This is a comprehensive guide to help you choose the right material and things to consider when it comes to making your labels.
Label material is important when it comes to your label selection. Depending on the look you’re trying to achieve, material will play a big role. Here, you’ll find some of our recommendations when it comes to the purpose of your labels, the type of artwork you have, and the look you’re trying to achieve.
Let’s go over some of the different materials, finishes, their benefits and downsides. The materials below are generally listed in the order of least to most expensive. Standard materials tend to cost less, while specialty materials are usually a bit pricier.
At StickiEZ, we print all our labels on BOPP material with a high resolution. Click here to learn more about BOPP material and its benefits.
In addition to various types of material, you also have the option to select lamination. We’ll talk about this in the last section below.
Standard Label Materials
Matte – matte material is the most cost-effective choice. It possesses durability and will not be vulnerable to damage from oily finger prints. It also offers resistance to minor water exposure.
However, one drawback of matte material is its propensity to slightly dull printed colors. This is due to its capacity to absorb more ink. For instance, if your artwork features a solid black background, it may appear less vibrant compared to the same artwork printed on glossy material. On the other hand, if your artwork predominantly comprises pastel colors, or if you desire a muted aesthetic, then matte material is the perfect selection. If you wish to maintain the matte texture while enhancing color vibrancy, satin material can serve as an excellent alternative to achieve this effect.
Gloss – gloss material stands out as the favored choice among our clientele. Labels printed on gloss material are known for their vibrant colors. It also has a sleek, shiny finish that adds a touch of elegance to the final product.
However, it’s worth noting that without the protective shield of lamination, gloss labels may exhibit increased susceptibility to high levels of water or oil exposure. Fortunately, this vulnerability can be effectively mitigated by opting for a lamination coat for your labels, as explained below.
Nonetheless, it’s essential to underline the inherent durability of gloss material. If your intended use does not involve refrigeration or extended exposure to high levels of oil, then gloss labels without lamination remain a highly viable and visually appealing option.
Satin – this is the best option for achieving a matte texture without losing the color vibrance of your artwork. This material has matte-like finish. Unlike the matte material however, satin will have just a very slight shine to it. This is a duller matte-like shine, as opposed to a glossy shine. This material is also very durable and not very vulnerable to small amounts of water.
Clear – this material is an ideal choice, particularly when you require elements beneath your artwork design to be visible. It excels, especially when applied to clear packaging containers, where transparency is key. Our capabilities encompass white, black, and full-color printing on clear labels and stickers, ensuring that we can cater to your specific color requirements. This material not only yields vibrant prints but also enables your artwork to stand out prominently against any background it graces.
Specialty Label Materials
Gold/Silver – these specialty materials are very effective in allowing your labels to stand out from the rest. The gold or silver effect they give is close to impossible to capture with ink alone. These materials are on the pricier end of the spectrum due to the color effects and the costs associated with manufacturing of these materials.
As the name suggests, gold material exhibits a stunning gold finish. And silver will produce a resplendent silver-like appearance. These materials are particularly favored by our clientele for their ability to create captivating and attention-grabbing labels.
It’s important to acknowledge that the distinctive coating and texture of specialty materials render them more susceptible to potential damage from oil and water exposure. To safeguard and prolong the vibrancy of these color effects, we strongly recommend the addition of a lamination coat. This acts as a protective shield to your labels.
The type of artwork design that works best on these materials is something that will allow the color of the material to show through. Allowing the label to show off the beautiful finish. It also works very well as a background color allowing your design to stand out against the unique color of this background.
Holographic – this material is another one in the specialty materials category. It has a silver undertone and generates a rainbow-like color palette as a glare. It gives a colorful, shiny appearance in any kind of light.
The extraordinary properties of our rainbow material make it an unrivaled choice for labels and packaging seeking to command attention amidst a sea of products on store shelves. Picture this: as you stroll through the aisles, this material’s innate radiance practically illuminates your path, drawing your gaze irresistibly. It’s an attention-grabber like no other.
Your label design can allow for this material to show through on its own. Or even a color-flooded label can still retain this effect since the color properties of this material can still show through depending on the complexity of your designs.
Crystal (or Cracked Ice) – the best way to describe this material’s texture and color properties is to visualize it as shattered crystals. As the material is moved in the light, it creates a visual sense of colorful glares of small specs of crystals. This effect can be very beautiful and eye-catching. It is akin to glimpsing a kaleidoscope of colorful glares composed of countless tiny crystal fragments.
However, it’s important to approach the use of crystal stock with thoughtful consideration, as its inherent complexity can pose design challenges. We recommend exercising caution when incorporating numerous small elements or excessive text into your labels printed on crystal material. The intricate visual nature of this finish can make small elements or text challenging to discern or read.
That being said, crystal stock proves to be an excellent choice for certain design elements. Logos and less detailed artwork, for instance, can shine brilliantly on crystal material. It providing a means to stand out distinctly amidst your competition. Even against dark backgrounds, the crystal effect continues to make its presence felt, creating an alluring and distinctive aesthetic that enhances the overall appeal of your label or sticker.
Lamination
For any label or sticker, you have the option to add a lamination coat. We currently offer two types of lamination: gloss and matte. Lamination involves the application of an invisible layer of specialized material onto your labels. It also yields a multitude of benefits.
First and foremost, lamination serves as an extra shield of protection for your labels, significantly enhancing their resilience. It acts as a barrier that renders the printed ink resistant to potential damage from water and oil exposure. This ensures that your labels remain pristine and legible even in challenging conditions. Furthermore, lamination adds an additional layer to your labels, making them slightly thicker and further bolstering their overall sturdiness.
Lamination is not always necessary. Especially for high-volume items that do not come into a lot of contact with moisture or oily substances. We would also advise against lamination for labels that may be placed on small circumference, plastic packaging. In certain scenarios, lamination could slightly hinder adhesive material’s elasticity—essentially, your label’s ability to adhere. So, if you’re applying a label to, let’s say, a 1.5cm diameter tube, it may not stick as well over time as a label without lamination.
We would however advise to add lamination for any labels which may be applied to packaging that will be refrigerated. This will help protect your label and design from condensation and moisture buildup. It is also suggested to add lamination for labels that will wrap oil-containing items such as, CBD or cooking oil.
Gloss – this is an invisible coat of lamination with a glossy finish. This will give your label or sticker more of a glass-like finish and be smooth to the touch.
Matte – this will give it matte appearance with a dulled texture. This has more of a satin-like feel and looks great on any type of label.
