Opaque “Blockout” Labels

June 13th, 2013

We often get enquiries from customers who need a label that can cover up existing print. Some need to update their packaging, files, or paperwork with new contact details or relevant information; others may need to cover up an error on items that they cannot afford to, are unable to, or don’t wish to replace; and some may simply be recycling packaging.

Whatever the reason, these customers need a label that will completely eradicate any trace of existing print, and we have just the label for the job.

Our opaque labels are plain white paper labels with an opaque or “blockout” backing. It is the backing that creates the blockout effect, effectively preventing anything from showing through the paper. Our opaque labels are available in a wide range of sizes, but customers should note that they are made to order with a 500 sheet minimum quantity. These labels are suitable for use with laser and inkjet printers, and can also be written on.

Our most popular size of opaque labels is actually the full A4 sheet, as this allows the customer to cut the sheets to the size (or sizes) that match the area (or areas) they need to cover up. We often find that this is the best solution as customers often require very specific sizes that would otherwise need to be set up as a bespoke, and therefore more expensive, order.

Customers can view the sizes available and purchase their labels from our Opaque Labels Product Page, or request a sample on our Samples Request Page.

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Going In Circles – Tips For Printing Circular Labels

June 11th, 2013

One of the trickiest template tasks is getting a circular image onto a circular label. While the end product looks fantastic, it can be quite a game of trial and error to get it just right. So here’s a couple of tips for Microsoft Word that will hopefully stop your circular labels from driving you round the bend!

1. SQUARES NOT CIRCLES
The first thing to remember is that Word cannot create a grid of circles, so you have to work with a grid of squares instead. You need to check the template you are using to see if the strips between the labels are accounted for in the grid or not. For example, some of our smaller circles have very small gaps between them and Word cannot create blank columns or rows of that size. This means that the cells you see include both the space where the labels are AND the blank spaces around them, so simply centralising your image in each cell won’t necessarily mean your image ends up in the middle of each label.

2. COLOURED BACKGROUNDS
If you have an image that includes a coloured background, you may find that you end up with a white border around the edge of the labels if they aren’t 100% centralised. While you can improve the position of the labels through trial and error, it just may not be possible to prevent a white outline appearing at some point around the edge of the label. There are a couple of ways to work around this:
a) Colour matching: if you can re-create the exact colour of the background, you can flood the entire grid with this colour so there cannot be any white left around the edge of the labels.
b) Enlarge the image: you can increase the size of your logo by a couple of mm, which will mean that the background colour overlaps the edges of the labels slightly, preventing any white from showing. Remember, you may need to shift your image left a little bit as well to account for the larger space it will fill.

3. AVOID BORDERS
While positioning a circular image within a circular label is tricky, trying to centralise a circular image with a circular border within a circular label is extremely difficult to achieve in Word. In fact, it’s so difficult that our first bit of advice to customers is “can you do without the border?”! Otherwise, you will need to arm yourself with plenty of time, patience, and blank sheets of paper – and be prepared to admit that, while you may be able to centralise SOME of the images perfectly, getting all of the circles perfectly aligned may just not be possible.

4. SHIFT THE MARGINS NOT THE GRID
Sometimes you may find that your circles are all aligned in relation to one another – but not the labels themselves. In this case, some people will try moving the entire grid to get their images into the right position. An easier, and more accurate, way of doing this is to measure how much you need to move the grid by and then alter the margins by that measurement. This way you can shift the entire grid by the precise measurement that you need to.

5. WYSI-NA-WYG
The term “WYSIWYG” means “What You See Is What You Get”; in other words, what you see on your screen is what you will get when you press “print”. Unfortunately, in some cases you’re more likely to end up with What You See Is Not Always What You Get. To avoid problems with layout, we always advise that you print onto blank paper first to check roughly how your labels will print, before using up your labels themselves. You also need to bear in mind that even templates that have been set up using exact measurements taken from individual sheets of labels and entered directly into Word may not always generate the perfect print alignment. All printers vary by a few mm, and some will even vary depending on what setting you use. This means that it is always best to set up a rough template first, print it onto blank paper, and then work out what amendments need to be made and plan on the best way to achieve the result you need. This could be amending the margins, the space between the cells, the dimensions of the cells, the size of your image, or even the size of the overall grid itself – even if you’ve matched the sizes specifically. It’s also worth remembering that no matter how accurate you want to be, there are limitations as to how specific Word can be with measurements and adjustments.

