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Pick Your Protection: The Different Types of Label Lamination

A good label allows your products to make a great first introduction to potential customers. However, scuffs, scratches, and other forms of damage can mangle your message without protection.

Label lamination allows you to add a protective film to the surface of your label. Once your label is printed, lamination serves as a second skin of sorts that shields your design from scratches and provides some waterproofing for your base material. However, these laminates can offer additional benefits depending on which type of lamination you use.

New labels going through the lamination process.

Breaking Down Each Type of Label Lamination

While laminates in general offer protective capabilities, certain types of lamination can add decorative effects to your label. This variety allows you to pick and choose different label laminates depending on your desired aesthetic. Other laminates can also change the feel of your label or provide certain capabilities not offered by other protection. In general, laminates are broken down into five types.

Gloss
Matte
Soft touch
Leather
Thermal transfer

Gloss

If you want your labels to shine, you’re going to like gloss laminates. These laminates reflect light off your label to add a smooth, glossy look that makes your design pop for passing customers.

Matte

If shiny isn’t your thing, a matte laminate creates a more subtle appearance for your labels. A matte finish dulls down your label surface so that it doesn’t shine much at all – but this means your label will be far from dull. These laminates can create a soft, subtle look that allows certain elements and colors appear deeper and brighter in contrast to the matte finish.

Soft touch

While matte finishes can make your labels look soft to the touch, other laminates can create a velvet-like, matte finish. Soft touch laminates add a tactile quality to your labels that consumers can feel. Research shows that the feel of a product can help sway buyers, which means that soft touch laminates can be a difference maker if you want that velvety aesthetic.

Leather

If you like the rugged, textured look of a paper label material but want the performance capabilities of a film, leather laminates help you achieve the best of both worlds. Leather laminates allow you to recreate weathered, wrinkled effect on film labels. This type of laminate works best on dark colors that allow you to highlight the texture of your label, all without the fuss of having to flood paper labels with ink or deal with potential durability issues.

A closeup of a leather label laminate.

Thermal transfer

Unlike other types of laminates, thermal transfer finishes are chosen more for what you plan to print on your labels in the future. These laminates allow you to use thermal printers to print on top of your labels whereas other lamination may prevent the ink from sticking. For example, a deli with a branded label may want to print the weight and price for each order on its labels. Thermal transfer laminates allow these types of businesses to do so, all while adding a gloss, matte, or some other type of look to their labels.

Benefits of Laminated Labels

Durability

A key benefit of choosing laminated labels is that they improve the durability of your product labels. Lamination protects the label so it remains legible and intact over time. While regular labels can tear or fade with long-term use, laminated labels offer an extra level of protection.

Moisture Resistance

The lamination on labels can resist exposure to water and chemicals, making them well-suited to products in humid or wet environments. For example, shampoo or lotion bottles that are kept in the bathroom.

UV Resistance

Applying a laminate over your labels can keep them from fading due to sunlight. Since sunlight has UV rays that lead to discoloration, laminated labels are great for outdoor use.

Chemical Resistance

Laminating your labels can protect them from exposure to cleaning agents, harsh chemicals, and oils. These substances are commonly associated with breaking down labels.

Materials That Laminated Labels Are Compatible With

Laminated labels are highly versatile, making them compatible with a wide range of materials. They adhere well to the following materials:

Paper: It’s a standard label material used for indoor applications. Laminating paper labels improves their durability and makes them resistant to moisture, tearing, and smudges.
Vinyl: It’s a common material used for making durable, moisture-resistant, and flexible labels. Laminates adhere well to vinyl labels, especially in outdoor applications.
PET and Polypropylene: These are commonly-used plastic label materials that are used for their durability and moisture-resistance abilities. Laminates pair well with PET and increase the lifespan of polypropylene.
Metal: Laminates adhere well to foils and other metallic materials for a premium, shiny look. They preserve the material’s metallic sheen while improving protection.

Though laminated labels are versatile, the label’s surface texture can affect how well a laminate adheres to it. Laminates adhere well to smooth surfaces, while textured materials may need special adhesives.

To know more about whether your labels are compatible with lamination, get in touch with our labeling experts.

Combining Lamination With Other Customization

You don’t have to limit yourself to laminating your product labels. You can combine it with other customization techniques for a layered and distinct appearance. Here are a few examples:

Foil stamping applies a thin layer of metallic foil to specific areas of the label. Lamination can protect the label while contrasting with the foil’s metallic shine.
Spot UV finish adds a thick coating to specific areas of the label to create a tactile contrast with the surrounding surface. It provides an engaging user experience that makes a positive impression on customers.
Embossing (raising parts of the label) and debossing (pressing parts of the label) also give your label a 3D effect. Adding a laminate helps protect the surface without compromising the tactile effect.

