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Label Design Guidelines
20
Face Sheet (Printable Stock)
Paper, vinyl, and polyester are the most common materials used for printable stock. Your forms
supplier can provide information on whether the printable stock you want to use can withstand
temperatures of 225°C (437°F) [temperatures vary between printers; check the section for your
specific printer] and pressures to 25 psi. Carefully test the stock to ensure it functions satisfactorily
with your printer.
Topcoats
Topcoats for non-paper labels may be either water based or solvent based. Avoid topcoats containing
chemicals that emit hazardous fumes when heated or exposed to pressure. Topcoats affect the print
quality, feed reliability, and adhesion of toner to the face sheet. Topcoats must be able to withstand
temperatures up to 225°C (437°F) [temperatures vary between printers; check the section for your
specific printer] and pressures up to 25 psi for 100 milliseconds to prevent fuser damage.
Water-based topcoats tend to be more conductive than solvent-based topcoats and are more difficult
to fuse. With some water-based topcoats and heavy liners, the fuse grade may fall below acceptable
levels. Solvent-based topcoats tend to be lower in conductivity than water-based topcoats. With
some solvent-based topcoats, fuse grade is within acceptable levels when heavier liners are used.
Print quality may degrade when using topcoats on labels with heavier liners. Using a lighter liner may
reduce the appearance of splatter. Test forms carefully with your printer to be sure the topcoat used
performs acceptably for your application.
Label Design Guidelines
Labels with a stripped edge matrix have the area around the outer edge of the cut sheet removed.
Labels with a total strip matrix have the unneeded portion of the die-cut stock around the labels
(including a portion between the labels) removed to make it easier to peel the labels from the
backing.
Butt cut labels are cut flush to one another, with no extra area between them. Avoid using butt cut
labels without a stripped edge matrix.
Die-cut labels are cut with a non-print area between each label. For best results, do not print within
2.3 mm (0.090 in.) of the edge of the label, of the perforations, or of the die-cuts of the label.
If you are using a butt cut or die-cut label, make sure adhesive contamination does not occur. Labels
use varying levels and types of adhesive, as well as a variety of liner materials and face stocks.
Adhesive can ooze with all label stocks. Make sure die-cuts are free of adhesive stringers. Zone
coating or pattern adhesive with a 1 mm (0.04 in.) or larger non-adhesive border provides the
greatest protection from adhesive contamination.