What Are Self-Adhesive Labels?

Labels may not seem like a big deal, but they are incredibly powerful means to convey important information. From product packaging to organizational systems, the self-adhesive label has become indispensable all around the world. In fact, you could say that self-adhesive labels have revolutionized the way we brand, organize, and communicate. 

But what exactly is a self-adhesive label? What types of self-adhesive labels do we make? And how do we make them? Read on to learn all about this simple, yet powerful tool. 

What Are Self-Adhesive Labels?

Self-adhesive labels, also known as pressure-sensitive labels, are a type of label that sticks to a surface when you apply pressure. Self-adhesive labels come with a range of benefits. They’re easy to apply and incredibly versatile, as they can be used on various materials, including glass, plastic, metal, and cardboard. Plus, self-adhesive labels can be customized with printed text, graphics, barcodes, or QR codes. 

Different Types of Self-Adhesive Labels

Self-adhesive labels typically come in two different types: permanent and removable. Removable labels can be easily peeled off without leaving residue or damaging the surface. They are commonly used when only a temporary label is needed, such as pricing labels, promotional stickers, or temporary organization systems. 

Permanent labels, on the other hand, are designed to last for a long time. Once applied, these self-adhesive labels form a strong bond with the surface. They can be removed, but removal usually damages either the label or the surface. Permanent labels are commonly used in product labeling, branding, and identification purposes. 

Large Self-Adhesive Labels

Large self-adhesive labels are specifically designed to offer lots of space for your information or branding. Large self-adhesive labels allow you to include more information, or make your design legible from a distance. They’re an excellent tool for branding or promotional purposes, letting you prominently display your logo or marketing message. They can also be used to display safety instructions, multilingual translation, or product information. From labeling large containers or equipment to creating attention-grabbing displays, these labels provide an easy way to create a visually impacting communication.  

Not all label companies are the same, and not all of them offer large self-adhesive labels. At Coast Label, we can help you customize self-adhesive labels in just about any shape or size. Our large self-adhesive labels are available in a number of sizes that we can customize to fit the dimensions of your surface. 

How They’re Made

A self-adhesive label has three main components: the facestock, or label materials, the adhesive, and the release liner. The facestock is the part of the label that you can see. It carries the design and printed information. A variety of materials can be used for the facestock, such as paper, vinyl, polyester, and even specialized materials like foil.

After the facestock is chosen, the adhesive is applied to the back of the facestock. The adhesive is what allows the self-adhesive label to stick to surfaces. There are a variety of adhesives to choose from, and the right one will depend on your label needs. After the adhesive coating, a release liner is applied. This is a backing material that protects the adhesive layer until the label is ready for use. It’s usually a silicone-coated paper or film that can be easily peeled away so the label can be applied. 

Best Uses

Because self-adhesive labels are so versatile, they are used in a variety of industries. Here are some of the best uses of the self-adhesive label:

• Product labeling: Self-adhesive labels provide a professional way to display product information and branding for your products. 
• Organizational systems: Self-adhesive labels are extremely helpful in creating efficient organizational systems, from the office to the warehouse. They can be used to label storage containers, files, shelves, drawers, and more. 
• Shipping: Most shipping and logistics companies use self-adhesive labels in their operations. They are used for address labels, barcodes, tracking numbers, and handling instructions. 
• Branding and marketing: Self-adhesive labels are great for branding and marketing. They can be used on promo materials, merchandise, retail displays, and event signage. Large self-adhesive labels are particularly useful for creating an eye-catching display. 
• Pricing: Many retail stores use self-adhesive labels to price their products. 
• Healthcare: In the medical and pharmaceutical industries, self-adhesive labels are crucial, used to label medication, provide patient identification, and track specimens. 

When Not to Use Self-Adhesive Labels

In many cases, using a self-adhesive label comes with many benefits and is highly suitable. However, there are some cases where you may need to find a different labeling method. Here are some instances when self-adhesive labels may not be the best choice: 

• High-temperature environments: In extreme high-temperature environments, the adhesive used in these labels may fail, causing the labels to peel off. 
• Rough or uneven surfaces: A self-adhesive label may not adhere well to a rough, porous, or uneven surface. 
• Curved or complex surfaces: Self-adhesive labels may not be suitable for curved or intricate surfaces. The rigidity of the material and the adhesive’s inability to conform to irregular contours can lead to poor adhesion or air bubbles. 

Self-adhesive labels, also known as pressure-sensitive labels, are a versatile type of label that sticks to a surface when pressure is applied. They come in two types: permanent and removable. Permanent labels are designed to last for a long time, while removable labels can be easily peeled off without damaging the surface. Large self-adhesive labels are specifically designed to offer lots of space for information or branding. They are made up of three main components: the facestock, adhesive, and release liner. Self-adhesive labels are used in various industries, such as product labeling, organizational systems, shipping, branding and marketing, pricing, and healthcare. However, they may not be suitable for high-temperature environments, rough or uneven surfaces, or curved or complex surfaces.