If you manufacture and sell products that are used outdoors, you have a labeling challenge that most other products do not. While other products may need to have labels that handle a bit of moisture, such as in a beverage cooler, your custom labels must stand up to sunlight, rain, ice, and extreme temperatures. There are three considerations that are important to focus on when selecting custom labels for your products, namely the label material, the ink, and the adhesive.
Waterproof custom labels are a given, but it isn’t as simple as saying any waterproof material will do. It must be fabricated to withstand flexibility. You might think flexibility is only important on an elastic surface, but given the potential for expansion and retraction in different temperatures, having a material that can do that without cracking or peeling is critical.
The ink must also be of a better caliber than normal, so it can stay vibrant and legible. Warning labels are particularly critical to ensure they will hold up visually if you want to avoid a potential liability claim. With the addition of UV-blocking laminates to protect all ink colors, especially those more prone to fading, such as reds, yellows, and oranges, you can expect the longest-lasting performance from your custom labels.
The last consideration is adhesive. Not all adhesives can stand up to temperature changes or being baked in the sun. When you factor in that the surface the label is affixed to can also be affected, it is a real challenge to match the right adhesive to the application. It isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation, so expect your custom label provider to ask tons of questions about the purpose of your outdoor label.
At PrimeSourceOPC, we will definitely be asking you questions when you reach out to us for custom labels for outdoor applications. We need to have a good understanding of where they will be used and their importance. Brand labels and warning labels are among the most important to get right and you can rest assured we will work diligently to do so. Contact us today to learn more.