Performance Factors to Know

Pressure sensitive adhesives are available in different levels of stickiness which affects how quickly they absorb into the surface they’re applied to. But along with a basic level of stickiness, there are other factors outside of the adhesive that can affect overall performance. Below are seven considerations outlined by our material suppliers that we consider, and you should consider too, when selecting label materials.

Note: A “substrate” is the material, surface or container that comes in direct contact with the adhesive and facestock (i.e. the paper or film material your artwork is printed on).

1. Composition: The composition of the substrate can affect the adhesive’s ultimate strength and bond. Plastic, glass, paper, cardboard, metal and fabric all have different compositions which can affect how an adhesive will perform. Our standard permanent adhesive works well on most of these surfaces but just keep in mind that special adhesives may require extra considerations to ensure it’s compatible with the substrate’s composition.

2. Texture: A substrate’s texture matters because it can affect how well the adhesive bonds. Rough textures are harder for adhesives to stick to because there’s less surface area for the adhesive to grip. In cases like this, a more aggressive adhesive is required to achieve an acceptable level of adhesion.

3. Shape: Curves and angles can be difficult areas to label – especially if the label facestock is more rigid. PSAs require some time to flow into the substrate to achieve ultimate adhesion and when a rigid label is applied to a curved surface, the label’s stiffness can cause it to lift up from the surface before the adhesive can fully bond. If that curved substrate also has a rough surface, you have an even tougher challenge. At this point, consider using a more flexible facestock or a more aggressive adhesive.

4. Cleanliness: Whether it’s dirt, oil, frost, dust, etc., it’s important that the surface a label is applied to is clean. An unclean surface can prevent a label from achieving ultimate adhesion. In certain manufacturing processes, contamination is bound to happen. Of course, if having consistently clean surfaces isn’t an option, there are special adhesives that can help you tackle that issue.

5. Temperature: Temperature also plays a role in how well an adhesive can flow into the substrate. Extremely low temperatures can be especially problematic since adhesives have a “minimum application temperature,” which is the lowest temperature they can be applied, and still have tack, before crystallizing and turning solid. If you must apply your labels in a cold environment, a special adhesive would be needed. The specialized “cold temp” or “all temp” adhesives can be used for application temperatures as low as -25 to -30 degrees C.

6. Moisture contact: Labels printed on paper materials don’t hold up well against direct moisture or humidity in the air. If the paper label will have limited exposure to moisture, a laminate can be applied over the paper to protect the material’s integrity and printed image. Film labels are more durable against moisture contact, but clear film has some special adhesive considerations. When clear labels have an emulsion adhesive, and they’re applied to a wet or moist surface, the adhesive can re-emulsify turning the colour milky white. The discoloration will go away over time but may take days or even weeks to happen.

• Side note: An emulsion is the mixture of two liquids that can’t mix (e.g. oil and water) unless an emulsifier is added. An everyday example of an emulsion is mayonnaise. Without an emulsifier, the oil and water in mayonnaise would separate.

7. Service conditions: Labels don’t live in a bubble – they interact with the environment around them. It’s important to keep in mind the various elements your labels will be exposed to over their lifespan because special materials may be required to ensure label quality. Moisture, abrasion, heat, cold, oil, dirt…the list of potential service conditions is practically limitless!