Label FAQs

Why does my label proof have a pink border? The pink border is a special vector line inserted on the artwork to show where the machine will cut-contour the label. It is not printed but is visible to the digital label printing machine describing the path it must follow to cut the label shape on the backing sheet.

Are there standard label sizes? Not really. Digital label print and cut machines can print and cut almost any size and shape and are merely limited by the size of the reel and the economies of scale. Similarly, flex label printing machines (labels on a roll) are also limited by web width and print economies. When flex dies are required, some printers will say they have a "standard" die for a particular size or shape, but this is incorrect. The correct term is "standing" die or "factory" die. Using these ready-made dies can save you a lot of money, but there are really no "standard" dies.

What is the difference between die cut and kiss cut (or cut contoured) labels? Although the terms die cut and kiss cut labels are sometimes used interchangeably, all wide format digitally printed labels are cut-contoured on the backing sheet for easy peeling. Kiss cutting means the label is shaped (or cut contoured) to the depth of the backing sheet so the label can easily be peeled off. This implies that more than one label is kiss cut on a sheet or roll. Die cut labels means the label is cut and shaped together with the backing sheet, so you end up with multiple, individual label units. Die cut labels can only be done on offset printed sheets and the die cutting is a separate or outsourced finishing process on a Heidelberg cylinder or platten press. As litho /offset printers are not label printing specialists, this tends to be an expensive process.

What is "weeding?" Once labels have been cut-contoured, the excess material between each sticker needs to be removed so you are supplied only with the finished labels on the backing sheet - this process is known as "weeding or weeding the labels."

Can you digitally print my labels in a specific Pantone spot colour? No, all digital printing is either in CMYK or RGB. The Pantone colour will be exported as CMYK or RGB and approximated as close as possible. For Pantone printed labels, traditional flex printing (labels on a roll) is required. Please ask your graphic designer to make these colour changes to the original file as we cannot be held responsible for colour variations. Also, digital flex printing is always CMYK while wide format digital label printing can be either CMYK or RGB. Adobe RGB (aRGB) is best for wide format digital sticker printing but sRGB (standard RGB) is still widely used. Please check the correct colour values have been assigned before sending your artwork.

Is CMYK or RGB colour best for printing my labels? Because we are wide format digital sticker printers, we always recommend sRGB or aRGB colours. These colour values ensure a more vibrant colour gamut. Nevertheless, some Pantone colours may work best when converted to CMYK. Its not a cookie-cutter formula and requires some experience by the designer. If you are unsure, rather order a printed proof before you order the full complement of stickers to ensure you get the best colour match. Penny-pinching on a hard-copy, printed proof is not recommended when colour is critical. We cannot accept responsibility for colour variations between litho, flexo and wide format digital printing if you supply your own print-ready artwork. NB: Most corporates have a Corporate Identity document with standardized Pantone, CMYK and RGB colour vales (+ more) that can be emailed to us for check against the artwork. If you have one, please share it with us.

Is there a price difference if you digitally print my labels in one colour as opposed to full colour or multiple colours? No, for the same reason addressed by Question 5.

Are you able to print with white ink on clear labels? Not digitally, but we can do it on the traditional label flex machines. These labels will require a plate and a die, so the minimum quantities start at 1000 labels.

Can you print on the sticky side of the label so the print faces out of the window? Label printing machines are currently unable to print on the sticky side of a label. These labels are printed normally and then laminated to give the effect of printing of the sticky side. For more information, please speak to me directly.

My labels need to be applied onto a corrugated surface, is this possible? Most monomeric sticker vinyls are sufficient for slightly curved surfaces, but not corrugations. Some Polymeric and most cast vinyl stickers are capable of adhering to corrugated surfaces but please note that we print labels on monomeric vinyl, which is best for flat and slightly curved surfaces.

I need vehicle decals printed on reflective vinyl - can you assist? Unfortunately not. Reflective and neon vinyls are mostly used for cut contouring only and cannot be printed.

Are your labels waterproof and weatherproof? Vinyl and polyprop labels are waterproof, but only vinyl labels may be confidently used outdoors. Most monomeric vinyls are suitable for between 3 and 4 years outdoor application, while polyprop labels have a very limited outdoor life because the inks used are not weatherproof. They are, however, fine for water resistant packaging with contents that have a limited shelf life and "best before" date.

Can you resin dome a star or triangular shaped label? Unfortunately not. All resin domed labels must be round, oval or have a cut contour that is more rounded than pointy. The reason for this is that pointy shapes channel the resin off the domed label onto the backing sheet and ruins the domed label. We can also dome square or rectangular labels as long as the corners are rounded.

Can any size label be domed? No - doming works best on small to medium sized labels.