Common materials used for printing decal labels today

We often see decals on book covers, mobile phones, food containers, etc., and most of them are made of paper. However, nowadays, ordinary paper is prone to peeling, and the ink colors are not durable. Therefore, decals are now printed on other materials to overcome the shortcomings of paper. The following articles will provide more information about  paper materials for label printing  for your reference.

Paper material

Paper decals are commonly used for printing product labels, logos, children's wall decals, etc. They are made of paper material. Depending on requirements, a glossy or matte film can be added to protect the ink and prevent water damage.

When it comes to  label printing paper , there are many types of paper with different properties to suit different needs and purposes, such as: uncoated paper and coated paper.

Uncoated paper 

This type of paper has a rough, textured surface that feels uneven to the touch. It has good ink adhesion and can be written on with ink pens. The quality of printed images varies depending on the type of paper.

However, uncoated paper has lower print quality compared to coated paper, so it is less commonly used for decal printing. Kraft paper is the only uncoated paper commonly used for decal printing. Kraft paper is a type of paper used to make cement bags. It is made from softwood chemical pulp processed using the kraft paper process.

This type of paper has a sharp, rough, soft surface and usually comes in two main colors: brown and yellow. Kraft paper is often used for labeling natural products and packaging such as: natural cosmetics, dried fruits, candies in glass jars, paper bags, paper cups, etc.

Coated paper

This type of paper is coated with an additive (usually kaolin mixed with rosin). The coating fills the gaps on the paper's surface. It makes the paper smoother and improves its opacity and color absorption.

This type of paper has a beautiful, glossy print quality, making it widely used for printing decals and labels. The most common coated paper for printing decals is couche paper, also known as Coated Art Paper. It is white with a smooth, glossy kaolin-coated surface. The paper has good brightness and opacity, strong ink absorption, and excellent ink retention.

It can be printed on most products: cosmetic labels, confectionery labels, household goods labels, clothing labels, shoe labels, etc.

Label printing is typically done using offset or flexographic printing technology. These are modern printing techniques that can handle large quantities, high speeds, and are cost-effective. Of these,  flexographic roll label printing  is preferred because it is compatible with most automated label printing systems currently used by businesses, saving costs, time, and effort.

PP plastic material

Plastic decals are a type of decal made from durable, flexible material that can withstand impacts during transportation. Plastic decal labels are commonly used for labeling and packaging products where they are portable and easy to handle. Additionally, these labels offer a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors.

PP plastic, short for Polypropylene, is a material used for printing decal labels, second only to paper in quality. Plastic decal labels are typically 0.076mm thick, white, and have a very strong adhesive backing. Additionally, decal labels printed on this material can withstand high temperatures up to 80°C.

Polyester plastic material

Similar to PP plastic, decal labels printed on this material are very durable, 0.076mm thick, white in color, and have a strong adhesive. What sets this polyester plastic material apart is its excellent heat resistance up to 132 degrees Celsius.

Therefore, labels printed on this material have excellent outdoor application capabilities and high durability. In particular, labels printed on polyester material are resistant to chemicals from oil and some mild solvents.

Vinyl material is fragile.

Labels printed on this material are characterized by their brittleness, high adhesion, and white color. Therefore, when you tear the label, it will immediately break into many small pieces. As a result, vinyl labels are often used in applications with secure barcodes because they are difficult to damage or tear apart.

Polyester plastic material with metal plating

Polyester labels with metallic coating differ from regular labels because they are made of a metallic compound. The labels are coated with a layer of silver on the surface to create a glossy finish, resulting in high durability and a higher cost compared to   traditional barcode label paper .

Silver decals are durable, tear-resistant, waterproof, peel-resistant, fade-resistant, weather-resistant, and less prone to damage during use.

Metallic decals are commonly used in labels for mobile phone batteries, laptop batteries, cameras, product information labels for water heaters, TVs, refrigerators, and other electronic products, as well as labels requiring high quality, durability, or outdoor application…

Conclude

First, choose the appropriate decal material based on the product's usage environment, intended lifespan, and value. For example, for food items like fruits, using  paper labels  ensures food safety and hygiene while saving on printing costs. For equipment and machinery, plastic or metal-coated plastic decals are suitable choices. Be sure to select high-quality decals with good adhesion and smudge-proof ink to prevent the decal from peeling off during use.

Decals come in a wide variety of shapes, including circles, rectangles, squares, flowers, and any other shape requested by the customer. Therefore, decals are also used to create unique products such as bubble tea, beverages, food, etc. Today, decals with striking shapes and colors are very popular for  brand building .

The material used for decals determines the printing cost, so it's necessary to choose a material whose printing cost matches the value of the goods or products to save costs. For example, low-value items can use inexpensive paper or plastic decals, while high-value items can use metal or hard plastic decals, etc.

If you're still unsure which decal material to use for your products and haven't found a  reputable label printing company  in Ho Chi Minh City, contact us today –  Nam Viet Barcode  staff will advise and answer all your questions.  We will provide high-quality printing products and competitive pricing in the current market.

The above article shares information about common label printing materials currently available. Hopefully, it provides useful information to help you choose  the right label printing paper  for your business!