Labels University: Pick, Print and Apply Labels the Right Way
Welcome to Labels University. It is a set of short, practical guides for anyone who labels things: small business owners, librarians, warehouse leads, Etsy sellers, and everyone in between.
We are ChromaLabel. We are made in the USA, in Saint Marys, Kansas. Every day we help people figure out why a label peeled, faded, smudged or came out crooked. We wrote down the answers.
Start here
How to choose the right label: start with what it goes on The end-use checklist. Surface, shape, conditions, printer and lifespan. Read this one first.
When labels will not stay on
Labels peeling on small bottles Why paper flags on essential oil and remedy bottles, and what to use instead.
Labels for plastic bottles and HDPE Why normal stickers fall off slippery plastic.
Labels for candles Heat, wax and curved jars.
Freezer, fridge and outdoor labels What survives the cold, the damp and the sun.
Labels for cardboard boxes and shipping Dust, cold boxes and corner lift.
Printing
Direct thermal vs thermal transfer Which Zebra label do you need? Plus gap and black mark sensing.
Top-coated vs eco direct thermal Pharmacy labels or shipping labels? The difference matters.
Printing on label sheets Templates, 100% scale and alignment fixes for laser and inkjet printers.
Putting labels on
How to apply labels so they stay put Clean, warm, press. Three habits that make labels last.
Handy tools
- Label Builder: pick your sheet size, design text and logos, add QR codes and Code 128 barcodes, fill labels from a list, and fix print alignment from a photo.
- Free label templates for Word, PDF, Illustrator and Photoshop.
- Laser and inkjet label sheets
- $1 samples, so you can test before you buy a lot.
- FAQ
Still stuck?
Some jobs need a special material, like film, a freezer grade adhesive, an adhesive for slippery plastic, or top-coated direct thermal. We can print these for you. Use Request a quote and tell us what the label goes on.
You can also call us at (800) 256-0435, 8am to 5pm Central, Monday to Friday. A real person will help.
Frequently asked questions
What is Labels University?
A set of free, practical guides from ChromaLabel on choosing, printing and applying labels so they stay on and look good.
Who are these guides for?
Small business owners, librarians, warehouse leads, Etsy sellers, and anyone who labels things.
What if I still cannot find the right label?
Order a $1 sample, request a quote, or call us at (800) 256-0435, 8am to 5pm Central, Monday to Friday.
