Label adhesives come in two basic types: permanent and removable. Each type can be made from various materials; the choice of material depends on the surface of the label, the conditions the label must endure, the desired lifespan of the label, and its intended use. The most popular types of label adhesives are acrylic, rubber, and water-based.
Water-based adhesives are not practical if the label will be exposed to very humid environments, such as refrigerators, freezers, or coolers. They will break down, and the label may fall off the product regardless of the surface they are applied to. Water-based adhesives can only be used in dry environments.
Adhesives made primarily of rubber are preferred for their stickiness. They are prone to failure when exposed to ultraviolet light for extended periods. These adhesives work well if the label will not be exposed to sunlight.
Acrylic-based adhesives are easy to use in the application process because they can be moved easily. However, once the acrylic glue dries, the bond is permanent. This type of label adhesive is suitable for long-lasting products that require the label to withstand time and frequent handling.
Depending on the surface to be labeled and the desired lifespan of the label, six types of adhesives are commonly used. Some types can be purchased at stationery or office supply stores. Other, more specialized labels and adhesives must be specially ordered according to the specifications of the item to be labeled.
The six main types of adhesive labels include permanent, peelable, ultra-peelable, freezer or freeze-fixed, high-tack, and static-cling. Many factors must be considered before choosing a label adhesive. These include the size of the label, the texture of the facade to be labeled, and the desired level of mobility; some labels, such as retail labels, must be removed at some point, while others, such as shipping labels, can remain indefinitely.
A label is called a permanent label if its purpose is never to be removed or if only one solution will remove it. In some cases, the label has a very short time when it can be moved before it reaches a permanent state. These labels are often referred to as repositionable.
A peelable label is just that: it can be easily peeled off the surface. There is no damage to the exterior of the surface and no residual adhesive. This type of label can usually be used two to three times without losing its stickiness. Ultra-peelable labels are widely used on book covers and glass where no residue is allowed. These labels can only be used once before the adhesive disappears.
For labels that will be exposed to freezing temperatures, freezer or freeze-resistant adhesives are preferred. They can withstand extreme cold without peeling off or cracking. High-tack glue is required if the label needs to adhere firmly to dirty, deformed, or rough surfaces. Static-cling labels do not use traditional adhesives but simply adhere to very smooth surfaces, such as glass, using static electricity alone.