Label Application

[tonih]

Hi all,

I'm looking for tips and tricks on how to better apply my clear labels. I'm doing them by hand and at first I was getting lots of tiny air bubbles, especially on the smaller containers. I started using a squeegee and its better. However, I still get some air bubbles and/or lifting after the containers sit for a while. On occasion with the larger wrap around labels I have had creasing. Does anyone else use clear labels? I've started looking at label applicator machines, but then I would have to get custom roll labels which is costly. Any feedback is welcome. Thanx

 

[FFLinOhio]

have you tried peeling the backing off your label as you go, not beforehand?

 

[tonih]

have you tried peeling the backing off your label as you go, not beforehand?

yes, but I will try again with the smaller labels. for the larger wraparounds it actually seems to go better if i peel the label ooff completely and work from the middle out. thanx

 

[FFLinOhio]

you have very nice labels Where do you have them printed?

 

[tonih]

you have very nice labels Where do you have them printed?

thank you. i have them printed at work, on a laser printer, i'm a designer at a printshop so it has come in handy. the labels are from online labels, i use clear gloss or weatherproof polyester. the polyester was easier to apply but a different look as its white.

 

[Ephemerella]

it actually seems to go better if i peel the label ooff completely and work from the middle out. thanx

That is what I was going to suggest, it's how I apply my candle labels.

I have found that sometimes, reducing the vertical size of the label can help with buckling and bubbling. I believe its because the very top and bottom of a vessel can differ ever so slightly in circumference -- I image it makes the manufacturing process easier. I find when I have a label that uses almost the entire surface area of the vessel from top to bottom, I get buckling.

If you can, maybe try reducing the height of your label by a noticeable amount, like 20%; this way, you're concentrating the label in the most consistently sized area of the vessel.