Q: What’s the difference between Laminated Labels and Paper Labels?

Laminated Labels are made from durable BOPP material and finished with a protective laminate. They’re water resistant, oil resistant, and designed for products exposed to moisture, refrigeration, oils, or frequent handling. Paper Labels are made from paper-based materials, including Glossy Paper, Matte Recycled Paper, and Kraft Paper. They’re finished with a UV varnish and work best for dry, indoor packaging where a natural texture, writable surface, or paper look matters. Choose Laminated Labels for durability and moisture resistance. Choose Paper Labels for dry, indoor packaging with a natural paper feel and writable finish.

Question 1

What’s the difference between Laminated Labels and Paper Labels?

Accepted Answer

Laminated Labels are made from durable BOPP material and finished with a protective laminate. They’re water resistant, oil resistant, and designed for products exposed to moisture, refrigeration, oils, or frequent handling.

Paper Labels are made from paper-based materials, including Glossy Paper, Matte Recycled Paper, and Kraft Paper. They’re finished with a UV varnish and work best for dry, indoor packaging where a natural texture, writable surface, or paper look matters.

Choose Laminated Labels for durability and moisture resistance. Choose Paper Labels for dry, indoor packaging with a natural paper feel and writable finish.

Question 2

Which label material is best for bottles and jars?

Accepted Answer

White BOPP and Clear BOPP are great options for bottles and jars. Both are water resistant and available with glossy or matte lamination. Choose White BOPP for an opaque background or Clear BOPP when you want the container underneath to show through.

Question 3

Can Custom Labels be used on refrigerated products?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Laminated Labels are a good choice for refrigerated bottles, jars, and food packaging because they resist moisture and everyday wear. Be sure to consider the application surface and temperature when choosing your label material.

Question 4

Which label materials can I write on?

Accepted Answer

Kraft Paper and Matte Recycled Paper can be written on with a ballpoint pen or permanent marker. White BOPP and Holographic Labels with matte lamination can also be written on using a permanent marker. Clear BOPP and Glossy Paper are not recommended for writing.

Question 5

Are Custom Labels water resistant?

Accepted Answer

Laminated Labels are water resistant and suitable for moisture-prone applications. Hand washing is recommended, as repeated dishwasher exposure may affect the lamination over time. Paper Labels are not water resistant and should be kept dry.

Question 6

What's the difference between glossy and matte lamination?

Accepted Answer

Glossy lamination creates a shiny, reflective appearance that makes colors stand out. Matte lamination provides a softer, less reflective look. Both help protect Laminated Labels from water, oil, and everyday wear. Glossy and matte lamination are available for White BOPP, Clear BOPP, and Holographic Labels.

Question 7

How do I set up artwork for Custom Labels?

Accepted Answer

For the best print quality, prepare your artwork at 300 dpi and use CMYK colors whenever possible. Kraft Paper and Holographic Labels require a white ink layer to control where the Prepare your artwork as a vector file or at 300 dpi, using CMYK colors whenever possible. Clear, Kraft Paper, and Holographic Labels require a white ink layer to control transparency, opacity, and material effects. Our Art Team reviews your artwork and provides a free digital proof before printing.

For detailed instructions, explore our General Artwork Setup Guide, Kraft Paper Labels Artwork Setup, or Holographic Labels Artwork Setup and Clear Labels Artwork Setup.

	White BOPP	Clear BOPP	Holographic	Glossy Paper	Kraft Paper	Matte Recycled Paper
Best For	Everyday product labeling and packaging	Clear bottles, jars and containers	Premium packaging and eye-catching designs	Product packaging with a glossy paper look	Wine, beverages and artisan products	Candles, crafts, gourmet foods and natural packaging
Material	White polypropylene (BOPP)	Clear polypropylene (BOPP)	Holographic polyester (PET)	High-gloss paper	Natural recycled kraft paper	Recycled matte paper (100% PCW, FSC certified)
ThicknessHow thick the label material is.	2.4 mil	2 mil	2 mil	60# paper stock	55# paper stock	60# paper stock
Lamination / Varnish	Glossy or matte lamination	Glossy or matte lamination	Glossy or matte lamination	Glossy protective varnish	Matte protective varnish	Matte protective varnish
Visual Effect	Opaque white base	Transparent background	Rainbow holographic effect	Smooth, high gloss paper	Natural brown kraft paper	Bright white, textured paper
Durability	Water, oil & scratch resistant	Water, oil & scratch resistant	Water, oil & scratch resistant	Oil & scratch resistant; keep dry	Oil & scratch resistant; keep dry	Oil & scratch resistant; keep dry
Writable	Matte lamination only, permanent marker	No	Matte lamination only, permanent marker	No	Ballpoint pen or permanent marker	Ballpoint pen or permanent marker
Temperature RangeTemperatures the label can withstand after application	−75°F to 200°F after application	−20°F to 200°F after application	−65°F to 200°F after application	Indoor use only; not temperature-rated	Indoor use only; not temperature-rated	Indoor use only; not temperature-rated
UV ExposureRecommended exposure to sunlight and UV.	Indoor use recommended; avoid prolonged direct sunlight	Indoor use recommended; avoid prolonged direct sunlight	Indoor use recommended; avoid prolonged direct sunlight	Indoor use only	Indoor use only	Indoor use only

Custom Label Materials Guide

Compare label materials to find the right fit for your design and application.

Custom Label Materials

Compare Custom Label materials to find the right fit for your packaging and application.

How to Choose a Label Material

Start by comparing Laminated Labels and Paper Labels to find the right material for your packaging and application.

Laminated Label Materials

White BOPP

Clear BOPP

Holographic

Paper Label Materials

Glossy Paper

Kraft Paper

Matte Recycled Paper

Label Material FAQs