6. CIRCULAR TEXT
If you want to create text that goes in a circle within your label, you’ll need to use WordArt to achieve this effect.

So, if you’re ready to take on the challenge of circular labels, visit our website to see the sizes available or download your template and get printing. Good luck!

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What’s In A Code? – a guide to the codes used by Label Planet

June 6th, 2013

When is a label not a “label”? When it’s a sticker, a sticky thing, a tag, adhesive paper, or any of the other words our customers commonly use. Even sizes of labels are referred to in different ways. Some people use the phrase “X up” – referring to the number of rows on the sheet. Some use the number of labels per sheet. Some use exact measurements – in mm, cm, or inches as they prefer. And that’s before we consider the various materials available. We also get queries using manufacturer’s codes, Avery codes, software codes, and even codes that neither us nor our customers are quite sure where they’ve come from or what they mean.

To help ease confusion we have our own codes for all of our labels, based on this easy to follow system.

All of our codes have two main parts to them, with further extensions as required. The first two parts are always “LPXX/XX” and apply to ALL of our products. The values are determined as follows:

LP: all of our codes start with “LP”, which simply stands for “Label Planet”, and lets us know that a product code is definitely one of ours!

XX/XX: the second part is two numbers separated by a forward slash. The first number refers to the number of labels per sheet, while the second number refers to the approximate width or diameter of the labels. Thus a rectangular label measuring 99.1mm wide and 42.3mm high, with 12 labels on a sheet, will be given the code LP12/99.

For our standard paper labels, the two part code gives enough information to identify the sizes available. For the rest we have extended codes to indicate the shape, material, or colour of the labels.

Shapes: our circular, square and oval labels have a shape extension added to their codes. For circles this is “R”, for squares “SQ”, and for ovals “OV”. So a circle with a diameter of 25mm, with 70 labels on a sheet, has a code of LP70/25R; a square measuring 51mm x 51mm, with 15 labels on a sheet, is LP15/51SQ; and an oval measuring 90mm at it’s widest point and 62mm at it’s highest point, with eight labels on a page, is LP8/90OV. Some of our square cut rectangular labels have the extension code “S”, which indicates that these labels have a salvage (or blank strip) along the top, bottom, or sides of the sheet to help avoid issues with printers being unable to print to the edge of the page.

Materials: each material has its own extension code based on the name used to describe the material. Thus gloss white paper becomes “GW”, matt silver polyester becomes “SMP”, laser gold paper becomes “LG”, and matt white polyethylene becomes “MWPE” (not to be mixed up with matt white polyester, which is “MWP”).

Colours: where a label is available in a variety of colours, the general extension code of “C” indicates that there is a choice of colour. When a specific colour is chosen, the appropriate code will replace this “C”. For example, our range page for coloured round labels features a product with the code LP35/37RC. This tells the customer that there are 35 labels on each sheet, each label measures 37mm in diameter, the labels are circular in shape, and the labels are available in a variety of colours. On the individual product page, the customer can select from six colours, which are coded as follows: blue (“B”), red (“R”), yellow (“Y”), green (“G”), cream (“CR”), and pink (“PK”). For our fluorescent colours the general code “FC” indicates that different options are available, with the individual codes being FL (fluorescent yellow/lemon), FG (fluorescent green), FR (fluorescent red), FO (fluorescent orange), and FM (fluorescent magenta).

The one main exception to this coding formula is our CD/DVD labels. These codes begin with “LP”, followed by “CD”, followed by the diameter of the labels. For the two CD labels measuring 118mm, the code ends with either an “N” (indicating that the labels are compatible with the “Neato” range of CD labels and labelling software) or a “P” (indicating that the labels are compatible with the “Pressit” range of CD labels and labelling software).

