Set Up Your Artwork for Success
To ensure your PET Backing Labels print perfectly, follow these guidelines when preparing your artwork:
File Setup Checklist
- Resolution: 300 DPI or higher for crisp, clean printing
- Color Mode: CMYK for accurate color output
- Accepted File Types: AI, PDF, EPS, PSD, PNG, JPEG, TIFF
- Preferred Files: Vector artwork (AI, PDF, EPS) or high-res raster files (300 DPI)
Size & Layout Guidelines
- Minimum Size: 2" (PET Backing requires this minimum for clean machine application)
Maximum Size: 11” x 14”
Safety Margin: Leave at least 1/8” (0.125") of space around the edge of your design to prevent accidental trimming - Small Details: Fonts and fine lines should be at least 5 pt for legibility
- Wrap-Around Labels: For tubes or jars, add 0.25” to the label length to allow clean overlap
PET-Specific Considerations
- No Full Bleed: Artwork should avoid full bleed designs—PET Backing performs best with clean, contained artwork edges
- No Neon or PMS Matching: We print in full-color CMYK only
- Rounded Corners Required: All PET-backed labels use rounded corners to prevent peeling—standard radius is 1/8" (0.125")
- Machine-Optimized Orientation: Let us know if you need a specific roll orientation (e.g., top off, left edge first)
Designed for High-Speed Application
- PET Backing is optimized for automated systems. If you're using a labeling machine, please confirm:
- Orientation (Top/Bottom/Left/Right leading edge)
- Rewind direction, if applicable
- Label spacing preferences (if any)
Need more assistance? Check out our artwork setup guidelines.


Why 300 DPI Matters?
Artwork resolution plays a crucial role in print quality. Here's why 300 DPI is the standard for printing:
- Sharp, Detailed Prints: High DPI ensures your design looks clean and professional without pixelation.
- Accurate Colors: More pixels result in more precise color representation.
- Professional Quality: Avoid blurry, distorted prints that may harm your brand’s image.
- Customize Your Labels: Pick your your lamination (Glossy or Matte), shape, finish, roll finishing, size, and quantity from the dropdowns above.
- Upload Your Artwork: Upload your design file right away—or upload it after checkout.
- Accepted formats: AI, EPS, PDF, PNG, PSD, TIF, TIFF, JPEG, JPG. View artwork setup guide.
- Pro Tip: Use the Special Instructions box to share any design notes you'd like reflected in your proof. What to include.
- Place Your Order: Head to checkout and complete your order.
- Want to save designs and reorder faster? Create an account at checkout.
- Need it fast? Choose Rush Printing and expedited shipping (extra fees apply). Learn more about Rush Printing.
- Pro Tip: Sign up for our emails to get 20% off your first order. And check our coupons page for the latest deals.
- Review & Approve Your Proof: We’ll email a free digital proof showing your design layout, cutline, and size. Approve it or request edits—we don’t print until you say go. See what’s included in your proof.
- Print & Ship: Once you approve your proof, we get to work. Your Custom Labels will be printed and shipped before you know it!
Need help? Our real human support team is ready to assist or visit the Help Center.
Popular Uses for PET Backing Labels:
- High-Speed Product Labeling: PET Backing shines in automated, roll-to-roll systems. Ideal for beverage bottling, food production, and personal care items that need quick, consistent application.
- Cold or Wet Environments: Thanks to its moisture resistance, PET Backing performs reliably during cold fills, rinse cycles, or in humid packaging lines—great for refrigerated goods, beer cans, and frozen foods.
- Large-Scale Manufacturing: Designed to keep production moving, PET reduces the risk of liner jams and downtime. It’s perfect for high-volume SKUs that demand efficiency and accuracy.
- Premium Branding at Scale: Combine PET Backing with our Glossy or Matte Labels for bold shelf appeal and a professional finish. Whether it’s health and beauty, household cleaners, or gourmet foods, your packaging will pop.
