The right label starts with the right combination.
A label is a face stock, an adhesive and a finish working together on your surface. Compare the families here, then confirm the exact grade with us for your application.
Face stock families
The printed layer. Paper for a classic look indoors; films where moisture, oils, handling or weather are involved.
Paper
Uncoated, coated and kraft papers. Natural look, easy to print, best kept dry.
Indoor · dryBOPP
White, clear or metallised film that resists moisture and oils. The default for bottles and jars.
Bottles · jars · tubes
PET
Dimensionally stable film for durable, heat-exposed and metallic applications.
Durable · metallic
Vinyl
Conformable PVC film for curved surfaces, outdoor use and high-wear stickers.
Curved · outdoor
Textured & specialty papers
Linen, felt and estate papers for wine, spirits, candles and premium packaging.
Premium · tactile
Effect films
Holographic, glitter and other effect films, printed with white ink under the colour.
Effect · white inkPaper or film, and which film
How the families differ on the things that decide most label projects.
| Face stock | Appearance | Moisture & oil | Conformability | Outdoor / UV | Typical products |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper | White, kraft, textured | Low · varnish or lamination helps | Good on flat and gentle curves | Low | Dry goods, boxes, jars indoors, shipping |
| BOPP | White, clear, metallised | High | Flat and gentle curves | Medium · good with lamination | Bottles, jars, tubes, pouches |
| PET | White, clear, metallised | High | Flat surfaces | High | Durable goods, chemicals, heat exposure |
| Vinyl | White, clear | High | High · wraps curves | High with lamination | Outdoor stickers, equipment, vehicles |
| Textured papers | Linen, felt, estate | Low · wet-strength grades exist | Good | Low | Wine, spirits, candles, premium packaging |
| Effect films | Holographic, glitter | High | Flat and gentle curves | Medium | Brand stickers, limited editions |
Four adhesive behaviours
The adhesive is chosen for the surface, the application temperature and what happens to the product afterwards.
Permanent
Bonds fully and stays for the life of the product.
General purposeRemovable
Peels cleanly without residue for promotions and reuse.
Clean removalCold-use
Applies and holds on chilled, frozen or condensation-prone surfaces.
Chilled · frozenHigh-tack
Extra grip on rough, low-energy or textured surfaces.
Rough · low-energyQuick guide by situation
Protect the print, then add the brand
Lamination or varnish protects; foil, spot UV, embossing and effect films give the label its character.
Gloss & matte lamination
A clear film over the print for scuff, moisture and UV protection. Matte softens, gloss lifts colour.
ProtectiveFoil
Metallic foil for logos, borders and premium accents on paper and film.
Premium
Spot UV & soft touch
Raised gloss highlights or a velvet-touch coating on selected areas.
Highlight
Special effects
Holographic, glitter and other effect films, plus white ink for opacity.
Effect filmsThree questions decide the combination
Start from the surface, add the environment, then pick the look. Share what you know and we propose the rest.
What is the surface?
Glass, PET, HDPE, paperboard or metal; flat, curved or squeezable. This narrows the face stock and the adhesive.
What happens to it?
Chilled, wet, oily, outdoor, handled a lot, or removed later. This decides the adhesive and whether to laminate.
How should it look and feel?
Clear, white, metallic or textured; gloss, matte or tactile. This sets the variant and the finish.