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Permanent Adhesives | Removable
Adhesives | Special
Adhesive Requirements
The adhesive is the part of the label that makes the label adhere to an object.
There are many different types of adhesives available. The adhesive can be water,
rubber or acrylic based. Each having properties that affect the characteristics
of the adhesives. A water based adhesive would not be used for an application
that will be exposed to humidity or moisture. Rubber based adhesive have good
quick tack and initial peel but will break down under extended exposure to UV
light. Acrylic based adhesives are generally repositionable when the label has
been first applied to a surface but will form a bond after a period of time.
The adhesive layer is generally applied as an all over coat but can be applied
in a pattern where only specific areas are coated with the adhesive.
The type of adhesive required is determined by the type of substrate it will
be adhered to, the facestock of the label, the method in which it will be applied,
the conditions under which it will be used and what it will be used for. There
are two basic categories of adhesives, permanent and removable, each having
a range of different types.
Permanent Adhesives
| General Purpose Permanent |
A label with this adhesive cannot be removed without the
label being destroyed or leaving residue on the object that it was applied
to. This adhesive generally adheres well to most corrugated, paper and plastic
substrates but is not guaranteed to work for every application. Labels with
general purpose permanent adhesive can be applied at temperatures as low
as 25° - 35°F. It has a service temperature range of -50°F to
+150°F. |
| Aggressive or Extra Permanent |
An adhesive used when a general purpose permanent is not
strong enough. It has more initial tack and superior adhesion strength.
Works well on difficult to label surfaces, such as tires, batteries, and
lumber. |
| Wide Temperature |
Wide temperature adhesives are made to adhere in temperatures
as low as -65°F and as high as 150°F. They will adhere to vinyl
and after 24 hours adhesion becomes permanent. |
| Opaque |
Opaque adhesive is used for blockout purposes. It is used
to prevent show through when a label is used to cover up errors. The adhesive
is generally permanent. |
| Pharmaceutical |
A permanent adhesive that is designed for excellent initial
tack for applying labels to glass and plastic items, such as syringes and
vials. It has dependable adhesion strength, which holds the label in place.
Is FDA approved. |
Removable Adhesive
| General Purpose Removable |
A removable label can be removed from the substrate without
pieces remaining on the surface. Depending on its level of tack, a removable
label can damage the surface of some materials, such as wood and suede.
After a period of time or exposure to weather, the removable label will
become permanent. |
| Ultra-removable or Repositionable |
This adhesive allows a label to be removed from a surface
without leaving any residue or causing any damage. The label can then be
reapplied in another area and is not limited to the number of times it can
be repositioned. This adhesive works well with paper and film products and
is great for labeling crystal, china, sunglasses and other glassware. Ultra-removable
and repositionable adhesives do not gain permanency over time. |
| Freezer |
Freezer adhesive is designed to work on hard to label surfaces
in below freezing temperatures. It is generally removable at room temperature. |
| Textile |
Textile adhesive removes cleanly from fabric. If left on
the fabric for extreme periods of time, staining may occur. Should not be
used on velvet, furs, suede, leather or plastic. It may damage the surface
of these materials. Testing is advised. |
Special Adhesive Requirements
There are many types of adhesives available to meet special requirements for
your label use. Be sure to consider all factors when selecting the type of adhesive
that should be used for your application. Let your supplier know the following
information.
- The properties of the substrate the label will be attached to,
such as texture, material makeup and shape.
- The condition of the substrate when the label is applied to it,
such as the temperature, and the dirt and moisture contamination.
- The environmental conditions that the label will be exposed to
through its life cycle, such as moisture, chemicals, and extreme
cold or heat.
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- The type of facestock material.
- The application method and dispensing method.
- Length of time the label is required to last.
- Will the label need to have the ability to be removed and if so,
how long a period of time before it will be removed.
- How it will be imprinted, such as dot matrix, laser, ink jet or
thermal.
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Note: Surface Testing
When a label has not been used for an application previously,
it should be tested prior to application. Some of the surfaces that
should be tested are listed below:
Injection molded surface (may contain anti-adhesive
release chemicals)
Plastic surfaces - Wax surfaces - High density polyethylene
Very rough surfaces - Contaminated surfaces
Wet or damp surfaces - Frozen surfaces
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Communicating with your vendor as much as possible about the
intended use of the label will result in a product best suited to your needs.
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