Label Planet’s Brief Guide To Self Adhesive Labels
26 February 2024
Overwhelmed by the amount of self adhesive labels to choose from? This is the post for you!
We’ve put together a brief guide to what self adhesive labels are – and why there are so many options available.What Are Self Adhesive Labels?
Self adhesive labels are labels made with a particular type of adhesive known as a “self adhesive” or “pressure sensitive adhesive”. A pressure sensitive adhesive is an adhesive that is tacky (sticky) at room temperature and requires only the pressure of a finger/thumb to form a successful application.
How Many Different Forms Of Self Adhesive Labels Are There?
Self adhesive labels come in many different forms; common examples include sheet labels (like our A4 labels), roll labels (where the labels are on a continuous backing sheet that is wound around a central core), and fan-fold labels (also carried on a continuous backing sheet but one that is perforated and then folded back and forth along these perforations). Some are intended for use with printers, while others are intended to be left blank or handwritten only.
Generally speaking, self adhesive labels are three-tier constructions; they have a top layer (the Face Material), a middle layer (the Adhesive), and a bottom layer (the Backing Sheet). The face material and adhesive separate from the backing sheet to form the “label” proper. Self adhesive labels may have additional layers to help produce a particular appearance or fulfil a particular function.
At Label Planet, we have chosen to specialise in A4 sheets of self adhesive labels, which are designed for use with standard desktop laser and inkjet printers.
Why Are There So Many Different Options?
You can use A4 labels for thousands of different label applications. Different applications require particular sizes, materials, and/or adhesives to ensure that the labels can create and sustain an adhesive bond under the unique circumstances and requirements of that particular application.
Therefore, while we “specialise” in one particular type of self adhesive labels, we still have a LOT of options. Our product range includes over 100 label sizes in over 30 material/adhesive combinations because we want all of our customers to be able to find an option that suits their application.
Label Sizes:
We supply “standard” label sizes. These sizes determined by the proportions of an A4 sheet; they are the result of dividing an A4 sheet into a specific number of labels, while leaving as little waste material around and between the labels as possible. We do not supply bespoke sizes; you would need to contact a label manufacturer to request bespoke label sizes.
Label Materials:
Our sizes are then available in various material/adhesive combinations. Each combination provides a range of properties suitable for different applications. For example, we provide…
Paper or Synthetic Materials.
Paper labels are a basic (and budget friendly) option suitable for general applications. Synthetic labels offer specialised properties for more demanding applications; for example, those requiring transparent labels, waterproof labels, or asset / security labels.
Inkjet Labels or Laser Labels.
Different printers use VERY different printing methods. Inkjet printers disperse inks onto a surface, where they are partially absorbed before drying in place. Laser printers use heat (and pressure) to bond a dry powder (toner) onto a surface.Some materials suit one particular printing method (others suit both). We therefore supply laser labels and inkjet labels to allow our customers to get the best possible print quality.
Coloured Labels, Transparent Labels, and Gloss Labels / Matt Labels.
For many customers, appearance is key. We therefore provide options for coloured labels, transparent labels, along with gloss finishes (bright and shiny) and matt finishes (dull and flat).
Permanent, Removable, and Special Adhesives.
Pressure sensitive adhesives are either permanent or removable. The former create strong adhesive bonds that make labels difficult to remove. The latter create adhesive bonds that hold labels in place while needed before removing easily and cleanly (without damaging the surface or leaving behind adhesive residue).We supply permanent labels and removable labels along with specialised adhesives designed for specific applications. Examples include our high tack adhesive (creates strong adhesive bonds even on unusual materials and/or curved surfaces), marine adhesive (for outdoor applications), VOID adhesive (for security labels), deep freeze adhesive (for items used/stored in freezer conditions), water wash off adhesive (for reusable containers), and super removable adhesive (for temporarily labelling delicate items).
Choosing The Right Self Adhesive Labels From Label Planet
There are a variety of ways to find the perfect self adhesive labels for your application.
Our alphabetical list and home page links let you visit our different product range pages. Use our All Labels page to view all of our range pages at once. Alternatively, use the Label Finder to create a shortlist of suitable options based on your requirements. Enter the things your labels MUST be and the Finder will list of all of our products that suit.
We offer a free sample request service, so you can try a few different sizes and/or materials to find the perfect option for your application. We also provide free label templates for you to use to design and print your own labels.
If you need any help and advice, our Customer Service Team is on hand 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday, to help you find the perfect sticky labels.
