- Section 1: Custom Labelling Essentials
- Section 2: Custom Labelling Types & Materials
- Section 3: Best Applications for Custom Labels
- Section 4: Choosing the Right Label Adhesive
- Section 5: Branding Benefits of Custom Labels
- Section 6: Key Considerations Before Starting Your Labelling Project
- Section 7: The Tale of Two Labels
Custom label solutions go beyond the simple concept of a branded sticker. They encompass the art of designing, producing, and applying labels that are specifically tailored to suit a product’s unique requirements. These labels are crafted to align with a brand’s identity—its colours, fonts, and design—ultimately ensuring the product is represented exactly how the brand intends to be perceived by its target market.
No two custom labels are made the same. They can range from innovative solutions like QR code beacons and vibrant tap tops to name plates, safety compliance plates, and domed labels; the possibilities for custom labels are virtually endless.
In this guide, we will break down the essentials of custom labelling to help you ensure your labels not only look great at production but continue to withstand everything your environment throws at them.
Domed Labels
What Are Domed Labels?
Domed labels, also known as raised stickers or 3D stickers, are a standout choice for brands seeking durability and enhanced visual appeal. These labels feature a clear, raised, dome-shaped polyurethane coating that enhances the design and offers added protection against external elements. The raised profile creates an eye-catching, high-end aesthetic while providing resistance to weathering, fading, and peeling.
The polyurethane coating applied to domed labels offers a durable and visually appealing finish. The raised dome effect creates depth and dimension, allowing the label to stand out from flat alternatives. This feature also provides an extra layer of protection against the harmful effects of UV rays, harsh chemicals, and extreme weather conditions.
Imagine a car badge that has had years of exposure to harsh UV rays, rain and tough environments, yet the badge remains vibrant and intact after years – this is the power of a good quality domed label. It speaks for itself.
Polycarbonate Labels
What Are Polycarbonate Labels?
Polycarbonate, often referred to as 'polycarb,' is a tough, lightweight, and virtually indestructible plastic that is commonly used for creating highly durable labels.
Like domed labels, polycarbonate labels offer exceptional resistance to UV rays, chemicals, water, and extreme weather conditions. The key distinction lies in the design—while domed labels have a raised, 3D profile, polycarbonate labels are flatter and more understated.
They are designed to endure harsh environments, maintaining legibility and quality under extreme conditions without compromising visual appeal. For example, polycarbonate labels are commonly used on trucks and heavy machinery for wayfinding and safety warnings. They provide critical information that must remain clear and unfaded for compliance. Their flat design ensures that they are easy to apply to products and surfaces where simplicity is preferred.
Acrylic Cut Labels
What Are Acrylic Cut Labels?
Acrylic cut labels are a type of rigid substrate printing. They are contemporary and highly and a highly versatile labelling solutions crafted from acrylic material, precisely cut into custom shapes or designs using advanced laser technology. Unlike domed labels, acrylic cut labels do not need a curved surface and can be shaped into virtually any design, offering enhanced design flexibility. These labels can also feature vibrant, fluorescent colours that create an eye-catching visual appeal.
Acrylic cut labels are laser-cut into precise shapes, enhancing the appearance of products. These labels often showcase a raised 3D effect, making them visually striking while adding depth and dimension. Acrylic labels are ideal for brands aiming to make a bold statement, providing endless design possibilities.
Traffolyte Labels
What Are Traffolyte Labels?
Traffolyte labels, which include nameplates, name tags, and badges, are sought after for engraving applications. Being lightweight and flexible, they are perfect for a variety of uses, such as safety signage, emergency labels, and equipment identification.
One of the key advantages of traffolyte is its ease of use compared to aluminium labels. Being a lightweight material, it is simple to handle and engrave, making it a highly versatile option. Traffolyte is composed of multiple layers of phenolic plastic sheets in various colours. When engraved, the process reveals a contrasting colour beneath, resulting in clear and precise markings. This is beneficial as traffolyte engraving lasts longer as opposed to direct printing onto a top surface that may deteriorate sooner.
However, it’s important to consider the limitations of traffolyte labels. They may not be suitable for environments with extreme weather conditions, such as temperatures exceeding 150°C, or where they will be subjected to high impact or significant stress.
Anodised Aluminium Labels
What Are Anodised Aluminium Labels?
Anodised Aluminium labels, also known as plates, are dependable for long-lasting, corrosion-resistant identification and signage, making them suitable for indoor and outdoor use. They are most commonly used for safety compliance plates that provide essential regulatory and safety information about a product, machine, or system. These plates are typically used in industries where safety is critical, such as manufacturing, construction, and automotive sectors. The information on a safety compliance plate could include certifications, safety warnings, operational instructions, weight limits, serial numbers, QR codes and compliance with regulatory standards.