Other than these, you can also combine it with die-cutting, holographic effects, and textured finishes.

Invest in the Right Protective Film for Your Labels

Product labels come in so many different styles. No matter which aesthetic you prefer, it’s important to protect your label design from harm. To do so, you’ll need to figure out which form of protective film is best for your needs, whether it’s a laminate or some other option.

Label laminates typically adhere to film material better than paper, while varnishes conform to the nooks and crannies that can be found in paper materials. You can also add a varnish on top of a label laminate to really make certain design elements pop. There are so many possibilities to amp up your design and protect your label that it can be a bit overwhelming without some guidance.

Fortunately, a good lamination packaging company can help you weigh your options. At Blue Label, we work with you to identify the right details for your design, including label material selection and protection. Contact us today to invest in the right labels for your business.

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Pros and Cons of Different Types of Label Materials

Choosing the right label material can be the difference between a sharp, eye-catching label and one that just doesn’t cut it in real-world conditions. We know you need labels that not only look fantastic but also stick to your products, handle tough environmental challenges, and fit within your budget.

In this guide, we’ve combined our hands-on experience with industry research to help you make a smart, informed decision.

Quick Comparative Overview

Before we dive into the details, here’s a side‐by‐side snapshot of key performance metrics for the two main label facestocks—paper and film.

Facestocks are basically the top, visible layer of your label that gives it its look and durability. This table gives you a quick reference based on standardized test data and recent industry studies.

Metric	Paper Facestocks	Film Facestocks
Adhesion Retention	Can lose ~30% stickiness over 6 months when exposed to a lot of moisture and sunlight	Retains over 95% adhesion even with extended outdoor use
Durability	Prone to wrinkling, tearing, and water damage—even with wet-strength treatments	Shows robust resistance to water, UV, heat, chemicals, and abrasion, based on standardized tests (Packaging Strategies, 2023)
Cost	Lower upfront cost; potential higher long-term replacement costs in harsh environments	Higher upfront cost; may yield long-term savings due to fewer replacements, as seen in case studies (Packaging Strategies, 2023)
Customization	Versatile with several finishes (semigloss, gloss, textured, etc.)	Offers opacity adjustments, various finishes, and high print quality, according to industry data (Label & Narrow Web, 2022)
Sustainability	Options available (e.g., recycled paper); limited lifecycle data available	Increasing eco-friendly innovations, with some materials meeting eco-certifications like the EU Ecolabel and U.S. Green Seal (Smithers Pira, 2022)

Understanding Label Facestocks: Paper vs. Film

Paper Facestocks

Paper labels are versatile and come in several varieties:

Semigloss
Gloss
Textured
Linen
Felt
Estate
Metalized

Paper labels are usually less expensive than film, which makes them a good option if your product doesn’t face conditions like exposure to moisture or sunlight. Some paper stocks—like textured or matte-coated papers for wine labels—might cost a bit more, but they’re often chosen for premium products like fine wines or craft spirits.

Performance Considerations: While paper labels look sophisticated, they’re a bit more delicate. Paper isn’t waterproof—even wet-strength paper (paper that’s been treated to resist water) will eventually absorb moisture. Plus, paper labels can wrinkle or tear if not handled carefully. One way to counter these issues is by opting for thicker paper stocks or adding an overlaminate—a protective coating that boosts durability and moisture resistance.
Durability: Standard paper labels can lose about 30% of their stickiness over six months when exposed to moisture and sunlight, as shown in independent tests from Label & Narrow Web. (Results may vary based on your environment.)
Cost: If you’re working indoors, the upfront savings with paper labels are attractive. But in high-humidity or outdoor settings, the costs for replacements—or even product recalls—might add up, cutting into those savings. A case study from Packaging Strategies even found that switching to more durable materials could reduce total packaging costs by up to 25%. (Keep in mind, your results might vary.)

Film Facestocks

When your products need to stand up to tougher conditions, film facestocks might be the way to go. With film labels, you get:

Strong resistance to water and moisture
Excellent UV light stability
Heat resistance
Chemical resistance
Abrasion resistance

Another perk of film is that you can tweak its opacity. Whether you need completely opaque labels to protect sensitive products or a clear cover for that “no label look,” there’s a film option for you. Digital label printers typically offer several types of film, including:

Polypropylenes (BOPP): This sturdy film can be clear, white, or metalized—ideal for beverages, specialty foods, and other high-end labels.
Polyester (PET): Known for its durability, PET labels excel in outdoor settings, handling extreme temperatures, UV light, and chemicals. They come in clear, white, or vinyl finishes.
Polyolefin: Soft and flexible, this film is perfect for beauty products or flexible packaging where the label must stay legible even when the product is squeezed.

