Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve taken the time to answer some of the most common questions. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, just give us a call at 1-877-329-0578 or send an email to info@labelswift.com.
Selecting and Applying Labels FAQs
Different pressure-sensitive adhesives are designed for different applications. The three most common types are:
- Permanent – strong, long-term adhesion for most containers.
- Removable – holds firmly but peels away without residue.
- Repositionable – allows temporary repositioning before bonding fully.
Choosing the right adhesive depends on your container material, surface energy, use environment, and expected label lifespan.
Hot-fill and pasteurization expose labels to heat, moisture, and pressure. Recommended options include:
- White pearlescent polypropylene – heat-resistant and semi-conformable.
- White BOPP with UV gloss lamination – excellent moisture resistance; ideal for high-pressure processing (HPP).
We can help you select the right material for your specific filling or pasteurization process.
Adhesive performance is directly affected by container characteristics:
- Surface composition (glass, HDPE, PET, metal, etc.)
- Texture and porosity
- Shape and rigidity
- Cleanliness (oils, dust, residue)
- Temperature during application
The adhesive must match the surface’s energy and chemistry to create a strong, reliable bond.
Standard pressure-sensitive labels should not be microwaved or used in ovens because:
- Adhesives may soften, melt, or lose strength.
- Films can warp or release fumes.
- Papers may burn or discolor.
Heat-safe constructions exist, but standard labels are not designed for food-heating environments.
Most label materials have a shelf life of 6–12 months when stored properly in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
The long-term service life after application depends on:
- Outdoor exposure and UV light
- Temperature extremes (freezer, heat)
- Water or chemical contact
- Abrasion, handling, and general wear
If long-term durability is required, we’ll recommend materials built for extended service life.
Label curling usually happens because of one or more of the following:
- Material that’s too thick or rigid for the container.
- Complex or tightly curved container shapes.
- Using removable instead of permanent adhesive.
- Sharp square corners that catch and lift.
- Applying labels at too low a temperature.
Using a more flexible film, choosing a stronger adhesive, or rounding the corners can often resolve curling.
Poor adhesion is typically caused by surface or environment issues:
- Dirty, oily, or dusty surfaces.
- Low-surface-energy plastics like HDPE.
- Moisture or condensation at application.
- Cold application temperatures.
- Rough or highly textured materials.
- Using the wrong adhesive type for the surface.
Preparing the surface and selecting the correct adhesive dramatically improves sticking power.
Bottle flaming is a quick surface-treatment process used on plastics like HDPE that naturally resist adhesion.
A controlled flame passes briefly over the container to increase its surface energy, helping labels bond securely and stay in place over time.
The right labeling equipment depends on your volume, speed, and container style:
- Hand application – best for small batches or startup runs.
- Semi-automatic labelers – ideal for moderate production with consistent placement.
- Fully automatic labelers – required for high-speed or high-volume packaging lines.
We can help you choose equipment compatible with your label size, roll orientation, and production process.
No. Improvised heat sources like blow dryers, heat guns, microwaves, or basic shrink tunnels do not provide the even, controlled heat that shrink sleeves require.
Uneven heating can cause:
- Wrinkling or bubbling.
- Distorted artwork.
- Incomplete shrink or container damage.
Shrink sleeves should be applied using professional equipment designed to deliver uniform 360° heat, such as steam or properly tuned heat-shrink tunnels.
Artwork FAQs
For the fastest processing, upload your artwork through our LabelSwift Artwork Upload Portal. We recommend using vector-based design files from Adobe Illustrator. Submitting clean, print‑ready files ensures quicker proofing and production.
The width of your UPC symbol is the most important factor for scanability. Recommended sizes:
Nominal: 1.469″ W × 1.02″ H
Minimum: 1.175″ W (80%)
Maximum: 2.938″ W (200%)
Yes. White ink is treated as a separate printable color. Clear or metallic materials require white ink behind artwork to ensure opacity and accurate color reproduction.
Yes. You may send a physical sample such as a previous label, printed box, or bottle. We can match color using either CMYK process printing or Pantone spot colors.
For precise matching, we print using Pantone spot colors. These inks fall outside the CMYK gamut and deliver exact, repeatable color. Provide a Pantone number or send a physical sample for matching.
Common issues include:
• Barcode printed too small
• Low resolution artwork
• Poor color contrast between bars and background
Ensuring proper size and color contrast will improve scanability.
Images should be at least 300 DPI at final size. Avoid PNG and GIF files. JPGs should be CMYK and used only for backgrounds. Vector artwork produces the sharpest results.
Create your variable data (barcodes, numbering, names, etc.) in a spreadsheet or database program, then export as CSV. We will merge the data with your label artwork during production.