Hopefully this post makes it easier for our customers to understand how we label our labels, making it easier for them to search our site and place their orders!

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We All Want Ice Cream (Labels!!!)

June 4th, 2013

Here in the Label Planet office, signs of summer are most definitely creeping in. The air conditioning is a necessity, cold drinks are starting to outnumber hot drinks, people are cycling to work, brave souls are venturing outside for their lunch, the tennis courts next door are springing into life (it’s just like our very own Wimbledon!), and one of us is sporting a particularly angry sunburn.

And it’s not just us who have noticed! Our freezer labels are seeing their traditional surge in popularity as producers of all things ice cream (and other delicious deserts) are placing orders to label their ever increasing stock for the summer months ahead.

We stock five sizes of freezer labels for same day despatch (on orders under 500 sheets), with a wider range of sizes available at a minimum order of 500 sheets. These paper labels come with a special freezer adhesive that is designed to be applied to items that are already frozen or will be frozen later, with a storage range of -40°C to +60°C. These labels also comply with the German BgVV for indirect food contact and short term contact with dry and moist food, making them ideal for use in the food industry. Ice cream producers can label their products with information ranging from the product brand, ingredients, allergen warnings, nutritional information, serving guides, and best before dates to make sure suppliers and end consumers alike get the most out of their ice cream. We advise that customers use a laser printer as this will give a waterproof print that will not be affected by condensation, meaning that vital information about the product will remain legible throughout storage and use.

You can read our earlier post about freezer labels and printer compatibility here. To view more information about our freezer labels please visit our freezer labels range page, or request a sample by filling in our online sample request form.

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Labels Used By Label Planet – Packaging

May 30th, 2013

Here in the Label Planet office, we are surrounded by labels in all sorts of shapes and sizes, materials, and adhesives. Even though we have a wide variety of options, we do have a few firm favourites that we use on a day to day basis.

PACKAGING LABELS
Needless to say we use a LOT of labels; we label everything! Or, at least, we label a lot of things; including our individual packs of labels, a variety of paperwork, and most of our packaging. So here’s a list of the labels used right here in the Label Planet office:

LP3/210
These labels are perfect address labels. They measure 210mm wide by 99.48mm high with square cut corners, making them a great size for adding address information that is easy to read.

These labels are also used by our sister company, Madebuy Ltd, on products that are sold via Amazon and Ebay. Customers often ask if we sell integrated labels for online trading – so they can print an address label on one part of an A4 sheet and use the rest (that is just plain paper) as the invoice or receipt. Madebuy Ltd, however, have found that our LP3/210 are perfect alternatives. They don’t require any integration into the Amazon or Ebay systems; these labels can be simply put into a printer and the address labels and receipts print straight out, with no need to edit files or create specific templates. LP3/210 labels make the packaging and despatch of products much simpler and much less time consuming – Madebuy have been using them now for over two and a half years! Even Amazon themselves use labels to print out receipts and delivery information, so why not give this alternative to integrated labels a try?

As if that weren’t enough, we also use LP3/210 labels as product labels on our stocked packs, to help customers (and ourselves!) identify the contents of a particular pack of labels, as well as providing a few key bits of information such as printer compatibility, label size, printing advice, and our contact information so customers can get in touch if they need any help.

LP14/63
These labels are from our Smartstamp range and are known as “All-In-One” labels, which we think is a pretty apt description. We use these as address labels for our packages because they allow us to create a variety of address labels with different text and in different sizes, all from one sheet of labels. These labels let us print address labels, return labels, AND information labels all in one go. The smaller labels measure 63.5mm wide by 38mm high and the larger labels are 135mm wide by 38mm high. If you need address labels, why not request a sample and see if these Smartstamp labels can help save you time (and money)?

LP65/38
These labels measure 38.1mm wide by 21.2mm high and are the most popular choice for printing return address labels – for ourselves and for many of our customers. For anyone sending out products or information, these labels are a quick and simple way to make sure that the recipient has your address (and any other contact details or messages you wish to send). These labels are available across our range of materials and adhesives (you can see all the options here) – we like to use the gold and silver ones, to add a decorative touch to all of our packages!

