Ask yourself these questions before you create a product label

In the world of labels, we often use the phrase “test, test, test” when we are talking with new customers about creating new labels. “A simple label?” you might ask. “How can it be so complicated that you would need to test it?” After all, there are hundreds of pressure sensitive label options to choose from, created with different face stocks, adhesives, printing methods, liners, laminates, die cuts, and varnishes (i.e., laminates). However, if you study your options and know what to look out for when testing your new designs with different material combinations, containers, and environmental conditions, testing and ordering custom printed labels for the first time becomes a much easier process. Here are just a few questions you should ask yourself when creating and testing a new product label:

• What will be the general temperature of the environment where you apply the label? (e.g., room temperature, cold, hot)
• What temperatures will the label be expected to withstand after it is applied? Will it be expected to stick to a box in a warehouse in the Arctic? That is cold!
• What size and shape of container will the label be applied to? Will it be flat, have a very tight circumference, or fall somewhere in between?
• Will the label be exposed to wet conditions after it is applied? (e.g., a shampoo bottle in the shower)
• Will the label likely be exposed to oils or other chemicals after it is applied? Lotion labels are a good example of these types of labels.One of the most critical questions you should ask during the creation and testing phase, however, is “What is my application for this label and how do I expect it to perform?”

Furthermore, you should know that we have simplified the aspect of choosing label materials for you by offering basic label constructions. Our materials are designed to serve many applications, which will allow you not to worry too much. I would be remiss, though, if I did not close this column with the phrase we love reciting to our new customers over and over again: “We encourage you to test your label to ensure it will work for your application.” You might get tired of hearing us repeatedly offer this piece of advice, but you will thank us later when your customers end up raving about the beautiful full color, custom printed labels on your products.