Yes. Follow our Artwork Specs Guide for bleed, safe area, color mode, fonts, and file preparation. Proper setup ensures clean results and faster turnaround.
Yes—screens use RGB light while printing uses CMYK ink. Because of this, printed colors may appear slightly different. For guaranteed accuracy, provide Pantone numbers or physical samples for matching.
Material and Finishing FAQs
For most product labels, two of the most popular material families are:
- Semi-gloss paper – economical, excellent print quality, great for short-term indoor use.
- Film materials (like BOPP) – water-resistant, durable, and ideal for squeezable or curved containers.
Standard rectangle and circle sizes are common, but we can produce almost any custom size you need.
Labels can be produced on a wide range of materials, including:
- Paper – great for dry, indoor applications and cost-sensitive projects.
- Vinyl – flexible and durable for challenging shapes and environments.
- Polyester (PET) – extremely durable, chemical- and heat‑resistant.
- Polyethylene / Polypropylene (PE / BOPP) – ideal for squeezable or moisture-prone containers.
Specialty films and eco-focused options are also available depending on your application.
The best lamination depends on how your label will be used:
- Standard film laminate – adds gloss or matte protection for most indoor products.
- Polyester laminate – recommended for outdoor, industrial, or high‑wear applications.
- Soft-touch or specialty laminates – used when you want a premium tactile feel.
Lamination helps protect against moisture, scuffing, and handling damage.
A pressure‑sensitive label is made up of several layers, from bottom to top:
- Release liner – the backing material the labels are carried on.
- Adhesive – the glue that bonds the label to your surface.
- Facestock – the primary material the design is printed on (paper or film).
- Ink – your artwork, text, and graphics.
- Finish – a varnish or laminate that protects and/or changes the look and feel.
A release liner is the backing layer that carries your labels on a roll or sheet.
It is specially coated so the adhesive does not permanently bond to it, allowing the label to peel away cleanly when it’s time to apply.
In most cases, yes. Both UV coatings and laminates:
- Protect the printed inks from scuffing and abrasion.
- Add moisture and chemical resistance.
- Change the look (gloss, matte, or specialty effects).
Laminates typically offer the highest level of protection, while UV coatings are a great cost‑effective upgrade over uncoated labels.
Pressure‑sensitive adhesives are usually grouped into three main types:
- Permanent – long‑term bonding for most containers and packaging.
- Removable – holds firmly but can be peeled away without heavy residue.
- Repositionable – allows adjustment during application before fully setting.
The right adhesive depends on your surface material, environment, and how long the label needs to stay in place.
For hot‑fill or pasteurized products, use heat‑resistant, moisture‑tolerant films such as:
- White pearlescent polypropylene – a semi‑conformable film that handles heat well.
- White BOPP with gloss lamination – excellent for high‑pressure processing and wet environments.
These constructions resist distortion, moisture, and temperature swings during processing.
Adhesive performance is heavily influenced by the surface it contacts. Key factors include:
- Material type – glass, HDPE, PET, metal, cardboard, etc.
- Surface energy – low‑energy plastics are harder to bond to.
- Texture – rough or porous surfaces reduce contact area.
- Cleanliness – oils, dust, or residue interfere with bonding.
- Shape and temperature – tight curves or cold surfaces make adhesion more challenging.
Selecting an adhesive that matches these conditions is critical to long‑term performance.
Yes. You can combine finishes to create contrast and premium effects. Common approaches include:
- Using a matte overall finish with spot gloss UV highlights on logos or key text.
- Printing on a glossy material and adding matte varnish to certain areas.
This combination can draw attention to specific elements and elevate the look of your packaging.
For demanding environments, we recommend:
- Durable films such as vinyl or polyester, which withstand wide temperature ranges, moisture, and abrasion.
- High‑durability laminates to protect against chemicals, UV, and physical wear.
- Fade‑resistant inks formulated for outdoor exposure, which resist fading in sunlight better than standard water‑based inks.
Together, these choices significantly extend the service life of outdoor and industrial labels.
Standard pressure‑sensitive label constructions are not designed for use in microwaves or ovens.
High heat can cause adhesives to soften, melt, or fail, and films or papers may warp or discolor. If your packaging must go into a heated environment, ask about specialized materials engineered for that purpose.
Ordering and Shipping FAQs
Small orders typically ship via UPS or FedEx. Larger multi-box orders are palletized and shipped using an LTL freight carrier. If you have specific shipping needs, we can accommodate them.
You can reorder directly through your LabelSwift account under the Reorder section or by contacting customer service. Reorders are usually less expensive since new artwork setup is not required.
We manage production in-house from start to finish, ensuring consistent print quality. Every order goes through quality checks so your labels meet our performance standards.
Contact your dedicated customer service representative for any order changes. You can also view your order status inside your LabelSwift account under the Orders tab.
