Label Glossary G-R

  A-F  |  G-R  |  S-Z

HANG TAG
Fold-over labels generally used for product identification. These products usually "hang" in the retail marketplace.

HEAT SEAL LABELS
Coated Label paper that melts with heat to form the bonding agent.

HOT MELT ADHESIVES
Liquefy when heated and re-solidify when cooled to form a bond with the label’s face sheet. They form a pressure sensitive lamination that includes a release coated backing sheet.

IMPRINTING
When copy is applied to blank or previously printed labels with a secondary printing device such as an imprinter or computer printer.

INVERTED FACE MATERIALS
Labels with the adhesive applied to the printable surface.

KISS CUT
A die cutting operation that cuts through the face sheet to a liner, but not through the liner.

KNIFE-CUT LABELS
Rectangular labels in continuous form separated by a single knife cut in the liner.

LABEL
The functional part of a pressure sensitive construction, comprised of the face material and adhesive, cut into various shapes.

LABEL STOCK
Pressure sensitive laminate used to produce labels; usually refers to roll stock.

LINER
A paper or film that carries pressure sensitive labels; usually has a silicone coating to allow for easy label removal.

MATERIAL
Unconverted stock, pressure sensitive or not, used to make labels.

MYLAR™
DuPont’s trademark for clear, tough polymeric polyester film that can be used to make labels.

OD
Outside diameter of a cylinder, core, roller or roll of labels.

OVERCOAT
A coating that protects the printing and surface of a pressure sensitive label from abrasion, sunlight, chemicals and/or moisture.

OVERLAMINATE
Applying a clear film to label material to protect or enhance visual quality.

PEEL ADHESION
The force required to remove a pressure sensitive label after it’s applied according to specified conditions.

PERMANENT ADHESIVE
Has a relatively high ultimate adhesion to many surfaces.

PIGGYBACK
A double-ply pressure sensitive label on a pressure sensitive liner. Once the double-ply is applied to a substrate, the top ply can be removed and applied to another substrate.

POLYESTER
A strong film that resists moisture, solvents, oils and chemicals; can be transparent or have a metalized finish.

POLYETHYLENE
A tough, stretchy film for low temperature applications, such as labeling semi-rigid bottles.

POLYPROPYLENE
Similar to polyethylene but stronger with a higher temperature resistance and excellent clarity.

POLYSTYRENE
A thermoplastic material with outstanding electrical insulating properties and is moisture resistant.

PRESSURE SENSITIVE LABEL
The usable, self-adhesive part of pressure sensitive material.

PRESSURE SENSITIVE MATERIAL
This “sandwich” refers to the combination of face material, pressure sensitive adhesive and release liner that make up pressure sensitive labels.

PRESSURE SENSITIVE TAPE
A combination of a pressure sensitive adhesive and a carrier that’s either self-wound or uses release liners/films.

PRICE MARK LABELS
Retail/wholesale labels that normally carry data such as unit price, lot number, style number and SKU number.

PRIME LABEL
A descriptive, decorative product label that’s typically on the front of a container.

QUICK ADHESIVE
How well a pressure sensitive label adheres to a surface instantly with minimum pressure and contact time.

RELEASE
The act of or force required to separate a pressure sensitive label from its liner.

RELEASE COAT
The (silicone) coating on a liner that allows pressure sensitive labels to be easily removed or dispensed.

RELEASE LINER
The carrier portion of pressure sensitive labels. Usually silicone coated, it readily separates from the label when the label is removed for application.

REMOVABLE ADHESIVE
A pressure sensitive adhesive with low ultimate adhesion that cleanly removes from many surfaces.

ROLL LABELS
Pressure sensitive labels packaged in continuous roll form.

RUBBER-BASED ADHESIVES
Pressure sensitive adhesive derived from natural or synthetic rubber. Can be coated as a solvent, hot melt or emulsion system.

Glossary:  A-F  |  G-R  |  S-Z