Blog - Printed Stickers, Custom Product Labels

January 14, 2023January 5, 2023

Pros & Cons of Using Matte and Gloss Labels

Pros & Cons of Using Matte and Gloss Labels

As with any material you choose, there are always advantages and disadvantages to each type of finish.

Gloss Labels

This decorative finish is often popular because it offers a more subtle decoration compared to, say, colored labels. The bright and shiny surface creates an attractive and professional finish, which can draw attention to important information. Gloss labels have special coatings, which add extra beneficial properties. For example, coatings tend to create a smoother finish and can offer protective properties, resulting in tougher and more durable sticky labels. They may also offer limited protection from environmental elements such as moisture. While paper labels can never be fully waterproof, our gloss and semi-gloss paper labels are “splashproof” and can be wiped clean and dry if lightly splashed with water.

Matte Labels

Matte labels may not be as decorative as gloss labels but this can be a benefit. Their subtle flat finish allows additional print to be added onto matte surfaces without drawing attention to the fact that this has been done. Some matte labels (especially matte transparent labels) become almost invisible after application, making it seem as though your additional print is actually part of the labelled item. Matt labels tend to be uncoated (with a rougher surface), although additional coatings can improve the finish. They can also be made with waterproof materials to create waterproof matte labels suitable for outdoor (or indoor) use. A less reflective surface can also be beneficial when the print must be easy to read – by humans or by machines. Gloss labels may be harder to read when light sources reflect off the surface. Matt labels are a better option for barcode labels and QR code labels. While some readers do not rely on detecting fluctuating levels of reflected light, traditional optical scanners do. The reflective surface of gloss labels may prevent barcodes and QR codes scanning correctly. The (usually) rougher surface of matte labels is often more receptive to handwritten or drawn designs along with craft materials, such as foils and stamps.

So Which Finish Should I Choose?

Ultimately, the choice between matte labels and gloss labels is up to you. Generally, it depends on the appearance you want for your self adhesive labels (and your labelled items). If you don’t have any practical considerations to bear in mind (which might rule out one or other of the finishes), it really does just depend on the finish that you prefer.

We have product specialists ready to help you at 562-945-3486

December 13, 2022January 5, 2023

Flexographic vs Digital Printing

Flexographic vs Digital Printing

There are so many choices to make when you are having labels printed, one of these choices will be choosing between flexographic and digital printing. We’ve listed a few benefits of both processes below to help you figure out exactly what is it you want!

Flexographic printing

Enhanced durability – if your product has a long shelf life or is for outdoor use, flexographic would be the decision for you.

Low cost – If you are having a large amount of labels printed the end sum will come out a fair bit lower than it would if printed digitally.

Precision of colour – You will achieve exact matches of colour with the use of the Pantone Colour System.

Digital printing

Low cost – If you are having a small amount of labels printed the digital process will be cheaper.

You can tweak your design easily.

Faster turnaround than flexographic as the process does not require printing plates and therefore reduces set-up time.

October 25, 2022October 26, 2022

Clear, Crisp Top-quality Digital Product Labels

All sizes of business need the quality of digital printing. Many label buyers choose digital printing because multiple designs can be produced in the same run without delay. Digital printing is a full color process for print accuracy and full-color results for a photographic quality finish.

Digital labels are a type of pressure-sensitive label made using cutting-edge digital printing technology. TLC prints custom digital labels that reinforce your brand and help your product stand out on store shelves. In the past few years, new types digital labels have emerged, offering brands improved label quality at reduced costs.

Digitally printed labels can be ready to ship quickly.
Digital printing’s high resolution will make your labels crisp and easier to read even for small print
High resolution, even for tiny details and small print
Crisp type and superb clarity
Photographic-quality imagery comparable to top magazines
Rapid turnarounds on print orders
Reduced cost per unit for short-to-medium-size runs

October 11, 2022October 11, 2022

Labeling Pre-Packed Sandwiches and More…

Labeling Pre-Packed Sandwiches and More…

Our printing team can create and produce customized designs in a variety of different colorful labels for pre-packed sandwiches and other food items such as baguettes, wraps and paninis. The customization we provide in the design is based on the company logo with the addition of any photography provided by the client. Our labels are sure to catch the eye of any potential consumers.

We use a finish on these types of labels which is an over-printable varnish, this will allow the client to print variable information on to the labels such as use by dates, barcodes, price, product name and ingredients.

For more details on our label printing service contact us today!!

September 22, 2022September 22, 2022

Mactac Pressure sensitive adhesive PureFloat

The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) has recognized a new Mactac pressure sensitive adhesive PureFloat for the association’s highest recyclability standard.

PureFloat is a permanent acrylic emulsion adhesive intended for polyester (PET) bottle labeling applications. It was designed specifically to be washed off cleanly to allow the container to be recycled.

‘Meeting APR standards is a significant step for Mactac in demonstrating our company’s commitment to the environmental impact and recyclability of our products,’ said Kim Hensley, senior marketing manager at Mactac Performance Adhesives.

To receive APR recognition products must meet or exceed the most challenging test conditions and strict guidance criteria developed as the result of a multi-industry consensus of key issues related to recycling post-consumer PET bottles.

