When to Use Pressure Sensitive Labels
Popular demand continues to indicate pressure sensitive labels remain one of the most effective and versatile labeling solutions. Making up 40% of the total labeling market, they remain the leading label format around the world. Commonly used across healthcare, food and beverage, and personal care applications, pressure sensitive labels can be completely customized to any requirement.
With pressure sensitive labels you have the freedom to choose from a variety of materials, shapes, sizes, printing options, and finishes to bring products to life across many industries. They work well across numerous product types — from wine bottles to beer, candles, sauces, nutraceuticals, automotives, and more. Not only are they extremely versatile, but pressure sensitive labels are also highly cost-effective. They don’t require heat, solvent or water to activate, so you can apply them directly with light pressure.
Finding the Right Material for Pressure Sensitive Labels
Your label material choice greatly impacts the appearance and durability of your label. Pressure sensitive labels can use paper, film or foil as primary label materials and work with many inks. Film and foil materials are more durable and commonly used across shampoo, beverage, and cosmetic labels. They stand up to tough environments and are commonly used across specialty products aiming for a unique look. There are also a variety of paper materials you can choose from, which are a more traditional and cost-effective option.
The overall material makeup of your pressure sensitive label includes a liner, release coat, adhesive, face stock, and top coat. The liner is also known as the backing paper. With the help of a release coat, the face stock and adhesive peel away from the liner. The face stock is also known as your label material and features your printed design, while the top coat is applied to protect it and add visual interest.
If you are unsure of the best material and coating for your application, you can reference our brief material guide, or you can connect with our team to find the best custom label solution.
What is the Difference Between Pressure Sensitive Labels vs Self-Adhesive?
The short answer is — nothing! They are one and the same. Pressure sensitive labels arrive with an adhesive coating that sticks to the surface of a product. Unlike an average sticker, pressure sensitive labels can be customized according to your product needs, including either a permanent or removable adhesive. There are, however, a few things to keep in mind when choosing an adhesive. The right printing partner will help you factor in your label material, your packaging or product, how customers interact with your product, and the type of environment your product will live in.
At Bay Tech, our team excels at helping you factor in environmental conditions like temperature and moisture. If your product will be cold or wet, we have adhesives solutions to ensure a long-lasting result. We have temporary adhesives for removable labels, permanent labels, adhesives that stand up to harsh chemicals and conditions, and temperature resistant solutions for freezers, excess humidity, and moisture. Our expertise runs deep in everything from high-temperature adhesive labels to chemical labels.
There are a number of factors your adhesive might need to overcome, from outdoor exposure to chemical exposure, sunlight, varying temperatures, moisture, and more. If you have any questions about the potential hazards your environment might pose to the longevity of your label, connect directly with our team and we’d be happy to help.
How to Apply Pressure Sensitive Labels
Another great benefit of pressure sensitive labels is how easily they can be applied. Without needing a heat source, you don’t need to worry about application and drying times. You can apply them directly to your products with light or moderate pressure.
While pressure sensitive labels can be applied manually or with labeling equipment, they work best on smooth product surfaces including cardboard, plastic, and glass. Pressure sensitive labels come in rolls and are later applied to your product. Application accuracy is an important factor to consider as inconsistencies in pressure can result in distortions. Labeling machines are often the preferred choice for an even application.
Bay Tech Label Brings the Print Capabilities You Need
Whether your high-end product demands a premium label or your equipment and industrial parts require identification that is a little more durable, Bay Tech Label has the printing power to achieve your end goal thanks to 10 presses. With our recently upgraded equipment, you can be sure your label quality remains consistent all the way through.
With traditional flexographic printing for larger orders, and digitally-printed labels for runs that require more flexibility, we make sure you get the most out of your investment at either end. A full-service label supplier, we offer die cut labels featuring up to 8 colors. If you have unique shaped packaging, you can have a label die cut to fit exactly as you’d like — and in any size.
Bay Tech Label remains the top choice for quality pressure sensitive labels at affordable prices across all of Florida and the United States. Contact our team to explore your labeling options today.
