Why Use Removable Labels?

The advantages of removable labels are that (1) when removed, they leave little or no adhesive residue behind; (2) the label stock can come off in one piece; and (3) the label generally cannot be reused (unless you’ve selected a reusable type).

More than 50% of respondents to a 2017 study about label removal reported that they had experienced sticky residue left behind on a product after they removed a label. 80% said they had felt frustrated during the removal process. No one should need to apply solvents or scrub the glass of a new picture frame to get a brand label off. Don’t do this to your customers! Use removable labels.

Removable labels are designed for temporary use. They may have adhesive that provides just enough strength to keep them fasten till they are no longer needed, or they may use “static cling” to keep them attached to the surface.

Specialty Removable Label Types

Reusable

Static clings and magnetic labels are removable labels that may be reused. They can be transferred from one surface to another easily and without leaving any residue. Some of our ultra-removable labels may also be reused, and can be a better choice in cold temperatures than static cling.

Repositionable

These are labels that can be lifted up off the surface and replaced on it (say, to straighten the label or remove a crease or bubble). Most removable labels may be repositioned within the first few minutes (sometimes up to several hours) without losing their adhesive properties - this is called “initially repositionable.” Label material marked as repositionable may be moved after longer periods of time. All reusable labels are also repositionable.

Laser & Inkjet

Our custom-printed and blank laser and inkjet labels have an option for removable adhesive. These labels can be printed on a  home or work printer economically, and are excellent for labeling homemade goods and gifts. Custom printed labels include your artwork with space for you to finish the label when you're ready. These labels come in circles, squares, and rectangles, as well as a few specialty shapes.

Sample Uses

There are many uses for removable labels; the following are some of the most common.

Temporary markup, where the tag or label will be removed after a short period of time -

• Areas (screens, buttons, etc.) that need to be protected before purchase;
• Price or product info labels;
• Jar or bottle labels for homemade goods, so container can be reused;
• Energy tags on appliances.

Ease in transfer -

• Magnetic car signs that can be moved from one door or car to another;
• Refrigerator magnets;
• Parking passes;
• Seasonal decor or sales info.

As “lagniappe” for customers, allowing them to reuse of some part of your packaging. Customers like to reuse tins or fancy bags. Seal or brand them with removable labels as a giveaway - and if you have a permanent label on the bottom, your brand identity and advertising remain in place.

For coupons and promotions

• Easy peel so customers can remove and use coupons at the point of sale;
• Promote sale items quickly, remove notices easily when the sale is over.

Things to Consider

A label’s removability depends not just on the kind and amount of adhesive but also the surface it’s applied to (a.k.a. substrate), the temperature, the pressure used to apply it, and how long it’s has been stuck there. Some of the conditions you need to take into consideration when deciding on removable labels include:

Environment

Exposure to heat, UV light, chemicals, humidity can all affect the removability of labels. Temperature is particularly important – even the least tacky of adhesives can bond to the surface it's attached to when high temperatures are involved. High heat makes even removable labels "sticky" in a fairly short period of time.

Size

Large labels can be harder to remove than smaller ones. They have a greater surface area and so more pressure is needed to make them adhere. This generally isn't much of a concern unless you're talking jumbo store window decor or the like.

Substrate

The substrate is the underlying surface where you plan to apply the label. There are several things to consider here. Texture: Curved, rough, or very slick plastic surfaces may make the label less likely to stick. Porosity: Some surfaces are more porous than others, allowing chemical residue from the adhesive to seep into the surface, leaving a “ghost” mark if the label is left in place too long. The non-chemical static clings or magnetic labels may not work with these surfaces (wood, for instance). Ultra-removable labels may be best here. Vulnerability: Some surfaces are more delicate than others. These surfaces require a label that can be removed with less force. Ultra-removable or static cling label material is best for these.

Label Material

Some materials tear more easily than others, making the label harder to remove in one piece. Most of our removable labels are vinyl or polypropylene, so this isn’t a big consideration, but some vendors have paper removable labels, and these can tear.

Duration

How long will the label be in place? This, combined with environmental factors, can determine what material you should use. Depending on length of time the label has been adhered and the environmental conditions, it can be difficult to remove even a reusable removable label. (For instance, a static cling decal, if left up on a window facing the sun in Arizona for two years, may become difficult to remove in one piece, or may leave residue behind.)

More Information

More information can be found on our “Label Types: Removable” page. In addition to the removable labels listed there, we also offer removable options in our affordable product line and our industrial equipment (short run) product line.

If ordering online, be sure to select one of the material options that specifies “removable” (or magnetic, if that’s the option you want). You can also contact our Customer Care team via email, phone, or web-chat to ask about options that meet your removable needs. You want to test any of the materials, you can order free samples from any of our product details pages. Be sure to specify you want removable samples in the comments section of the request.