We can produce nearly any shape or size using custom dies. Die-cut labels follow the exact shape, while butt-cut labels are square-cut with no spacing between them.
Yes. Labels are typically produced on rolls, but sheeted options are available upon request.
Yes, we can print on the adhesive side or liner side of the label to include hidden messaging, instructions, or branding.
When your order ships, you’ll receive an email containing tracking information. You can also view shipment details inside your LabelSwift account.
Production time varies based on your label specifications. Typical turnaround is 7–10 business days after artwork approval.
Our minimum quantity for most digital short-run labels is 100 pieces. If you need samples or a small test run, contact customer service for options.
Shipping cost is based on the total weight and destination. We can also ship using your UPS or FedEx account number upon request.
Printing and Process FAQs
All LabelSwift orders are produced in-house on professional label presses, not outsourced. That means we control every step — materials, color management, and finishing — to keep quality consistent. Every run is visually checked on press, and if something isn’t right, we adjust before it ever ships.
For most projects, there’s effectively no practical limit to how colorful your design can be. We print using high‑end CMYK (and additional extended-gamut colors when needed), and can also add specialty spot colors and coatings.
Maximum finished label size will depend on the exact material and die, but as a general guideline we can produce large-format labels up to roughly 16″ wide by 24″ long on a single piece. If you need something close to that, just tell us your exact size and we’ll confirm before you order.
Yes. We can produce labels in almost any shape — circles, ovals, arcs, angled cuts, or completely custom outlines that follow your logo or artwork.
We support both:
- Die‑cut labels – each label is individually cut with rounded corners and consistent spacing between labels.
- Butt‑cut labels – labels are cut edge‑to‑edge with no gap between them, which can be useful for certain applications or dispensers.
Yes. Our standard production format is labels on rolls, but we can also trim your labels into stacks of flat sheets if that’s easier for hand application, kitting, or fulfillment. Just note your preference for rolls or sheets when you request a quote or place your order.
4‑color process (CMYK) uses cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks to build full‑color images — like photos, gradients, and complex artwork. Most modern label designs are printed this way.
Spot colors use a pre‑mixed ink (often from a Pantone® formula) to hit a specific, repeatable color — like a brand logo red or corporate blue. Spot colors are great when exact brand matching is critical or when you need inks outside the standard CMYK range.
Many projects use a combination: CMYK for imagery plus one or more spot colors for brand elements.
Yes. We can print:
- On the liner/back side – for hidden messages, instructions, or branding that’s visible only before application.
- On the adhesive side (where material allows) – often used for window decals and clear labels viewed from the opposite side.
If you’re planning back‑side or adhesive‑side printing, let us know your container and use case so we can choose the right construction.
Wind direction describes how the labels are oriented on the roll as they come off the liner — for example, top‑edge leading, bottom‑edge leading, left‑edge leading, or right‑edge leading.
This matters if you use an applicator, or if your labels must feed into a specific machine or packaging process. If you already know your equipment’s wind requirement, just tell us. If not, we can help you choose the correct wind for how you’ll be applying the labels.
A pressure‑sensitive label is a small layered construction. From bottom to top you’ll typically have:
- Release liner – the backing material the labels sit on.
- Adhesive – the glue that bonds the label to your surface.
- Facestock – the main material (paper or film) that you see and handle.
- Ink – the printed graphics, text, and barcodes.
- Finish – a laminate or varnish that protects the print and changes the appearance (gloss, matte, soft‑touch, etc.).
The release liner is the backing that carries your labels until they’re applied. It’s coated so the adhesive will release cleanly when you peel or dispense the label.
Liner choice affects how labels run through applicators, how stiff the roll feels, and how well waste strips out during finishing. For most projects a standard kraft or film liner works perfectly, but for high‑speed or unusual equipment we can match a liner to your exact needs.
Yes. Especially on clear or metallic materials, white is printed as its own ink layer. We use it to create an opaque base under your design, to keep colors vivid, or to create special “knockout” and metallic effects.
On white paper or film, the unprinted substrate usually serves as your white, so an extra white ink plate isn’t always needed.
Yes. As long as you provide valid Amazon barcode data (FNSKU/ASIN or UPC/EAN, as required by Amazon), we can generate and print scannable barcodes directly on your labels.
If you send us a sample that already scans correctly, we’ll match the size and contrast to keep you in spec with Amazon’s fulfillment requirements.
Absolutely. We can combine finishes on the same label using spot coatings. Common approaches include:
- Overall matte laminate with selective gloss UV on logos or imagery.
- Gloss base with spot matte to create contrast, texture, or “ghosted” patterns.
This combo finish is a great way to add a premium look and highlight key design elements without changing your base material.