For clarity, here’s a quick rundown:

BOPP: Great for general-purpose applications with a focus on visual appeal.
PET: Best suited for harsh outdoor or industrial settings.
Polyolefin: Perfect when you need a flexible label that stays readable.

As we mentioned in the table above, film labels typically maintain over 95% adhesion even after extended outdoor use—lasting roughly 30% longer than standard paper labels. These results come from standardized tests reported by Packaging Strategies.

Film labels do have a higher upfront cost, but various studies show they can save you money in the long run by reducing the need for frequent replacements. Just keep in mind that the actual savings will depend on your specific application.

Sustainability and Environmental Impact

Sustainability isn’t just a trendy term—it’s a real consideration when choosing your label material. Here’s what recent research shows:

Lifecycle Assessments & Certifications:
More than 80% of manufacturers are now opting for eco-friendly materials (that will depend on industry, of course). We’re seeing a big push toward recycled paper facestocks and biodegradable films that meet certifications like the EU Ecolabel and U.S. Green Seal (Smithers Pira).
Carbon Footprint & Eco-Innovations:
A recent whitepaper from Smithers Pira highlights that eco-friendly labels are experiencing double-digit growth. Adding lifecycle assessments and carbon footprint data into your evaluation can give you a clearer picture of long-term environmental impacts.

Application-Specific Recommendations

Every product and environment is different, so here’s some advice to help you choose the best material for your unique needs:

For High-Humidity or Outdoor Environments: Go with film facestocks paired with adhesives engineered for plastics and metals. This combo helps your labels stay stuck and look good over time.
For Premium Consumer Goods: High-gloss or metalized film options can enhance your brand’s appeal on the shelf.
For Indoor or Controlled Environments: Paper labels might do the trick if budget is your main concern—just be sure to choose thicker stocks or add an overlaminate to guard against unexpected moisture.
For Products Requiring Rapid Turnaround: If you need quick reprints or frequent updates, both paper and film offer flexibility. Pick the one that best matches your product’s needs.

While film labels often come out ahead in terms of durability, we also recognize that in some controlled indoor settings, paper is still a practical choice.

Quick Checklist for Choosing Your Label Material

Here’s a handy checklist to get you started:

Evaluate Environmental Challenges: What temperature ranges, humidity levels, and UV exposures does your product face?
Compare Performance Metrics: Look at adhesion strength, durability, and longevity—check out standardized test data if you can.
Analyze Cost vs. ROI: Weigh upfront costs against long-term savings from fewer replacements or less maintenance.
Match to Substrate: Substrate means the surface your label sticks to (like glass, metal, or plastic). Make sure your chosen material works well with it.
Check Sustainability Standards: Does the material meet eco-certifications like the EU Ecolabel or U.S. Green Seal?

Get the Right Materials for Your Labels

We know choosing the right packaging material can feel overwhelming. At Blue Label, we offer both paper and film labels and work side-by-side with you to find the best match for your needs and budget.

Contact us today to learn more about your material options, request a quote, or get a free sample pack.

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Protect your Label: The Different Types of Label Varnishes

A beautiful new label is the beacon your products need to showcase your brand and convince buyers to try your goods. Unfortunately, a damaged label can undo all the hard work you put into your packaging design. Thankfully, there are solutions like label varnishes to help you protect your investment.

As with lamination, there are multiple label varnishes available to not only help you protect your label as well as enhance your design. Each type of varnish can help you defend your label from scuffs, scratches, water damage, fading, and other threats, all while contributing to your preferred aesthetic.

Labels with a UV varnish.

Breaking Down Each Type of Label Varnish

While label lamination utilizes a layer of film to protect your label, varnishes operate a bit differently. Label varnishes are liquids that are rolled onto a label and then cured or dried so that the varnish adheres to the label materials’s surface. This method makes varnishes a good option for paper labels because the liquid can conform to the texture of the paper and fill in any nooks and crannies.

Like laminates, there are a few different types of label varnishes that differ based on the application process or their final appearance.

UV coating
Aqueous coatings
Gloss, satin, and soft-touch varnishes

UV coating

As the name suggests, UV coatings use ultraviolet light to cure a liquid coating made of a special mix of chemicals. Once it’s cured, the UV varnish essentially bakes onto your label material to create a protective coating. This newly cured shield basically acts as a permanent sunscreen, preventing your design from fading over time and other factors that can damage your label.

Aqueous coating

Like a UV coating, aqueous coatings use a special solution to protect your label. However, you don’t need UV light to cure aqueous varnishes. These solutions are a clear, water-based varnish that quickly air dry to seal off your label materials from potential danger.

