The Art of Flawless Label Application: Tips, Troubleshooting, and Expert Insights

Labels are an integral part of our everyday lives, serving as informative guides and sometimes even as decorative touches. However, what do you do when labels refuse to adhere as they should? Achieving proper label application can be a frustrating and costly endeavor, yet it's a common issue with straightforward solutions.

There's a myriad of label types available, each suited to specific applications based on several considerations: the nature of the product or surface, the label's environment, and the desired visual appeal. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the world of label application, tackling common issues head-on while providing valuable insights for selecting the right label application method and materials, preparing surfaces, and ensuring a steadfast label bond.

Methods of Label Application

1. Hand Application

Hand application might be the most straightforward method, but it's also the most prone to human error and time-consuming. Depending on your label and product, here are some techniques to consider:

• Direct application: This is best for flat labels on flat surfaces. Simply peel the backing off the label and adhere it to the product. To avoid unsightly bubbles or wrinkles, apply the label from one edge to the other, similar to affixing vinyl letters to a sign or a screen protector to a smartphone. Begin by securing one edge and work your way across the label to eliminate bubbles.
• Roll application: Ideal for long, narrow labels on curved surfaces, this method involves peeling a portion of the label's backing, attaching the label to the product, and then gradually rolling it on while peeling the rest of the backing.
• Heat application: When dealing with challenging surfaces like uneven or textured ones, heat application reigns supreme. Use a heat gun to warm the product's surface, then firmly press the label onto it for a secure bond.

2. Machine Application

Machine application is the fastest and most efficient method, albeit more costly. Various types of label applicators are available, each with its own merits and drawbacks:

• In-line automatic applicators: These are integrated into production lines and label products as they traverse the line, offering unmatched speed but at a higher cost.
• Semi-automatic applicators: Stand-alone units requiring an operator's involvement for product loading and unloading. While more budget-friendly, they operate at a slower pace.
• Top-down applicators: Often used for labeling bottles, jars, boxes, or product lids, these applicators place labels on the top surface of products.
• Round container applicators: Designed for labeling round containers like bottles and cans, these applicators use a rotating belt to apply labels while the container revolves. They are frequently employed in the food and beverage industry.

Common Label Application Issues

A slew of issues can mar the proper adhesion of labels to products. Here are the most frequent culprits:

1. Surface Contamination: Labels may struggle to adhere if the product's surface is tainted with dirt, dust, oil, grease, or other contaminants. Ensuring a pristine, dry surface is essential before label application.
2. Surface Irregularities: Uneven, rough, or textured surfaces can thwart proper label adhesion. Opting for the right label shape and material for such surfaces is key.
3. Custom Shaped/Tapered Containers: Containers with unconventional shapes require custom tapered labels to ensure secure adhesion and a polished appearance.
4. Incorrect Pressure and Application Temperature: Labels applied with too much or too little pressure, particularly with label application machines, can impact adhesion. Precise settings are paramount.
5. Incorrect Storage Conditions: Labels should be stored in a cool, dry environment to avoid adhesion issues stemming from extreme temperatures or humidity.

Solutions to Label Adhesion Problems

To combat these issues and guarantee a successful label application, follow these guidelines:

1. Surface Preparation: Thoroughly clean the product's surface, eliminate contaminants, and use a lint-free cloth to eradicate fingerprints.
2. Consider Primers: For challenging surfaces, consider using a primer to enhance label adhesion.
3. Apply Heat: When dealing with uneven or textured surfaces, use a heat gun to improve adhesion.
4. Label Applicators: For high-volume labeling, contemplate using a label applicator to ensure consistent pressure and precise application.
5. Select the Right Label Material: Choose a label material and laminate that align with your product, its environment, and the desired aesthetic.

Insights from Quadrel Labeling Systems

Interview Insights from Ben Martin, a representative with Quadrel Labeling Systems, a leading manufacturer of label application equipment:

What are the most common issues your customers run into with label application problems?

“The normal thing you see is if labels are left out in the heat too long, the adhesive bleeds. The other issue is deep die-cut strikes. Those are the 2 main issues.”

What are the best ways to prevent label application issues with Quadrel applicators?

“We recommend when we sell a piece of equipment, not to leave your rolls of labels out. If it’s a hot production area, keep the labels stored in a cooler room. If someone seems to be having a problem with dispensing the labels, we do the “ol’ magic marker trick” where you turn the web over and mark over it with the magic marker where the die cuts are, and see if it bleeds through. If it does, then there’s your problem of why the label won’t release off the liner when it goes around the pill tip of the label applicator.”

What are some features and benefits of your Quadrel label applicators?

“We are a manufacturer in America and one of the largest around. We do all types of applications, anywhere from your top companies like Kroger and oil companies like Phillips 66. All the way down to Mom and Pop businesses starting out. We have different levels of equipment from beginners to the higher speed lines.”

Do you offer training or videos on how to use and maintain your label applicators?

“We don’t usually do videos because we have so many different types of applications that we deal with. What we do offer is: If you buy a piece of equipment from us, you can come up and visit our plant, or we try to get you into someone’s plant near you that has a piece of our equipment to see it running and learn about the equipment and how it operates. We also have field services that will come and install the equipment for you.”

We hope this interview has been helpful. If you have any further questions about label applicators, please feel free to contact Quadrel at www.quadrel.com.

Label application stands as a pivotal step that can profoundly affect your product's quality and performance. By adhering to these tips and insights, you can ensure labels adhere effectively, elevating your branding and ensuring essential information remains visible.

When selecting labels for your products, ponder factors like surface type, environment, and label lifespan. Should you have further inquiries or specific label requirements, don't hesitate to reach out to us at Sttark.com