Label Planet
We’re taking a closer look at our SPLASHPROOF LABELS (Semi-Gloss Labels & Gloss Laser Labels).
These paper labels are the perfect choice for applications that require self adhesive labels that can put up with a splish (or a splash) of water.
What are SPLASHPROOF labels?
Splashproof labels are paper labels with a special coating that provides light protection against a small splash of water. This means that if these white labels are lightly splashed with water, they can be wiped clean and dry without the labels being damaged.
They are NOT waterproof labels; where waterproof labels can be exposed to and/or submerged in water without being damaged, splashproof labels are still – essentially – paper labels that will be damaged by exposure to/submersion in water.
How does the coating protect splashproof labels from water damage?
A self-adhesive label has two main layers (the face material and the adhesive) that are carried on a backing sheet; many adhesive labels have additional layers (such as a coating) to add particular characteristics to blank labels. For example, coatings are used to create specific finishes (e.g. gloss labels, matt labels, semi-gloss labels, satin labels, silk labels etc) or to add a protective layer over the face material and adhesive. This is how the coating on splashproof labels works; it sits on top of the paper labels so that water (or dust or dirt etc) lands on the coating and NOT on the paper face material. The water can then be wiped away without damaging the paper labels.
The reason that splashproof labels are NOT waterproof labels is that this coating is a very thin layer and does not provide a full seal all the way around the paper label beneath; if a splashproof label is exposed to or submerged in a lot of water, the water will break through the protective coating to the paper face material underneath.
So why would I use splashproof labels instead of waterproof labels?
Generally speaking, the deciding factor between the two is usually budget; waterproof labels are made with synthetic plastics (polyester, polyolefin, polyethylene etc), which makes them more expensive than paper labels.
Most of our customers who choose splashproof labels are printing product labels and either don’t have the budget for waterproof labels or want a budget-friendly alternative that won’t eat into their profit margin. If you know that your products MIGHT be exposed to a light splash of water every now and then, splashproof labels might offer enough basic protection so that you don’t need to pay extra for a completely waterproof label solution.
We are more than happy to send out samples of our splashproof labels so you can test them for yourself.
Why do you only supply splashproof laser labels?
Both our splashproof gloss labels and semi-gloss labels are LASER LABELS (i.e. they must be printed using a laser printer). They are made with materials that are well-suited to the laser printing process (a dry printing process that uses heat and pressure to bond a dry powder called toner onto surfaces), which produces waterproof print. This means both the splashproof labels AND the print that is added to them will survive a splash of water.
While it is possible to make waterproof or splashproof inkjet LABELS, inkjet INKS are NOT waterproof; they are water-based and will run or smudge under even the lightest splash of water. If you want to create waterproof inkjet labels, you will need to use our MWPP material.
What sorts of label applications are suitable for splashproof labels?
Splashproof labels are excellent product labels – especially on products that are to be used and/or stored in places where they might get splashed (e.g. kitchens and bathrooms) or on containers that will contain liquids (e.g. food labels, drink labels, bottle labels, jar labels, and cosmetics labels).
In addition to creating a protective layer, the coatings on these paper labels produce an attractive and decorative surface, with the choice of a bright “full gloss” finish (for a dazzling, eye-catching labels) or a more demure “semi-gloss” finish (for a subtle touch of shine).
What splashproof labels are available from Label Planet?
We have TWO types of splashproof labels:
- GW: gloss paper labels for laser printers; these white labels have a permanent adhesive and are made with paper that has a gloss coating, which gives them a bright and shiny finish.
- SG: semi-gloss labels for laser printers; these white paper labels have a permanent adhesive and a semi-gloss finish (this falls between the bright shine of a gloss finish and the dull surface of a matt finish).
Visit the range pages for GW and SG to find out more about our superb splashproof labels, to find out what label sizes are available, or to place an order for your very own splashproof labels today!