How to Apply Clear Labels to Your Products

Clear Labels may need a bit more attention when applying them to your products since the material they are printed on can show unwanted fingerprints or stray dust. Always start applying your Clear Labels from the edges, then smoothly wrap them around the surface of your product container or packaging.

How to Apply Clear Labels to Your Products

Clear Labels are a popular choice for ensuring your product shines through while still representing the time and energy you put into your branding and business. At the same time, bubbles behind a clear label are easier to see than with an opaque label choice. Rather than avoiding the appealing look of Clear Labels, with a few simple steps you can prevent bubbles and blemishes from sneaking in behind your labels during the application process.

Whether you are using a label application machine or applying them by hand, here are some helpful tips for getting a polished and professional look for your products every time.

🫧 Start with a Clean Surface

When applying clear labels, it’s best to start with a clean surface to remove dust and oils that can prevent them from properly adhering. Cleaning the surface with mild soap and warm water or quickly wiping it off with a soft, clean cloth before applying your labels are easy ways to prevent minor blemishes from getting stuck during application.

🤖 Using A Label Application Machine

Label application machines come in a variety of styles, from hand-powered options to fully automatic versions. Our Clear Labels can be oriented on the roll according to your machine’s specifications, so your labels will work easily with the application machine of your choice. An application machine is helpful to ensure consistent tension in adhering your labels every time and can make some quick work of what can seem like a tedious process in product labeling.

When using a label application machine, follow the specifications to align your labels with your products to get started. The Clear Labels will peel easily from the backing for a smooth application when using a machine.

👋 Applying Clear Labels By Hand

Many of our customers work with a hand application process for their product labeling with great success and in some cases, it works better for their needs. Although, have you ever used clear tape and seen a fingerprint left behind underneath the surface? Your fingerprints can present the same challenge with Clear Labels. To prevent sending your fingerprints into the world with your products, it’s best to always handle your Clear Labels from the edges. This keeps any potential prints away from your custom design and avoids getting them on open areas in your label where they can be easily seen. You can also wear thin lint-free gloves when applying your Clear Labels, which gives more control when applying larger sizes or wrapping them around curved surfaces.

🪩 Applying Clear Labels To Curved Or Flat Surfaces

When applying your labels to a curved surface, such as a bottled drink or beauty product, remember to work in a wrapping motion. Start by aligning the label on your product and applying an edge to the surface. Then, wrap the label around your product in a motion which moves with the natural curve of the surface. Working in a steady movement allows the label to adhere to your product surface smoothly, while preventing bubbles or wrinkles in the clear material.

Clear Labels are an economical way to brand gift boxes, bags and many other flat surfaces where you want your brand to stick. Best of all, you can get many different looks from your clear labels depending on the color of surface they are applied to. When applying labels to a flat surface, be sure to start by applying one edge of your label firmly. Then, with a small amount of tension, lay the rest of your label into place.

🧈 Smooth It Out

Smoothing out your label is the final step to make sure it has properly adhered and gives you a chance to push out any minor bubbles that may have snuck in along the edges. Plastic cards with flexible edges are also an effective tool at quickly smoothing your labels and will work best when applying the Clear Labels to flat surfaces.

Adhesive labels are an easy way to professionally brand your products, share important product information, and represent the care you put into branding your business. If you are working with a variety of labels from Clear to Glossy White, or just prefer the clean look of a Clear Label, mastering the tricks of applying them will leave you with a polished and professional look representing your brand.