Types of Label Adhesives

Understanding the different types of label adhesives is crucial for choosing the right option for your products and work environment. With so many options available, it can be difficult to know which label adhesive is right for your needs. As leading providers of custom product labels and thermal labels, the team at West Coast Labels understands how difficult it can be to understand the difference between each type of adhesive. That is why our team has provided an overview of the different types of label adhesives to help you determine which option is right for your needs.

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The Main Types of Label Adhesives

Types of label adhesives include:

Permanent

The majority of labels utilize a permanent adhesive because they fit the needs of most applications. This type of adhesive creates a strong bond with the surface they are applied to, making them a great choice for most packaging and products. This strong bond means they can damage packaging or surfaces if someone attempts to remove the label, so they must be applied carefully.

Removable

As the name implies, these types of labels can be removed after they are applied without damaging the surface it is placed on. It should be noted that these labels can only be safely removed for a short period—a day to a week—based on the label. Removable labels are great for limited-time promotions and coupons.

Repositionable

Repositionable adhesives are designed for short-term removability. This is ideal for situations where the labels need to be changed. Examples of these situations include product pricing, pallet labels, and other informational labels.

Adhesive Properties

All labels feature different properties, making them suitable for certain applications over others. Adhesive properties include:

Initial Tack

The immediate holding power of the adhesive after it has been placed on a surface.

Ultimate Adhesion

The maximum holding power that a label will achieve after it fully bonds to a surface.

UV Resistance

The label’s resistance to UV rays, reducing fading and preserving adhesion over time.

Shear Resistance

The firmness of a label. Firm labels have a high shear resistance while soft labels have a low shear resistance.

Solvent Resistance

The label’s capacity to withstand exposure to water, alcohol, petrochemical solvents, and other substances without losing adhesion.

Mandel Hold

How well a label’s adhesive holds up to a curved surface or tight radius.

Service Temperature Range

The temperature range in which the adhesive can function after the label has been applied. Most labels have a range between -40°C to 90°C.

To learn more about label adhesives and custom product labels, get in touch with the team at West Coast Labels. We can be reached through our online contact form and will be happy to answer any questions you may have.