Application Tips:
- Machine-Ready: PET Backing is optimized for automated application. Custom roll orientation helps your labels feed cleanly and consistently.
- Apply at Room Temperature or Above: Labels with PET liner should be applied at 25°F or warmer for best results.
- Avoid Hand Application: While possible, PET liner is stiff and may be harder to peel manually. For hand labeling, we recommend standard paper liners.
Product Labels often have specific size requirements, and incorrectly sized labels may actually send out the wrong message for your brand.
Here are a few size comparisons to things we see all the time.
- 1 inch (quarter-sized): Great for small items or subtle branding
- 2 inch (Oreo-sized): Ideal for laptops, bottles, and packaging
- 2 x 3.5 inch (business card size): Perfect for promos, events, and handouts
Frequently Asked Questions
- Rush applies to your entire order—place separate orders to expedite only certain items.
- Delays in proof approval will delay production.
- Not available for Waterless Tattoos or Backprinting
- Rush availability depends on our current production capacity. If you don’t see the option at checkout, contact our Customer Service Team —we’ll do our best to help.
What is PET Backing?
PET Backing is a clear, plastic liner made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET). It's engineered for machine-applied labels and high-speed production lines. PET Backing resists tearing, performs in extreme temperatures, and dispenses smoothly—making it ideal for automated labeling environments in industries like food, beverage, cosmetics, and household products.
Why choose PET Backing over Paper Backing?
PET Backing is stronger, more consistent, and better suited for automated label applicators. Unlike paper liners, PET Backing resists tearing, curling, and jamming—helping reduce downtime on fast-moving production lines. It also holds up better in wet, cold, or hot conditions, making it perfect for refrigerated products or brewery lines.
Is PET Backing waterproof or moisture-resistant?
Yes. While PET Backing is removed during label application, it helps protect the label during production in wet or humid environments. Labels paired with PET Backing—like Glossy or Matte Laminated Labels—are also water-, oil-, and scratch-resistant.
What temperatures can PET Backing handle?
PET Backing performs from -75°F to 200°F, and can be applied at temperatures as low as 25°F. This makes it ideal for cold fills, refrigerated packaging, and heated production environments.
How long does it take to print my order?
Once you approve your proof, your order moves into production which typically takes 2 to 5 business days, not including weekends or holidays. Need it faster? Rush Printing is available on most products (excluding Waterless Tattoos and Backprinting). Pro tip: The sooner you approve your proof, the sooner we can start printing!
What is Rush Printing?
Rush Printing is a priority service that ensures your stickers are printed and shipped 1 business day after you approve your proof. It moves your order to the front of our proofing and production queues to help you meet tight deadlines.
Rush applies to production time only—it does not affect shipping speed. To receive your order sooner, select expedited shipping at checkout or choose Local Pick-Up if you're in Colorado.
At checkout, select “Rush Your Order" under shipping options.
Important Notes:
What sizes support PET Backing?
PET Backing is available for glossy and matte laminated labels that are 2 inches or larger. It's not currently available for Clear, Holographic, or Paper Labels.
Can I use PET Backing for hand-applied labels?
While it’s possible, PET Backing is optimized for machine application. If you’re applying labels by hand, we recommend choosing a paper backing for easier peeling and handling.
Why is PET Backing ideal for breweries?
Brewery canning and bottling lines require labels that apply quickly and cleanly—even in wet, cold, or high-speed environments. PET Backing performs reliably in all of these conditions, helping reduce jams, bubbles, or misfeeds during application.
Is PET Backing recyclable?
While it’s possible, PET Backing is optimized for machine application. If you’re applying labels by hand, we recommend choosing a Paper Backing for easier peeling and handling.
What does “Next Day Air” shipping mean?
Next Day Air speeds up shipping time, not production time. That means your custom order will still take 2–5 business days to print after proof approval. Once it ships, it should arrive the next business day via UPS or FedEx. Be sure to factor in both production and shipping time when planning your delivery date.
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.