How Waterproof Labels Work
A waterproof label’s basic job is to maintain a prolonged adhesion to any destination surface in all possible weather conditions.
There are basically two ways that we print waterproof (sometimes called weatherproof) labels.
Using Inkjet Printers
When we use an inkjet printer, the label gets a topcoat encapsulating the ink. That’s what keeps away water. Once the ink dries and the topcoat is applied, the label doesn’t get smeared at the touch of water or a wet hand.
Waterproof inkjet labels are generally printed on vinyl, polypropylene, or any such synthetic material and have to be laminated or varnished.
Using Laser Printers
This process is much more reliable, durable, and ensures a stronger label. Here the toner itself is waterproof, and hence no topcoat is needed. As this process uses dry ink, it lasts longer in outdoor conditions.
Benefits of Waterproof Labels
There are a number of benefits that you get when you use waterproof labels. Let’s take a look at them.
1. They Are Durable
After a label is affixed to any product, they are mostly sent out to the market. These products then undergo a number of hostile and harsh conditions like moisture, extreme cold, snow, heat, or corrosive brine water when they are transported or stored either in a warehouse or in a showroom. These conditions call for the capacity to be sustainable. This is generally called being durable.
There is another trait called ‘abrasion protection’. This is also included in the durability of the waterproof labels. The Metalphoto® Aluminum, for example, is a type of label that can withstand chemicals, abrasion, and solvents.
2. They Have Got Compliance
This is best understood when you use labels in marine applications where they have to survive protesting salty moisture and corrosive water. There is the identification of various kinds of hazards and other information printed on vessels that are made legally imperative by federal and international law. Waterproof labels ensure that they remain well clear and legible for a certain period of time.
3. They Have Got Better Legibility
Whether it is under any topcoat or the ink itself is waterproof— in either case— whatever is written on the label, it gets a delightfully glossy and clear look. Even the smallest fonts become easily readable and the finest images easily detectable because of the extra contrast provided by the waterproof technology.
Coupled with the durability trait that has been discussed above, the legibility makes the waterproof label almost unique.
4. They Can Stick to Anything
One of the most important and interesting traits of a waterproof label is that it can stick to anything in any changed condition— even if the surface gradually gets greasy. Once settled, it prevents the acquired area from sucking oil or water.
5. They have Got a Wide Range of Material and Color Options
To meet the need of growing demand for waterproof labels, there has been a wide variety of colors, materials, and other options available on the market. Some of the most advertised types of waterproof labels are:
- Waterproof direct thermal labels
- Waterproof inkjet labels
- Waterproof inkjet Roll labels
- Waterproof thermal transfer labels
- Waterproof laser labels
All of the above types come in a number of sizes to perfectly match the needs of the user.
Some of the excellent color options available are:
- Silver foil (both for laser and for inkjet)
- Gold foil (both for laser and for inkjet)
Then there are blue, yellow, green, pink, and other colors in pastel, fluorescent, and true color modes.
6. No Need to Spray External Waterproofing Substance
Waterproof labels have been prepared to reduce the extra expense of spraying external waterproofing substances that were once a common task for almost all the companies who wanted longer lasting labels.
7. Sustaining the Aesthetics
Labels proudly represent the owner of the product. That’s why the aesthetics of the labels are important just as the fame and goodwill of the owner. Here comes another benefit of the waterproof labels as the printed fonts and images don’t get smudged.
8. Reduced Risk
While in use in the office, at home, or out in the open air, the weather can be tricky and harsh enough. Moreover, you cannot assure if the labels are not going to face any unprecedented extreme conditions.
Whatever the temperature or moisture there be and however extreme the condition be, the waterproof labels are there to make you feel relaxed that they will remain intact.
9. Use them Anywhere
This is most probably the most important benefit that you can think of.
Here are some of the places you can confidently use the waterproof labels:
- Food and Beverage
Almost always handled by wet hands and stored in the refrigerators and freezers, canned foods and beverages need to maintain the condition of the labels, giving expiry date and other product information. Waterproof labels ensure this remains clear and readable.
- Bath and Body
Nobody is going to risk the use of a shampoo that has a smudged reading on the label. Surely waterproof labels can rid you of it.
- Garments
Almost always getting rubbed against the body and other garments and accessory garments like fringed bags and shoulder pads need the perfect type of labels that can withstand abrasion.
- Boats and boating supplies
The salty water of the ocean challenges more corrosion than the freshwater of lakes and rivers. There is no alternative to waterproof labels when it comes to using on the surface of the boat and boating supplies.
- Equipment
Waterproof instructions on the dangerous equipment are a must. Especially those like high-pressure washers need them just to ensure safety.
- Outdoor machinery and vehicles
Needless to say that these things face the most corrosive situations, and therefore, they need waterproof instructions and information more than anything else.
- There is almost no place that waterproof labels are not needed. Keeping pace with the ever-growing complex civilization, and the waterproof labels are also getting newer looks and growing more versatile.
Feature photo by Photo by Fernando Arcos from Pexels
