Materials & Lamination
- Materials: Glossy Paper, Matte Recycled Paper, Kraft Paper
- Durability: Not water or oil resistant; designed for dry, indoor packaging and everyday handling
- UV exposure: Indoor use recommended; avoid prolonged direct sunlight
- Adhesive: Permanent adhesive; temperature tolerance varies by material
- Format: Finished on rolls and compatible with labeling machines. Customizable rewind directions available.
Sizes & Minimums
- Minimum size: 0.5" × 0.5"
- Maximum size: 11" × 14"
- Minimum order: 125 labels
Production & Turnaround
- Standard turnaround: 2–5 business days after proof approval for most materials
- Rush Printing: Need it fast? Upgrade to Rush Printing and we will print your order within 1 business day after proof approval. Learn more about Rush Printing
- Shipping speed: Selected separately at checkout
Paper labels are roll-based labels made from Glossy Paper, Matte Recycled Paper, or Kraft Paper materials. They are designed for dry, indoor product packaging and labeling, offering a classic paper look with a tearable, writable surface and compatibility with hand or machine application.
Ideal For
- Product packaging and product labeling
- Bottles, jars, boxes, cartons, and containers
- Food packaging, baked goods, candles, and handmade goods
- Retail packaging and ecommerce shipping boxes
- Compliance labels, ingredient lists, instructions, and barcodes
- Product seals and tamper-evident packaging
Choosing the Right Paper Label
- Glossy Paper Labels: Smooth white paper labels with a glossy protective varnish that creates a polished, high-shine appearance. Ideal for retail packaging, product seals, and branded labels where visual impact is important.
- Matte Recycled Paper Labels: Writable, tearable labels made from recycled vellum paper with a smooth matte finish. A strong choice for eco-conscious brands and sustainable packaging, especially when handwritten batch or date information is needed.
- Kraft Paper Labels: Rustic brown paper labels made from recycled kraft material with a natural texture. Popular for handmade products, artisan goods, candles, and specialty food packaging.
Most print issues come from artwork setup. Getting these details right helps ensure clean cuts, accurate color, and smooth production.
Need help or not sure your file is ready? Check out our Artwork Setup Guidelines.
Artwork Essentials
- Resolution: 300 DPI at final size
- Color Mode: CMYK (convert Pantone colors to CMYK)
- Preferred Files: Vector PDF or AI
- Accepted Formats: PDF, AI, PSD, JPG, PNG, TIFF, EPS
Design Safety Tips
- Keep text and important elements at least 1/16" inside the cutline
- Add 1/8" bleed for edge-to-edge color
- Wrap labels: Add 0.25" overlap for cylindrical containers (bottles, jars, tubes)
- Outline fonts and embed images
Material-specific notes
Some materials and formats have unique artwork setup requirements. For detailed guidance, review the appropriate setup guide below:
Proofing Process
- Every file is reviewed by our in-house Art Team before printing to help ensure it’s production-ready.
- You’ll receive a free digital proof to review and approve before printing begins. See what’s included in your proof.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Glossy Paper Labels: Smooth white paper with a shiny UV varnish that enhances color vibrancy.
- Matte Recycled Paper Labels: Made from recycled materials with a soft matte finish that is highly writable.
- Kraft Paper Labels: Brown kraft paper with a natural, rustic appearance commonly used for handmade or artisan products.
- Matte Recycled Paper Labels: Work well with pens and permanent markers
- Kraft Paper Labels: Great with pens or Sharpies
- Glossy Paper Labels: Best written on with a permanent marker
- Glass jars and bottles
- Cardboard boxes and cartons
- Paper bags and packaging
What are Paper Labels?
Paper Labels are custom-printed product labels made from paper materials and finished with a protective varnish. Available in Glossy Paper, Matte Recycled Paper, and Kraft Paper, they’re designed for dry, indoor product packaging where a writable, tearable paper label is preferred.
What’s the difference between Glossy, Matte Recycled, and Kraft Paper Labels?
Each paper label material offers a different look and surface:
Can I write on Paper Labels?
Yes. Paper Labels are writable.
Are Paper Labels eco-friendly?
Matte Recycled Paper Labels are made from post-consumer recycled materials and FSC-certified paper.
Kraft Paper Labels are also made from recycled materials and support eco-conscious packaging designs.
These materials are popular with brands focused on sustainable or environmentally friendly packaging.
What is the difference between Laminated Labels and Paper Labels?
Laminated Labels are printed on durable BOPP material and finished with either a Glossy or Matte laminate. They’re water resistant, oil resistant, and designed for products that experience frequent handling or moisture.
Paper Labels are printed on paper-based materials (Glossy Paper, Matte Recycled Paper, or Kraft Paper) and finished with a UV varnish. They’re best for dry, indoor applications and provide a natural, writable surface.
In short: Choose Laminated Labels for durability and moisture resistance. Choose Paper Labels for dry, indoor applications where a paper look and feel matters.
What surfaces do Paper Labels stick to best?
Paper Labels adhere best to clean, dry, smooth surfaces, including:
For textured, curved, or slick plastic surfaces, Laminated Labels may perform better.
What is the difference between Glossy Paper Labels and Glossy Labels?
Glossy Paper Labels are made from high-gloss paper with a UV varnish and are designed for dry, indoor use, making them well suited for box seals, tags, and tamper-evident packaging.
Glossy Labels are made from white BOPP with a glossy laminate and are water- and oil-resistant, making them better suited for food, beverage, and cosmetic packaging where moisture or refrigeration is involved.
Learn more in our Help Center.
Are Paper Labels water resistant?
No. Paper Labels are not water or oil resistant and are designed for dry, indoor environments only.
If your labels will be exposed to moisture, refrigeration, or frequent handling, we recommend laminated BOPP labels, which are water- and oil-resistant.
Can I get my Paper Labels fast?
Yes. Most orders print in 2–5 business days after proof approval. If you need your labels sooner, Rush Printing is available on most products and prints within 1 business day after proof approval.
Rush Printing affects production time only. Shipping speed is selected separately at checkout, and availability depends on production capacity.
What does “Next Day Air” shipping mean?
Next Day Air speeds up shipping time only, not production time. Your order must finish printing before it ships. Once shipped, Next Day Air delivers your package the next business day.
How do I check my order status?
Easy! Just go to our Order Status Page, enter your Order # or Item #, and you’ll see where your order is in the process—from proofing to shipping. If any action is needed from you, like proof approval, we’ll reach out with clear next steps.