LP14/99
We use these labels, measuring 99.1mm wide by 38.1mm high, for a number of alternative purposes. These labels are great for adding additional information to our packs of labels, paperwork, and all manner of packaging. We tend to use these labels to inform customers of addition information about their order, their samples, or about offers and other similar products that are available. The length of the label means you can add a few sentences neatly and clearly onto one label. We like to use the fluorescent labels, as the bright colours mean that our messages really stand out. We also get to have some fun picking a different colour every time! We also use the gold and silver labels in this size as seals for our packages. We print our logo onto one end of the label, and then wrap the full label around the closing end of our boxes – this way, our packaging has a little bit more reinforcement AND our customers know that their package is from Label Planet!

LP8/99 OPAQUE
Anyone who reuses packaging materials will have encountered the problem of covering up information from the initial sender. Here at Label Planet, we use LP8/99 labels (size: 99.1mm wide by 67.7mm high) in an opaque material, which means we can print our own information or address labels and then cover up existing text or images. Reusing packaging materials is an easy way to save money and help the environment. These handy labels mean you don’t have to waste time trying to remove existing labels or hunting around for a permanent marker to scribble out existing text.
[Please note that we have a 500 sheet minimum order on all of our opaque labels]

Customers can request a sample of any of our labels from our website.

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Get Ready (Set & Go) With Labels For Sport’s Day

May 28th, 2013

With June almost upon us, many schools will be preparing for their Sport’s Day events. Here at Label Planet we have all kinds of labels that can help organise the activities being planned.

Here are just some of the ways our labels have been used at Sport’s Days:

COLOURED LABELS make excellent badges to identify classes, teams, or houses. They are also great for making 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place rosettes or awards.

GOLD AND SILVER LABELS are ideal for use as rewards for winners and participants alike. Schools can use these labels to reward first and second placements in races and events OR reserve the gold labels for the event winners and use the silver labels as participation badges.

WHITE LABELS can be used to make individual name badges for pupils; they can include a child’s name, the event they are taking part in, or even a team name.

WATERPROOF LABELS are a great way to label equipment or even as sturdier name/reward badges that will be more likely to survive the excitement of a Sport’s Day, particularly if it happens to involve any rain!

We can provide 30 day invoices to schools to help make sure they get their orders sooner. Simply contact us to find out more.

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FAQ – Can I Print Mirrored Text And Images?

May 23rd, 2013

Our transparent labels are a popular choice for customers who want to make their own window stickers.

A common problem that arises for these customers is the issue of printing labels that will be stuck on the inside of a window, but that are designed to be read from the outside. In other words, they need the text or images to be printed in reverse – or “mirrored” – so that they look right from the outside.

So here’s a short guide to printing mirrored text and images in Microsoft Word.
- Please note that to create mirrored text in Word, you will need to insert your text using WordArt or a text box.

WORD 2007 AND EARLIER
For the 2007 and earlier verions of Word, you can create mirrored images and text by using the Flip tool.
- Select your image, shape, or text box by left clicking on the item once.
- Select the “Format” tab at the top of the page.
- In the “Arrange” group, click on “Rotate” and then “Flip Vertical”.

WORD 2010
For the 2010 version of Word, you can create mirrored images and text by using the 3D-Rotation tool.
- Select your image, shape, or text box by left clicking on the item once.
- Select the “Format” tab at the top of the page.
- IMAGES: In the “Picture Styles” group, click on “Picture Effects” then “3D-Rotation” then “3D-Rotation Options”.
- SHAPES/TEXT BOXES: In the “Shape Styles” group, click on “Shape Effects” then “3D-Rotation” then “3D-Rotation Options”.
- Amend the value of “X” to 180°.
- Note for text boxes: the text box may now display a background colour. To remove this simply click on the “Shape Fill” option in the “Shape Styles” group and select “No Fill”.

Customers who are using a graphics package to edit a PDF file should find that these programs will have similar functions to allow them to create mirrored images and/or text.

