Types of adhesives for labels: from removable to extra permanent
The surface on which a label will be applied sometimes requires an extra strong or less strong
adhesive. On most smooth surfaces, a label with an acrylic-based adhesive, or permanent,
suffices. Think of address labels for mailing your post, or appointment cards, archiving
folders, etc.
On rough surfaces, a hotmelt-based adhesive (extra permanent) is more suitable. Extra permanent
consists of a thicker adhesive layer, which therefore adheres better. If you want to use labels
on reusable materials, choose a combined adhesive strength, hotmelt and acrylic, also known as
removable adhesive.
Below is further information about the three most common types of adhesives for labels:
Extra permanent adhesive
The extra permanent adhesive strength consists of hotmelt. Hotmelt is a rubber-based adhesive. This adhesive not only adheres excellently to carpet or curtain fabrics, but also to corrugated cardboard. Because this adhesive is applied thickly, it 'sinks' around the overlying strips, resulting in better adhesion.
Permanent adhesive
The permanent adhesive speaks for itself. It is composed of acrylic, meaning water-based. You stick it somewhere, and it does not come off in one piece, or it tears the label if someone tries to remove it. For even more security, a die-cut line, also known as a cut line, can be placed in the middle of the label. If someone now tries to remove the label, it will certainly tear, either due to the permanent adhesive strength or the extra die-cut line.
Removable adhesive
This adhesive is made from a combination of acrylic and hotmelt. The removable adhesive is widely used on glass bottles that are reused. Since no adhesive residue remains on the glass, the cleaning process is easier, shorter, and fewer aggressive cleaning agents are needed. This also helps to protect the environment. Additionally, this type of adhesive is highly suitable for labeling CDs, DVDs, computer games, and books. The labels come off easily and do not damage the underlying surface.
Adhesive test
To test how to recognize a label with permanent or removable adhesive, we have the following simple test for you:
You fold a label in half and press the sides together.
Leave the ends free.
When you pull the label open again, you will see the following:
Removable Adhesive
With removable adhesive, the two sides can be easily separated from each other, and the adhesive remains neatly in place. The label also does not tear. This label can therefore be re-applied elsewhere.
Permanent Adhesive
With permanent adhesive, the glue has damaged the paper on the inside (back) or even torn the label. Labels with permanent adhesive can therefore only be used once.