Ethan Clarke
Sticking labels to plastic can be a challenging task. The process of adhesion depends on several factors, including the type of plastic, the texture of the surface, the adhesive used, and environmental conditions. For instance, some plastics have low-energy surfaces, making them too non-stick for adhesives to adhere properly. Similarly, exposure to extreme heat or cold, water, or solvents can interfere with the chemical properties of adhesives, causing labels to peel off or fall off. To overcome these challenges, various methods can be employed, such as using glue sticks, clear packing tape, digital label machines, or specialised durable labels designed to withstand specific environmental conditions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of adhesive | Rubber-based adhesives are not suitable for plastic. The right kind of adhesive has to be matched to the exact kind of plastic used. |
| Thickness of adhesive | Surfaces that are textured or porous need a thicker layer of adhesive. |
| Surface of plastic | Some plastics are naturally slippery and hard to make anything stick to them. |
| Exposure | Extreme heat, cold, water, or solvents can prevent labels from sticking. |
| Procedure | Write the label on a piece of paper, place the label writing side down inside the edges of the clear packing tape, and stick it to the plastic surface. |
| Other methods | Using glue sticks, digital label machines, or writing directly on the plastic with a paint pen. |
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What You'll Learn
Using glue adhesion
To improve glue adhesion, the plastic surface can be wiped with acetone or any good solvent to remove any release agents or natural slipperiness that may prevent the adhesive from sticking. This involves wiping the desired area with acetone, letting it dry, and then applying the label. However, it is important to only use enough acetone to "dull" the gloss on the plastic surface.
Another method to enhance glue adhesion is to use an adhesion promoter, such as the 3M adhesion promoter, which increases the stickiness of the adhesive. Additionally, alcohol wipes can be used to clean the surface before applying the label, though this may not be effective for all types of plastic.
Finally, clear packing tape can be used to secure the label to the plastic surface. This involves writing the label on a piece of paper, placing it on the sticky side of the tape, and then adhering the tape to the plastic surface. It is important to avoid touching the sticky side of the tape to ensure the label stays in place.
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Clear packing tape
Choosing the Right Tape
Select a heavy-duty clear packing tape, as thinner varieties tend to lose their stickiness and become cloudy over time. Look for brands like 3M Scotch, which offers a type 3850 heavy-duty shipping packing tape that is clear and known for its strong adhesive properties.
Preparing the Label
Create your desired label using a word processor such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs. For the best visual outcome, choose a bold or thick font, and print your design in black or grayscale, as thin fonts and coloured ink may not transfer as clearly. If you're printing images, consider using line drawings or illustrations instead of photographs, as the latter may result in a loss of stickiness in the tape.
Applying the Tape
Once your label is printed, carefully cover the entire printed area with a piece of heavy-duty clear packing tape. Use a flat-edged tool, such as a craft stick, to firmly rub over the printed area to ensure a solid bond between the ink and the tape. Don't be afraid to apply pressure, as this will result in a clearer label.
Cutting and Soaking
Cut your label to the desired size using scissors. Then, fill a bowl with warm water and soak the labelled tape for around 20 minutes to an hour. The exact duration depends on your preference, but the goal is to allow the paper to separate easily from the tape.
Removing the Paper and Drying
After soaking, remove the label from the water and carefully peel the paper away from the tape. Set the wet label with the sticky side facing upwards on a towel and let it air dry. Once the adhesive becomes sticky again, your clear label is ready to be applied to plastic or other desired surfaces.
Additional Tips
If you're looking for a quicker method that doesn't involve water, simply write your label on a piece of paper that is narrower than your clear tape. Place the paper label writing-side down on the sticky side of the tape, ensuring it is centred. Then, cut the tape around the label, leaving a small border of tape around the edges. This method is faster but may not provide the same level of clarity as the water soaking method.
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Digital label machines
Sticking labels to plastic can be a tricky business, with many labels peeling off after a short time. There are a few methods to improve adhesion, such as using glue sticks, applying an adhesion promoter, or covering the label with clear packing tape. However, for those who need to stick labels to plastic regularly and efficiently, a digital label machine may be the best solution.
