Depending on your usage needs, not only will the type of label change, but so will the adhesive. Adhesive is the secret weapon of the labelling world, playing a crucial role in ensuring that your labels are visible for all to see, all year round.
So, which adhesive do you need, and what types of self-adhesive labels are there? It can seem confusing, but don’t worry. We’ll break down the world of industrial label adhesives, here.
What is Adhesive?
The word ‘adhesive’ is essentially a more scientific way of saying ‘glue’. It’s the compound applied to the back of labels that gives them the stickiness needed to stay in place once put onto a sign, pole, product, or even a wall.
While the role of adhesive is simple, choosing the right type is crucial. Not only do you risk the label falling off and failing to fulfil its primary purpose, but some types of adhesive only work in certain situations.
Types of Label Adhesives
To help you distinguish one adhesive from another, we’ve compiled a list of all the different types of adhesives you’re likely to see across our industrial label range.
Permanent
Designed to create an exceptionally strong bond with the surface they’re applied to, a permanent label is intended for prolonged use. Trying to remove these labels prematurely can run the risk of damage to the label and the surface.
Removable
Removal labels are a tier down from permanent labels in terms of stickiness, meaning that while they can be used for a long time, their fixture isn’t permanent. These types of adhesives are often used on equally as disposable labels, which may fail to offer UV or weather protection.
Repositionable
Similar to removable labels, a repositionable industrial label is designed to be used and reused over many applications. The adhesive is somewhat tacky, but it creates more of a temporary bond, rather than a glue-like substance.
Acrylic vs Rubber
Getting deep into the weeds of adhesives, you’re likely to encounter a comparison between the use of acrylic and rubber-based adhesives. In most cases, you needn’t worry about the specifics, as your label manufacturer (like us) should help you make the right choice while placing your order.
However, for those curious, the basic explanation is that acrylic adhesives are regarded mainly for their long-term use, while rubber-based adhesives are more of the opposite.
Which Adhesive Should You Choose?
With all three adhesive types defined, now comes the crucial question: which one is best for your needs? We’ll walk you through the label adhesive selection process, below.
1. The Surface
Different surfaces have different attributes. Glass, for example, is an incredibly smooth surface with fewer bumps and grooves than, say, concrete. Therefore, the type of adhesive used on glass can differ from that of rougher substrates.
Generally speaking, the smoother your surface, the less adhesion needed. The more complicated it is, however, the more likely you are to need a stronger bond.
2. The Environment
The environment in which your label will be used can greatly impact the type or quality of adhesive needed to ensure a strong installation. Hotter environments, for example, can make the adhesive beneath your label more malleable, whereas colder environments can have the opposite effect.
Plus, there’s the exterior of the label – if you’re in a humid environment or are using labels outside in a rainy climate, a laminated industrial label should be used as the absolute bare minimum.
3. The Application
Although it may not seem like it, the way in which you apply your labels can also impact the type of adhesive you should use. For example, if you’re using a label gun, you’ll need to make sure that the adhesive is compatible with the hardware you’re using. Self-applied labels offer a bit more freedom, though, so you generally have much more options available in this case.
Your Trusted Supplier of Industrial Adhesive Labels
At Label Source, you can count on us for a myriad of label types, including industrial labels made for many purposes. From highlighting important safety hazards to indicating PAT testing and calibration status, our collection comes in a variety of styles and adhesive types to help you get the right fit.
Browse our full collection today, or contact us for advice.