The criteria met is known as the APR Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Label for PET Bottles Critical Guidance requirements and applies to Mactac labelstocks pairing the PureFloat adhesive with a 2.6-mil white top-coated polypropylene facestock or a 2.0-mil clear top-coated polypropylene.

The clear and white polypropylene product combinations can undergo common PET recycling processes without contaminating any PET flake by-products. During the washing process, Mactac’s labels easily separate from the PET container and float, allowing high-value, clean PET flakes to be recovered.

September 12, 2022September 14, 2022

Epson Celebrates, Reflects on Milestone of 100 Installations

Ed Valencia has operated the SurePress since the first day it was installed at Tape and Label Converters.

Epson Celebrates, Reflects on Milestone of 100 Installations

Epson has installed its 100th SurePress at a New York printer, and its first installation in North America – at Tape and Label Converters – is still in operation.

Digital printing continues to garner significant interest in the label and package printing industry, and that trend is only expected to surge in the future. As McKinsey & Company states, we are in an era of packaging “defined by digital.”

The data illustrates this point, too. According to Jennifer Dochstader, managing director, LPC, Inc., “One in five converters indicated that they will be buying a digital press in 2023 while less than 10% of companies indicated that they planned to purchase a conventional press next year. We predict that from 2023-2025 we will once again see digital press sales outpacing conventional press sales by a wide margin.”

Epson, a California-based digital printing manufacturer, has just seen its flagship SurePress line installed for the 100th time to a New York printer. This is not the only milestone at Epson, as the company can proudly say that its first installation, which took place at Tape and Label Converters in Santa Fe Springs, CA, is still in operation today. The first and most recent installations are a testament to Epson’s commitment to quality and service.

Tape and Label Converters installed the press on June 28, 2012.

“Tape and Label Converters runs the press daily and has had minimal service intervention,” explains Mike Pruitt, senior product manager, Industrial Labels, Epson America. “The fact that the press remains operational day in and day out is an example of the stability and robustness of an all-Epson platform, which includes the ink.”

Tape and Label Converters boasts multiple traditional flexo presses, as well as the Epson SurePress L-4033. Headed by Robert Varela Sr., the converter has a wide customer base that serves numerous industries. Reference: labelandnarrowweb.com

August 29, 2022September 8, 2022

Food and Beverage Labeling

Set of Sticker, Tag or Label for Food and Drink.

Food and Beverage Labeling

The food and beverage market is highly demanding and fast moving, creating the packaging for your product is very important. The look of your products can have a very significant role in whether the consumer purchases your product. Tape and Label Converters is the first choice to produce labels for large supermarkets and large number of prestigious food manufacturers.

We are frequently approached by numerous food and beverage companies big and small alike, to help them find cost effective labeling solutions. We can provide 1 – to – 1 customer service to help understand the technical requirements of food labeling legislation, and can assist to ensure each customer’s order is carried out in accordance with the law.

Our expert team of advisers are always available to provide technical advice, or answer any questions phone 562-945-3486 between 8:30am and 5:00pm PST or use our Contact form.

August 12, 2022August 12, 2022

Freshly Made Sandwich Labels for Day Fresh Products

Freshly Made Sandwich Labels for Day Fresh Products

Our expert production team can manufacture these versatile labels for your companies day fresh sandwiches using the latest printing technology and techniques for added on shelf appeal. The company logo is featured prominently at the top of the label, while the whole label design matches the companies overall look .

The labels are finished with an over printable varnish that allows your company to print variable information over the labels, such as ingredients, pricing and bar codes, making these labels versatile so they can be used across many products.

For more details on our label printing service you can contact us at 562-945-3486 or you can email the Sales Team.

July 26, 2022July 26, 2022

Why Use Tamper Evident Labels

Why Use Tamper Evident Labels

What are the purpose of tamper evident labels?

A tamper evident label is used to provide a clear indication that a label, seal or re-closure has been removed. A standard paper or file with a permanent adhesive may meet many customers requirements. However, in more demanding applications, special tamper evident materials are available.

Further enhance your product security with…

Holographic tamper evident labels. These labels are created by transferring an extremely thin layer containing the holographic label security image onto a frangible security paper. This construction is based with a permanent adhesive that “sets” quickly to the surface when the hologram is applied. Once set, the label is destroyed if removal is attempted, you can also personalize the image printed on the label, reinforcing brand integrity.

June 6, 2022June 6, 2022

Plain Labels for all Types of Applications

Plain Labels for all Types of Applications

Here at Tape and Label Converters we are experts in our field and take great pride in our hard-earned reputation for manufacturing outstanding quality plain labels and providing excellent customer service.

No matter the material and whatever the application, our professional Sales Team can provide the technical advice and guidance to customers that need to find the right labels for their requirements. Whether the requirement is short, medium or long run volumes of plain label, we are equipped to supply the highest quality plain labels on the market including both Thermal Transfer and Direct Thermal, for numerous applications whether they are customer facing labels, for use in a warehouse or for cold storage.

With our state-of-the-art equipment, experience and expertise, whatever it is you are looking for in a labeling solution. For more details on our plain labels contact us today.