Brother and Canon offer digital label machines for around $50, with more expensive options offering features like multiple typefaces and memory for frequent label usage. The tapes for these machines come in a variety of colours and widths, allowing for customisation.
For those requiring a more heavy-duty solution, companies like Texas Label Printers offer high-end digital label press machines that can handle intensive printing jobs. These machines can print, rewind, and cut labels to any size and shape, and even offer additional features like slitting, matrix removal, and lamination.
Another popular brand is TrojanLabel, which offers industrial-grade digital presses known for their consistent quality, efficiency, and competitive pricing. The T2-L TrojanLabel colour label printer is a cutting-edge option for small businesses, offering high speed, cost-effectiveness, and the ability to print on a range of materials.
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The right adhesive for the type of plastic
When it comes to sticking labels to plastic, the choice of adhesive depends on the type of plastic involved. There are eight recycling codes for plastic, which indicate the exact material of the product. These codes can be used to determine the most suitable adhesive.
For instance, plastics in categories 1 (Polyethylene Terephthalate or PET), 2 (High-Density Polyethylene or HDPE), 4 (Low-Density Polyethylene or LDPE), and 5 (Polypropylene or PP) are very challenging to glue. To glue polyethylene or polypropylene, look for adhesives specifically designed for these plastics. Category 3, Polyvinyl Chloride or PVC, commonly used in plumbing, can be glued using a two-part primer and PVC solvent cement available in hardware stores.
Category 6 plastics, made of polystyrene, can be bonded with poly cement, epoxy, or cyanoacrylate. An epoxy adhesive is best suited for polycarbonate plastics in category 7, while acrylic plastics in the same category require an acrylic solvent adhesive. ABS plastics in category 9 can be glued with ABS solvent adhesives, but they may warp the plastic.
Additionally, the surface properties of plastics can affect adhesion. Plastics tend to have low surface energies, resulting in poor wetting by adhesives. Sanding or treating the plastic surface with a solvent like acetone can improve adhesion.
Some specific adhesives recommended for bonding plastics include Infinity SuperTAC 500 Plastic Bonding Glue Sticks, Viomis 30g Plastic Glue, and various super glues like Y'allCanDiy Super Glue for Plastic.
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Waterproof labels
To ensure that your waterproof labels are effective, there are several design considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, the text should be legible, with larger elements like the company and product name readable from a distance. Lengthier text, such as ingredient lists, should be in a font size of at least 10 points. Choose a font colour that contrasts with the background colour to enhance readability. Play with typography to reflect your brand and product image, maximising white space or the background colour to improve the flow of information.
When applying labels to plastic surfaces, it is important to note that some plastics are naturally slippery, making adhesion difficult. To improve glue adhesion, you can wipe the plastic surface with acetone or a similar solvent, let it dry, and then apply your label. Alternatively, you can use a label maker or digital label machine to print labels with heavy-duty adhesive, or cover the label with clear packing tape for added security.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to stick labels to plastic. Firstly, you can use glue sticks from an office supply store. Secondly, you can use a label maker, such as the DYMO Letratag label maker, which can be purchased for under $30. Finally, you can use clear packing tape by laying it sticky side up, placing the label writing side down, and then sticking it to the plastic surface.
There are several reasons why labels may not be sticking to plastic. Firstly, the plastic may have a low-energy surface, meaning it is too non-stick for the adhesive to adhere. Secondly, the adhesive may not be thick enough, especially if the surface is textured or porous. Finally, exposure to extreme environments, such as heat, cold, water, or solvents, can interfere with the chemical properties of adhesives and cause labels to fall off.
One tip is to wipe the plastic surface with acetone or another solvent before applying the label, as this can improve glue adhesion. Another tip is to use a label with the right kind of adhesive for the specific type of plastic used. Additionally, when using clear packing tape, ensure that you do not touch the tape sticky side at any time, as this will cause the tape to peel off.