Benefits of Anodised Plates:
Regulatory Compliance: Provide visible, clear safety instructions and certifications to ensure your business meets legal safety and operational requirements.Durability: Safety compliance plates are designed to withstand extreme conditions such as heat, moisture, and abrasion and will last throughout the equipment's life.
Improved Workplace Safety: Clearly visible safety information reduces the risk of accidents and enhances safety awareness in your workplace.
Self-Adhesive Vinyl
What Are Self-Adhesive Vinyl Labels?
Self-Adhesive Vinyl is a versatile and easy-to-use material commonly used for creating labels, stickers, and decals. As a "peel and stick" product, it features an adhesive backing that allows it to bond to a wide range of surfaces.
The labels are directly printed onto the vinyl surface, providing high-quality, vibrant designs that can be cut to any shape or size based on your needs. Whether you need simple rectangular labels or intricate, custom-cut designs, self-adhesive vinyl is flexible enough to handle various shapes and sizes. Typically, self-adhesive vinyl labels are the most cost-effective option and the most common approach.
However, one important consideration is that self-adhesive vinyl labels are often ‘what you see is what you get’. The colour and appearance of the label are determined by the print job, and there is minimal room for changes once the design is printed. Additionally, while the vinyl is durable, it’s important to note that it is not always suitable for heavy-duty or industrial environments where extreme wear or weather conditions may be a factor.
Self-adhesive vinyl is also highly cost-effective and easy to apply. It requires no additional tools or complex installation processes. Simply peel off the backing and stick the label onto the desired surface, making it perfect for quick and hassle-free applications.
QR Code Labels
QR code labels offer a seamless way to instantly bridge physical products with digital information. Often printed on round acrylic cutouts, commonly referred to as beacons, they are widely used in the hospitality industry for effortless menu access or contactless payments. Beyond this, QR codes are an efficient tool for directing customers to additional product details, service information, or location-based content, enhancing engagement and streamlining user experiences.
Graphic Overlay
Graphic Overlays are thin, flexible labels that provide a protective layer for the graphics or displays underneath. They are typically used in electronics, control panels, appliances, and machinery. Graphic overlays are often made from materials such as polycarbonate, or are domed, which provide both durability and clarity. These overlays not only protect the printed graphics from damage but also ensure that the visual appearance remains intact for a long period of time.
Graphic overlays can include any design, from simple text to complex multi-coloured patterns, and are often used for user interfaces or branding.
How Polycarb Graphic Overlays Work:
A graphic overlay is designed to be placed over the top of a panel or display. The graphics are printed directly onto the back of the overlay, creating a durable, scratch-resistant surface. The overlay protects the underlying display or controls, such as buttons, screens, or logos, from moisture, dirt, and wear.
DuroChrome Badging
DuroChrome Badging is a premium labelling solution that combines high durability with a sleek, chrome-like finish. The result is a high-gloss, polished appearance that is visually striking and highly resistant to wear and tear.
DuroChrome Badging is ideal for businesses seeking a luxury aesthetic combined with long-lasting performance.
Tap Tops
Tap tops, also known as tap decals, are custom labels commonly used on beverage containers, drink taps, or dispensing systems. These labels are made from various materials, with the most popular being acrylic and domed finishes, offering both durability and an eye-catching look. Tap tops are designed for branding and interaction, acting as a focal point for consumers when serving or receiving their drinks.
These labels play a key role in elevating the appearance of drink dispensers, reinforcing the brand identity with clear, professional, and informative messaging. Tap tops are highly visible, making them an effective tool for brand promotion. Whether you're looking to highlight a specific product, showcase a logo, or add important product details, Tap Tops can be fully customised to reflect the unique aesthetics of a brand.
Etched Design
Etched labels are a premium labelling solution that involves the removal of material from a surface, typically using a laser, to create a permanent, raised or recessed design. This method produces highly detailed, durable designs that are both visually appealing and long-lasting. Etched labels are often made from materials such as acrylic, bamboo, or timber, which confer a sophisticated aesthetic.
Etching uses precise techniques to carve designs, text, or logos into the material's surface. This permanent method ensures the label will not fade or degrade over time, even under harsh conditions. The etching process creates a textured, elegant appearance that is particularly effective in high-end branding or products requiring a premium look.
Barcode Element
Barcode labels are custom labels that feature a series of parallel lines or squares designed to encode data. These labels are essential tools for tracking, inventory management, and product identification, offering a reliable method for storing information such as product details, pricing, and serial numbers. Typically printed on durable materials like polycarbonate, self-adhesive vinyl, and anodised aluminium, barcode labels provide an efficient and accurate asset tracking and management solution. Their versatility and ease of integration into existing systems make them an invaluable asset for streamlining operations and improving overall efficiency.
How to Stop Your Custom Labels from Peeling and Falling Off
How to Avoid Choosing the Wrong Materials for Your Custom Decals
