1. Standard materials
The workhorse options. Paper is the classic choice for dry goods. Film is the waterproof option. If your product will be refrigerated, iced down or handled with greasy hands, tell us how it gets used so we can match the film and adhesive.
White gloss paper
Bright, crisp color on a classic paper label. A good fit for dry goods and indoor use.
White litho paper
A paper stock that's easy to write or stamp on, handy for dates, flavors or batch numbers. Add a matte varnish for a low-glare look.
White BOPP film
A tough, waterproof film that resists most food acids and some oils. How it holds up in a cooler or kitchen also depends on the adhesive, the container and how it's applied.
Best for sauces & foodClear BOPP film
The "no-label look." Your design appears printed right on the glass or bottle. Ask about a white layer behind your colors to keep them bright.
2. Outside-the-box materials
Options that make a product stand out on the shelf or the table.
Metallic film
Gold or silver stocks in shiny, dull or brushed finishes that shimmer under your print.
Estate paper
A premium paper stock that pairs well with foil and embossing for an upscale look.
Static cling
Clear or white vinyl that clings to glass with no adhesive. Made for the inside of windows and glass doors.
3. Specialty finishes
Embellishments that change how the label looks and feels. They can add cost and turnaround, and they work best on one focal element, like your logo.
Hot foil stamping
Real metallic color pressed onto the label: gold, silver, copper and many more, including holographic foils.
Embossing
Raised areas you can feel. Pairing it with foil on a logo is the classic premium combo. Not available on clear film.
Spot varnish
Varnish on just part of the label, like your logo, so it catches the light differently. Available on select stocks, so we'll confirm it for your job.
Ask about availabilityGloss or matte laminate
Adds a scuff-resistant surface. Gloss makes colors pop; matte is the one to pick if you'll write on the label. Lamination doesn't stop inks from fading in sunlight.
Soft-touch laminate
A matte finish with a soft, peach-like feel. It's best judged in person, so ask us for a sample.
Feel a sample4. Die-cut guidelines
Standard shapes are ready to go, and custom shapes are available. A few rules keep custom cuts clean.
- Standard shapesRectangles, squares, circles and ovals. Fastest and most economical.
- Custom shapesFollow your logo, a pig, a bottle silhouette or whatever you need. We'll proof the cut line before printing.
- Keep a safe zoneKeep text and important details at least 1/16" inside the cut. Your template shows the exact safe area for your label.
- Avoid fragile detailsVery thin points, tight inside corners and tiny cutouts can tear when peeled. We'll flag anything risky.
- Size rangeSize limits depend on the stock, shape and print process. Tell us the size you have in mind and we'll confirm it works, then send a template to build your final art on.
5. Specs that matter
Getting these right up front avoids reprints.
| Artwork files | Vector preferred (AI, EPS or PDF) with fonts converted to outlines. Photos at 300 dpi at actual size; line art at 600 dpi. |
|---|---|
| Bleed | 1/16" (0.0625") on all sides for roll labels. Sticker sheets and some specialty products differ, so we confirm bleed on your template. |
| Color | Build artwork in CMYK. For brand colors, send your PMS (coated) numbers. We match closely, and your proof is where you check color before anything prints. |
| Foil / emboss / spot varnish | Supplied as a separate vector layer or spot color marking exactly where the effect goes. |
| Application | Hand or machine applied? For machine application we need the unwind direction, core size and max roll diameter. |
| Environment | What the label goes on (glass, plastic, bags, tubs) and whether it will be refrigerated, frozen or exposed to grease. Labels are normally applied at room temperature to clean, dry surfaces, so tell us if yours go onto cold, wet or already-filled containers. This decides the material and adhesive. |