
-Do not remove labels from their boxes and leave exposed for long periods of time before commencing printing. Changes in relative humidity can affect the stability of the sheets.
-When the job is completed, if material is too wet to pack and distribute on the same day, wrap some plastic or suitable material over the work so temperature changes overnight will not affect the stock.
-Before printing ensure that the labels are compatible with the surface they will be adhered to. It is too late once they have been printed.
-If heavy ink saturation is required, add tack reducer to ink in recommended proportions to eliminate the possibility of non-release from the blanket cylinder.
-Always have your ink manufacturer confirm the suitability of the reference number to be used on the surface of the label.
-Adjust printing pressure as necessary.
-When printing, ensure spray unit is switched on and remove completed stacks in sensible levels.
-When printing register work, carry out a side lay check or run 10-12 sheets through press twice and check.
All Worldlabel.com brand labels have face papers or film which has a smooth, or very smooth, surface. When printing large areas of solid by offset litho this allows a very high degree of contact between the blanket and the surface of the label, resulting in the label often being plucked from the backing sheet by a 'suction type' action. This effect is particularly evident when the solid area extends to the edge of the label.

For more information and help, please contact us.