Choosing the right adhesive is an important part of the label printing process. Let's discuss the different types and how to select the right one! Labels are essential to any product, whether it's food, clothing, or medicine. But labels aren't just nice-looking—they're also functional! They let you know what's inside a package and how to use the product. Because they're so important, you must choose the right label adhesive for your needs. We've put together a quick guide on choosing the best label adhesive for your unique product and needs.
Types of Label Adhesives
At Leapin' Lizard Labels, we have four types of label adhesives:
- General Adhesive - A general adhesive is suitable for most labels and can be used on various surfaces. This type of label adhesive does not require any special preparation. It works best when applied to clean and dry surfaces but can also be used on other surfaces as long as they are free from dust and debris that may interfere with their ability to bond correctly.
- Removable Adhesive - This label adhesive is meant to be removed easily without leaving behind residue or damage upon removal. They work well in situations where it's necessary to change labels frequently e.g. if you're a restaurant owner). This can be reused, for those that are eco-friendly!
- Freezer Grade Adhesive - If your product will be stored at temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit or above 80 degrees Fahrenheit
consistently throughout its life cycle, then freezer-grade label adhesives should be considered for use on your packaging materials. These adhesives have better cold weather performance than other types because they have higher strength properties at lower temperatures. They'll stick better under freezing conditions without becoming brittle, as regular polypropylene tape might evolve under similar storage conditions. - Tight Radius Adhesive -Tight radius labels have an aggressive adhesive that firmly holds small cylindrical containers and packaging. A
few examples of these products would be mascara, lipstick, lip balm, and pre-roll tubes, etc.
Label Adhesive Performance Features
We use three basic categories of label adhesive: permanent, removable, and aggressive.
- Permanent adhesives are used when your labels will be in place for a long time. They are designed for a one-time application and create a permanent bond between the label and the surface. These labels should not be removed from the product they are applied to.
- Removable adhesives are best used when you want a secure bond that can still be removed without leaving adhesive residue. Examples of labels that would need to be easily removed are shipping and inventory labels.
- Aggressive adhesives are necessary for labels that require a stronger bond due to temperature, environment, or the surface to which it will need to adhere. These adhesives have powerful bonding strength, allowing them to adhere to nearly any surface permanently.
What Factors Should I Consider When Looking for an Adhesive?
Three are a few factors you should consider when you're looking for the right adhesive for your product, including:
- Product Type: You'll want to ensure that the adhesive is compatible with your product type. For example, if you're applying labels to smooth, glossy surfaces, you might need a different adhesive than if you were applying them to paper boxes.
- Label Material: Another thing to keep in mind when selecting an adhesive is the label material itself because certain adhesives work
better with specific types of label stocks (i.e., vinyl vs. paper) than others do. - Application Method: The next step in choosing the right adhesive for your label is considering the application method. This can be very
important because different adhesives are more effective at bonding certain surfaces together than others! The best way to determine this is by contacting Leapin' Lizard Labels for a free consultation.
Making Your Final Adhesive Decision
Ultimately, you will have to research and decide on the best adhesive for your label needs. To make an informed decision, you must consider all of the above factors.
If you are looking for a great way to test adhesive samples without committing to a large purchase, we offer free samples of our most popular
adhesives and label sizes. You can also ask our friendly customer service representatives any other questions or concerns that may be holding you back from making your final choice.
No matter which adhesive type or brand ends up being right for your application, we will always stand behind our products with a money-back
guarantee if it does not meet or exceed expectations after testing in the field (conditions may vary).
We hope that this guide has helped you better understand different label adhesives and how they can be used to create the perfect solution for your product. If you have any questions about choosing the right adhesive or would like to discuss a specific application with our customer success team, please contact us today!
