Take Your Labels to the Next Level

by Maverick Label | October 24, 2019

Do you ever look at your labels and wonder if they could be better? Have you gone into a store lately and noticed that your product blends in with all the other products on the shelf? Maybe you’re considering taking your labels in a new direction, but want to start with baby steps. There are things that you can do that won’t add much cost to your order, but can make a label more attractive. Consider these five tips for taking your labels to the next level.

Tip #1: Add Bling with Metallics

Next level: Bling - Royal Bee label
Silver Bopp material with white, black, and transparent gold spot colors, matte laminate

Adding a touch of metallic to your labels is a next level option. Foil adds color and shine - and our foil product line even allows you to use colored foil over a material label material, for a double hit of metallics.

On a budget? Many people use silver Bopp material and leave areas in the artwork where the silver can show through. If you don’t think silver goes with your label design, you can add a transparent ink over the material for a richer look. Gold is particularly nice, as shown in the Royal Bee label.

Tip #2: Use Interesting Shapes

Next level: Shape - Plushberry label
Silver Bopp material with white, fuchsia, teal, and gold spot colors; matte uv laminate

You can add die cuts for a slightly different shape to your label. It can be as subtle as a curve at the top or bottom of the label, or as distinctive as a label shared like a flower blossom. Want a rugged look? Add ragged edges to your label as a die cut.

You can also have cutouts within the label, and in some cases, even transparencies (windows with color) inset into the label. As a general rule, we don't charge extra for die cuts unless they are very intricate; there may be charges for transparencies and other cutwork. Note: Avoid sharp corners in your cut; these may tear more easily when you place them.

Tip # 3: Add Some Texture

Next level: Texture - Woodlands syrup label
Brown kraft paper with red and black spot colors, no laminate

Texture can definitely take your labels to the next level. You can add texture in several ways. Chose a textured paper such as our estate papers, linen weave, or soft touch. Kraft paper adds texture as well as an eco-friendly homespun look.

You can also add an illusion of texture by choosing deckle or ragged edges for your label. Embossing is a slightly pricier method of adding texture, but it also brings elegance and that rich touch to your labels. In addition, we have some cool specialty materials with micro-textures.

Tip #4: Laminate Your Labels

Add laminate - Zhi Tea label
White paper with four-color process, matte laminate

Add a laminate or varnish, or change the laminate you’re currently using. We have a number of options: high gloss, gloss, matte, diamond dust, spot varnish. Many of these add protection as well as sheen. Our diamond dust laminate can be spot-applied or applied over the entire surface of the label, and it adds a touch of bling, as well. (Two "next level" options for the price of one!)

Note that although gloss is the most commonly selected laminate type, matte has a charm of its own. It can add an appearance of calm and serenity; it can tone down some over-the-top colors and metallics, and it allows for much easier reading, being non-reflective.

Tip #5: Talk to Us

We offer a lot of products, materials, and laminates on our website. It can be confusing for someone who doesn’t know labels like we do. Our Customer Care reps know these details inside and out. They can tell you what would work for your artwork, your vision, and your labels.

If you have questions, want specific samples, or would like help defining what would be best for your product, call us at 800-537-8826! If you prefer, you can also email us at [email protected]  or chat with a rep between 6 AM-5 PM Pacific Time by going to any page at MaverickLabel and clicking the “Chat Now” icon at the upper right of the screen.