It is also worth noting that some printers actually have this function built in to their software, so it may well be worth checking your printer’s properties first. This can be done by selecting “Printer Properties” or “Printer Settings” on your print preview screen and looking for a check box listed as “Mirror Image”. If you check this box, your printer should print your document in reverse, though you may wish to try printing on a blank sheet of paper to test this function before you print onto your labels.

All of our templates are available to download from our website on our Templates Page.

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Templates from Label Planet

May 21st, 2013

We have templates available to download free of charge from our website. These templates are available in both Word and PDF formats.

How to download a template:
- Select the “Templates” link displayed underneath the white search bar at the top of our website.
- Select the category of your labels. As we have so many sizes available, our templates are grouped into six categories. The first five are grouped by shape: rounded corner rectangles, square corner rectangles, circles, ovals, and squares. The sixth group, “Templates For Special Use Labels”, refers to labels that were/are used for a particular purpose, including our Audio Cassette labels, CD/DVD labels, Data Cartridge labels, Diskette labels, Eurofolio labels, Lever Arch labels, Ring Binder labels, Slide labels, and Video labels.
- Select the template you want to download. Our templates are listed by number of labels per sheet, so simply scroll down to find the template you want, then left click once on either the white and blue Word icon (to download the Word template) or the white and red PDF icon (to download the PDF template). You will then have the option to open the document or save it.

Please note that to edit a PDF file, you will need to open the file with a graphics software package such as Adobe Indesign or Photoshop.

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Searching For Labels On Label Planet

May 16th, 2013

We’re always looking for new ways to make our website easier to navigate so our customers can find the labels they need. We’ve made a few updates recently, so here’s a short guide to searching for the labels you need on Label Planet.

On the Home Page we have five images leading to our largest groups of labels; Rectangles with Rounded Corners, Rectangles with Square Corners, Circles and Ovals, Address Labels, and Coloured Labels.

Beneath these images we have three sets of links as follows:
1. Find Labels By Label Type
These links are useful if you know the specific type of label you need. For example, if you know you need a transparent waterproof label that is compatible with a laser printer, you click on the link for “Waterproof Laser Transparent” labels.

2. Find Labels By Material Type
These links are useful if you know the kind of material and/or adhesive you would like, but you want to know what options are available. For example, you might know that you want a transparent label, but not what kind. In this case, you can click on “Transparent Labels”, which leads to a page that lists the four kinds of transparent labels we currently supply.

3. Find Labels By Popular Sizes In All Materials
These links allow you to select one of our standard sizes to see what materials/adhesives that particular size is available in. For example, if you want 25mm circular labels, you can select “70 Per Page (25) Dia)” and view all of the options available in that size, including coloured, transparent, and waterproof labels.

Alternatively, customers can use the links in the dark purple border that features throughout our website. This section contains the white search bar at the top of the page, which is ideal if you want to search using a particular product code; the alphabetical list of labels on the left hand side; and the “Find Labels By” section in the top left corner of the page, which is a set of pages that list our labels according to a variety of features such as Number Per Sheet, Avery Code, Height, Width, Shape, or Material Type.

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Waterproof Labels for Beauty & Bathroom Products

May 14th, 2013

We have a large number of customers who produce and sell toiletry items, such as body lotions, creams, and shower gels. All of these customers have one common problem – how to label their bottles and jars with a label that won’t be damaged by liquids.

We have a number of waterproof labels that are ideal for just this purpose. Each of these labels is made of a waterproof polyester and has a waterproof adhesive – to make sure that the label will stay in place.

The label that you choose depends on the look or finish that you want:
- TRANSPARENT labels in a MATT FINISH or in a GLOSS FINISH
- WHITE labels in a MATT FINISH or in a GLOSS FINISH
- REMOVABLE labels in a GLOSS TRANSPARENT FINISH or in a MATT WHITE FINISH
- SILVER labels in a MATT FINISH

As always, we remind customers that if they also want the PRINT to be waterproof, they will need to use a LASER printer – the inks used in inkjet printers are water-based and will therefore smudge when wet.

Of course, we cannot test our labels and their adhesives against all of the possible combinations of ingredients, so we do advise that customers request a sample of our waterproof labels to test out for themselves. Customers can Request A Sample here.

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