After putting a whole heap of time and care into making and marketing your product, the last thing you want to do is undermine it with slapdash product packaging. So when it comes to packaging up your products, it’s vital that you learn to apply labels with care and precision.
With product packaging playing a huge part in customer buying decisions, labels are hugely important. From promotion and marketing to key ingredient information, labels serve lots of different purposes. That’s why it’s so important to give your label application the attention it deserves.
If you’re applying your labels by hand, you’ll need to take extra care to avoid the common pitfalls of product labelling. Here are 3 key steps you can take to ensure your product labels are straight, secure, and bubble-free.
1. Prepare The Labelling Area
Labels adhere best to flat, clean surfaces. If you’re labelling bottles and jars, you’ll have a trickier time than if you’re labelling cardboard boxes, so take great care when preparing your surface. Labels will also adhere best if the environment is room temperature, so try to avoid labelling in areas that are too hot or too cold.
For plastic products, clean the surface with non-corrosive, non-abrasive liquid. Leave to air dry. If you need to dry it with a towel, make sure to remove any residue that might transfer from the fabric. Your surface should be clean, dry, and free from oil, dust and lint before you apply your label.
2. Position And Apply The Label Carefully
Ensure you know exactly where your label needs to go before you remove the backing. Ideally, you should use something to hold your product in place while you position and apply your label, so you can use both hands for added precision. This is especially important if you’re labelling a round product, such as a bottle or jar.
When you’re ready to label, gently peel away the backing, without crimping the edge of the label. Then position your label and press down in the centre. Gently smooth it outwards towards the edges. This will help minimise bubbling, and ensure your labelling looks accurate and professional.
If possible, use labels with repositionable adhesive, so you can reapply the label if you need to.
3. Allow Time For Bonding
After application, most labels need a little time to bond before they’re fully secure. Give them at least 24 hours to dry before you package up your products to send out. That way, you can be sure the labels won’t budge while they’re in transit.
Manual Labelling Vs Machine Labelling
Labelling by hand can be an arduous task. It’s time-consuming and inaccurate – which is why many businesses choose to use label applicator machines.
Label applicator machines are designed to automate your labelling, offering faster, more precise results. Each type of machine offers lots of benefits, particularly if you’re labelling uniquely shaped objects, or you need a high-speed machine. Get in touch with a labelling specialist to see how a label applicator machine could benefit your business.