Gloss, satin, and soft-touch varnishes

While UV and aqueous coatings differ in terms of the process used to cure them, gloss, sating, and soft-touch varnishes denote the finishing effect a coating has on your label. Gloss varnishes create a smooth, shiny look for your labels once applied. Satin varnishes – known as “matte” for laminates – cut out most of the shine to create a flat look that makes other design elements pop. Soft-touch varnishes not only look soft, they can even add a soft textural element to your labels as well.

Paper beer labels protected with a label varnish.

Protect and Enhance Your Labels with the Right Varnishes

No matter what type of product you sell, it’s well worth the investment to protect your labels. Scuffs and scrapes can happen to any product label, and once that ink comes off your label there’s not much you can do. Varnishes and laminates offer both protection and aesthetic improvements – it’s just a matter of finding the right one for your needs.

Fortunately, you don’t need to find and apply your own varnishes. At Blue Label, we can guide you through every step of the label process, including applying varnishes or laminates to protect and enhance your designs. In fact, we can even add a varnish on top of a laminate to highlight specific design elements. Every label is different, so we work with you to figure out the best ways to showcase your products.

Ready to invest in eye-catching labels built for success? Contact us today about printing your next batch of product labels.

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The Different Wine Label Stocks You Can Use to Showcase Your Bottles

⚞ The Highlights:

Common wine label stocks include textured papers for a premium look, uncoated or coated papers for versatility, and synthetic or film materials for added durability and moisture resistance.
Paper stocks, including estate paper, are popular for wine labels because they provide a premium, textured appearance, absorb ink well for a rich look, and give an artisanal touch.
Other label materials, such as synthetic or film options, offer greater durability and moisture resistance, while metallic foils or clear films can provide a premium sheen or transparent look.

When it comes to investing in wine labels, it’s good to have options. There are a variety of label materials to choose from, but it’s up to you, your designer, and your label printing company to decide which one makes the most sense for your bottles. When it comes to wine labels, the three most popular types of materials you can use are:

Estate
Ever-opaque
Specialty

Each category offers various advantages depending on your desired look, feel, and price point. Here’s a quick breakdown of the different types of wine stocks so you can figure out what’s right for your packaging needs.

Estate Wine Labels

When you think of a classic paper wine label, you’ll likely envision something made with an estate material. Estate materials are a popular choice for the wine industry, and for good reason – they have a classic look and are generally a more cost-effective option.

Another advantage of paper labels is that they are incredibly versatile. While paper typically exudes a very natural appearance, there are various types of paper materials that can either enhance that look or provide a new type of aesthetic. For example, linen-style or uncoated eggshell bottle label papers both have different textures in the paper fibers that can help you match the look you want for your wine labels.

Of course, there is a downside to using an estate material. Unlike film, wine label paper absorbs water, which can cause those labels to disintegrate over time. While there are some paper stocks that have a higher wet strength, even those options aren’t completely waterproof. As such, estate may not be the best option if your wine labels will encounter water.

A paper wine label that has been embossed and stamped with hot foil.

Ever-Opaque Wine Labels

If you really love the look of estate but are concerned about water damage, you should consider investing in an ever-opaque material.

Ever opaque wine labels have a layer of BOPP film woven between paper to help shield your labels from moisture. This material option allows you to still give your bottles an estate feel without the downsides of soggy paper wine labels. This can make ever opaque materials a go-to option for white wines that are typically chilled before use or any other bottles that may encounter moisture throughout its journey from your facility to your consumers’ tables.

As can be expected, the downside of ever-opaque stocks is that the presence of a BOPP film can drive up costs. However, that increase may be well worth the investment if it protects your labels from future damage.

Specialty Wine Labels

While both estate and ever-opaque wine labels have a more traditional look and feel, specialty label stocks can help you take your bottles to a whole new level. These can be made of paper or film and vary greatly in terms of overall aesthetic. Some specialty options include:

Felt/velvet materials
Cobblestone patterns
Shrink sleeves
Holographic or glitter films
Gloss, matte, satin, and soft-touch varnishes or laminates

As you can see, there are plenty of possibilities to break out of the classic wine label mold with specialty labels. The various materials available will each have their own distinct advantages, but when used properly, they can make sure that your bottles stand out when placed next to your competition.

A black vellum wine label make with a duplex hot foil and white ink.

Work with a Label Printing Company that Makes Your Wine Labels Shine

No matter which wine material you like best, it’s important that you partner with a printing company that can turn your design into stunning, eye-catching labels. At Blue Label Packaging Company, we have the expertise and state-of-the-art printing equipment necessary to print stunning labels at competitive prices. We work with you to identify the right label material for your needs, and we can provide special label printing and finishing capabilities to add an extra dimension to your label design.

Are you in need of top-quality wine labels? Contact Blue Label today to talk to our experts about your next label printing project.