Custom labels & stickers for businesses worldwide
Face stock · Paper

Paper Label Materials

The classic label material. Semi-gloss and matte coated papers for clean, sharp print; uncoated and kraft for a natural look. Economical and easy to print, and right wherever the label stays dry.

  • Semi-gloss, matte coated, uncoated and kraft papers in white, cream and natural tones
  • Sharp print at low cost for dry indoor packaging, boxes, jars and shipping
  • Permanent and removable adhesives; wet-strength grades for chilled products
  • Takes varnish, lamination, foil and embossing for premium looks

The quotation states the exact grade, gauge, adhesive and liner for your application.

Variants
Semi-gloss · Matte · Uncoated · Kraft
Best for
Boxes, jars, bags, shipping
Resists
Dry handling · wet-strength optional
Conformability
Flat and gentle curves
Print & finish
Varnish · Lamination · Foil · Emboss
Variants

Coated, uncoated and kraft

Choose by the look you want and how much protection the print needs.

Coated paper
Coated paper

Semi-gloss or matte coating for crisp colour and fine type. The workhorse for product and packaging labels indoors.

Uncoated & kraft
Uncoated & kraft

Natural, matte surface with visible fibre. Colour prints softer; pairs with varnish, foil and black or single-colour artwork.

Wet-strength paper
Wet-strength paper

Paper sized to survive condensation and ice buckets without losing strength. Used for chilled beverage and wine labels.

Properties

How paper behaves

Where the material is strong, and where another face stock is the better choice.

MoistureLow · varnish or lamination helps
Oils & greaseLow
Tear resistanceModerate
ConformabilityFlat and gentle curves
Outdoor / UVIndoor only
PrintabilityExcellent
Indicative ratings for comparing face stock families. Exact values are on the technical data sheet of the grade we quote.

Limits to plan around

  • Absorbs moisture: not for wet, chilled or condensation-prone products unless a wet-strength grade with lamination is specified.
  • Scuffs and tears more easily than film: laminate or varnish labels that are handled a lot.
  • Not for outdoor exposure beyond short-term use; compare BOPP, PET or vinyl.
  • Uncoated and kraft papers absorb ink: expect softer, darker colour than on coated stock and request a proof.
Grades & data

Grades and technical data

The constructions we run, with gauge, adhesive and liner. This table is filled from the supplier data sheets.

VariantGradeGaugeAdhesiveLinerTechnical data
Semi-gloss coated paperPENDINGPENDINGPermanentGlassine paperTDS PENDING
Matte coated paperPENDINGPENDINGPermanent / RemovableGlassine paperTDS PENDING
Uncoated paperPENDINGPENDINGPermanentGlassine paperTDS PENDING
Kraft paperPENDINGPENDINGPermanent / High-tackGlassine paperTDS PENDING
Wet-strength paperPENDINGPENDINGPermanent (wet-strength)Glassine paperTDS PENDING
To be completed from supplier technical data sheets for the grades we stock. Until then the quotation always states the exact construction.
Adhesives & liners

Adhesives and liners for paper

The face stock is only half the label. The adhesive is matched to your surface and conditions; the liner to how the labels are applied.

All adhesives
PermanentGeneral purpose bond on paperboard, glass and coated surfaces.The default for product and packaging labels indoors.
RemovablePeels cleanly for pricing, promotions and reusable packaging.Paper tears if removed roughly; confirm the time frame on your surface.
Wet-strength permanentFor chilled beverage and wine labels that meet condensation.Specified together with a wet-strength paper grade.
High-tackExtra grip on kraft boxes, corrugated board and rough paperboard.Shipping and carton labels.
Lamination / varnishoptional, protects the printFace stockpaper, BOPP, PET, vinylAdhesivepermanent, removable, cold-use, high-tackLinerglassine paper or PET film, removed at applicationYour surfaceglass, PET, HDPE, paperboard, metal
Liners: glassine paper for rolls and sheets; split-back liners for hand-applied sheets.
Artwork

Artwork and print notes for paper

What to prepare so the material prints and cuts the way you expect.

Ink gain on uncoated stockUncoated and kraft papers absorb ink: fine type fills in and colour darkens. Keep type generous and request a proof on the stock.
Foil and emboss layersSupply foil and emboss areas as separate layers; both suit paper better than film.
Varnish or laminationVarnish keeps the paper feel; lamination adds scuff and moisture protection. Choose with the artwork.
Colour on cream and kraftThe base tone shifts colours; white ink is available on kraft for bright areas.
FAQ

Questions about paper

See All FAQs
Coated or uncoated paper?
Coated for sharp colour, photos and small type. Uncoated or kraft for a natural look and single-colour or bold artwork. Both can take varnish or lamination.
Can paper labels go on chilled products?
With a wet-strength paper and matching adhesive, yes, for condensation and ice buckets. For wet or washed products a film is safer.
Varnish or lamination on paper?
Varnish protects lightly and keeps the paper feel. Lamination protects more and changes the surface to gloss or matte film. Request samples to compare.
Is a paper label recyclable?
It depends on the whole construction and the local scheme. Tell us if recyclability is a requirement and we propose a construction accordingly.
Do you have kraft?
Yes, natural kraft on rolls and sheets, with varnish, foil or white ink. Colour prints darker on kraft, so we recommend a proof.

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