Custom Labels 101: A Beginner's Guide to Ordering Labels

Ordering custom labels for the first time comes with more decisions than people expect — material, finish, shape, and waterproofing all affect both how the label looks and how long it survives on the product.

Roll labels vs. sheet labels

- **Roll labels** are the standard for anything going through an automated or semi-automated applicator, or for larger production runs — dispensed one at a time off a roll - **Sheet labels** (multiple labels per flat sheet) suit smaller runs or hand-applied labelling where a roll dispenser isn't practical

Material: paper vs. vinyl (BOPP)

- **Paper labels** are the most affordable option and work well for indoor use, dry products, or short-term applications where waterproofing isn't a concern - **BOPP (vinyl) labels** are waterproof, oil-resistant, and far more durable — the standard choice for anything that might get wet, refrigerated, or handled roughly: cosmetics, food and beverage, cleaning products, outdoor use

Finish options

- **Matte** — no glare, easy to read under most lighting, common for a clean/modern brand look - **Gloss** — vibrant colour, more shine, common for food and beverage labels wanting shelf presence - **Clear (transparent)** — gives a "no-label look" where the background shows through — popular for premium cosmetics and craft beverages, but requires higher-contrast artwork since there's no white backing behind it - **Holographic** — reflective, eye-catching, mostly used for security/anti-counterfeit purposes or a deliberately flashy retail look

Die-cut shapes vs. standard shapes

Standard shapes (circle, rectangle, oval) are the most cost-effective since they don't require a custom cutting die. A fully custom die-cut shape that follows your logo's exact outline looks distinctive but usually costs more and needs longer lead time, since a cutting die has to be made first.

Before you submit artwork

- Build your file at the actual label size, not a scaled-down version — text that looks fine shrunk down in a design program can turn illegible at real size - Include bleed (extra artwork past the cut line) so there's no thin white sliver at the edge if the cut shifts slightly - Keep any text or logo detail a reasonable distance from the edge — really tight to the cutline is where small registration shifts become visible - If you want a background removed for a die-cut sticker rather than a rectangular label, flag that up front — it changes both the artwork prep and the cutting process

We handle die-cut and standard-shape labels in paper and BOPP, with matte, gloss, clear, and holographic finishes — happy to recommend a material once you tell us what the label's going on.