How to Apply Labels So They Stay Put: Clean, Warm, Press
Even a perfect label fails if it is put on wrong. The good news is that it takes three simple habits: clean, warm, press. Do those three things and most labels stay put.
First, understand how labels stick
Labels are pressure sensitive. The adhesive does not stick because the label touched the surface. It sticks because you pressed it into the surface.
Gravity does not do it. Light smoothing does not do it. Firm pressure does.
That one fact explains most label problems.
Step 1: Clean
Adhesive grips a clean surface. It cannot grip dust, oil or moisture.
- Wipe the spot with isopropyl alcohol and let it dry completely.
- Do not touch the clean spot afterwards. Fingerprints leave oil.
- On cardboard, brush off loose dust.
- On plastic bottles, wipe away oils and residue.
Check that the alcohol is safe for the surface first. Some coatings and finishes do not like it.
Step 2: Warm (match temperatures)
If the label and the item are at very different temperatures, the bond is weaker. A cold box and a warm label do not bond well. A frosty bottle is even worse.
- Let the item and the labels sit together in the room until they match.
- Never label a cold or frosty surface from a warm roll.
- Do not leave labels in a hot car or a cold garage.
Adhesives work best when you apply them at room temperature.
Step 3: Press
Put the label down, then press it.
- Start in the middle, or at one edge.
- Smooth toward the edges so no air gets trapped.
- Press and rub the whole label with a soft cloth, a squeegee or the edge of a card.
- Go back over the edges and corners. Those are the first places to lift.
On a curved item, press the label into the curve along its full length. This matters most on small bottles. See why labels peel on small bottles.
Step 4: Give it time
Adhesive keeps building strength for a while after you apply it. Give the label some time before it is washed, frozen, shipped or handled hard.
Tips for common surfaces
Glass. Clean with alcohol. Press firmly. For small bottles, film is better than paper.
Cardboard. Dust and cold are the enemies. Use a flat panel, not a seam. Press the corners. See labels for cardboard boxes and shipping.
Plastic. HDPE and polypropylene need a special adhesive. See labels for plastic bottles and HDPE.
Candles. Label the container, never the wax. See labels for candles.
Cold and wet jobs. Apply at room temperature first, then chill. See freezer, fridge and outdoor labels.
Handle labels with care
- Do not touch the sticky side.
- Do not stretch the label as you apply it.
- Store unused labels in their package, in a cool, dry place.
- Peel only one label at a time.
- Permanent labels are hard to reposition. Line it up first, then press.
When it still does not stick
If a label lifts even after you did everything right, the label itself may be the wrong one for the job. The surface, the shape, or the conditions may need a different material or adhesive. That is not a failure on your part. It happens a lot.
We can help. We can print film, special adhesives and other materials for you. Use Request a quote and tell us what the label goes on. You can also order a $1 sample to test, or call (800) 256-0435, 8am to 5pm Central, Monday to Friday.
Quick recap
- Clean with alcohol.
- Same temperature as the item.
- Press and rub, edges and corners too.
- Give it some time.
Keep reading
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a label to stick better?
Clean the surface with isopropyl alcohol, let the label and item reach the same temperature, and press the label down firmly, including the edges and corners.
Why do labels lift even when they look stuck?
Pressure sensitive labels need pressure to bond. If you only placed it on, the bond is weak. Press and rub it down.
Can I apply labels to a cold or damp surface?
It usually fails. Warm the item to room temperature and dry it first.
How long should I wait before the label is fully stuck?
Give it some time before heavy handling, freezing or washing. Adhesive keeps building strength for a while after you apply it.
Should I use my fingers or a tool to press?
Either works. A soft cloth, a squeegee or the edge of a card gives even pressure and avoids bubbles.
