When a customer contacts us for custom printed labels, the first discussion is usually about size, quantity and artwork.
These are important, but they are not the only things that determine whether the finished labels will work well.
Over the years, we have seen that some problems can be avoided if the technical requirements are confirmed before production begins.
Here are the main points we recommend checking.
1. Where Will the Label Be Used?
The application should always come first.
Is the label going onto paper, glass, plastic, metal, rubber or another material?
Will it be used indoors or outdoors?
Will it be exposed to water, oil, chemicals, sunlight, freezing temperatures or heat?
These details help determine the appropriate facestock and adhesive.
2. What Printing Method Will Be Used?
The printing method affects material selection.
Common options include:
- Digital inkjet
- UV inkjet
- HP Indigo
- Laser
- Flexographic printing
- Thermal transfer
- Direct thermal printing
Different printing technologies have different requirements for surface treatment, ink reception, heat resistance and dimensional stability.
A label material should therefore be tested with the actual printer whenever possible.
3. What Size and Shape Is Required?
Label dimensions are more than a design issue.
Very small labels require good die-cutting accuracy. Large labels may require better dimensional stability.
Labels with narrow gaps or complex shapes also need appropriate liner and adhesive configurations.
For automatic application, label spacing and winding direction should be confirmed before production.
4. What Information Will Be Printed?
Some labels contain fixed information, while others include variable data such as:
- Barcodes
- QR codes
- Serial numbers
- Batch numbers
- Dates
- Product codes
If barcode readability is important, the surface finish and printing method should be considered carefully.
5. What Is the Required Label Life?
Not every label needs to remain on a product for years.
Some labels are designed for short-term logistics use, while others need to remain readable throughout the product’s service life.
This affects the choice of facestock, adhesive and protective finishing.
6. What Packaging Conditions Should Be Considered?
Storage conditions can be very different from application conditions.
For example, a label may be applied at room temperature but later stored in a refrigerator or transported through a humid environment.
In these cases, the label should be evaluated under the actual conditions it will experience.
7. Ask for Samples Before Large Production
This is one of the most practical steps.
Before placing a large custom label order, we recommend testing samples on the actual product.
Check:
- Adhesion
- Printing quality
- Barcode readability
- Edge lifting
- Surface appearance
- Resistance to water or chemicals
- Performance during application
A short sample test can sometimes identify problems that cannot be seen from a technical data sheet alone.
Our Suggestion to Buyers
When requesting a quotation, providing complete application information can make the technical communication much easier.
Instead of only sending:
“100 × 50 mm, 10,000 pieces.”
It is more useful to provide:
“100 × 50 mm, applied to PET bottles, outdoor use, UV inkjet printing, exposed to moisture, expected service life of two years.”
With this information, a label manufacturer can evaluate the material structure more accurately.
Custom labels are not simply printed graphics. They are a combination of material, adhesive, printing and application requirements.
The earlier these factors are discussed, the easier it is to achieve stable production and consistent application results.
For customized label materials and printing solutions, please contact us.
Contact Information
Post time: Sep-17-2026
